Applying to McNair

Participant Eligibility:

• CSUSM McNair Scholars must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a degree program at the California State University San Marcos.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must have completed 60 units (or equivalent) by the time of formal entry into the program
• Have at least one full year remaining to complete an undergraduate degree at CSUSM
• Must have an overall university GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must express a STRONG desire to attain a graduate degree (e.g., Ph.D., master’s degree, etc.)
• Must be:
• A low-income student (low income is established by the National Trio Program based on income and family size and can be found here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html  )who is also a first-generation college student (parent(s) or legal guardian(s) do NOT have a baccalaureate/bachelor’s degree) OR
• A member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Latina/Latino/Hispanic or Native Hawaiian /Pacific Islander)

Program Requirements:

• Work in a research laboratory 10 - 15 hours per week during the academic year and 20 - 40 hours per week in the summer
• Attend professional development workshops during the academic year (Thursdays from 12 - 12:50pm)
• Participate in the McNair Summer Training Program or an equivalent Summer Research Training Program
• Participate in the Puentes Program (Graduate School Prep Program)
• Attend conferences and symposiums to present your research
• Participate in other McNair program activities (e.g. Cultural Events and Graduate School Tours)

Student Benefits:

• Paid summer research training
• Research mentorship
• Obtain "hands-on" research experience in research laboratories, primarily at CSUSM
• Financial support to present at a conference/symposium (e.g. Registration, Meals, Lodging, and Travel)
• Mentoring by program faculty and staff
• Networking opportunities
• Individualized academic advising 
• Priority registration
• Academic and professional development
• Exposure to multicultural events
• Assistance with preparing applications for graduate school admissions

Application Checklist:

• Completed application form
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendation (See Instructions for Letters of Recommendation)
• A copy of college transcript from each institution you have attended, including CSUSM (unofficial is fine)
• A writing sample of at least two pages that was completed within the last year (e.g., a paper from a course)
• Verification of income status (Example of tax document)