Applying to McNair

The McNair application is OPEN!

The priority deadline for applications has passed. However, complete applications will still be accepted and considered on a rolling basis.

CSUSM McNair Application

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
• Expected graduate date of spring 2023 or later
• 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 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)

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)