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Applying to McNair

Priority Deadline
The priority deadline is Friday, March 15, 2024. However, applications will still continue to be reviewed and considered on a rolling basis after this date. Please apply!

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: