McNair Program Application Process

The application process is divided into two phases. Students are responsible for submitting the completed application form, financial documentation, Student Aid Report (SAR), personal statement, writing sample, and two letters of recommendation by the deadline date. The McNair program will process applications and invites strong candidates to a formal paneled interview with the Program Director, Hunter College Administration, and current McNair Scholar. Students accepted into the McNair program will be contacted via email.

Acceptance to the McNair program is competitive; submit your completed application as soon as possible.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST:

• Application form (completed),
• Student Aid Report (SAR),
• Financial documentation,
• Two-page personal statement,
• 5-10 page writing sample
• 2 letters of recommendations

Student Aid Report (SAR)

Visit the following website to obtain a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR):http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/studentaccess.jsp.

Financial Documentation

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT ONE OF THE FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS LISTED UNDER I or ONE OF THE FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS LISTED UNDER II.

I. A Signed US or Puerto Rico Income Tax Return

1. If you are a dependent and your parent(s) claim you as a personal exemption, submit a copy of your parent(s) current tax return.
2. If you are independent and file your own tax return, please bring a copy of your current tax return.
3. If neither you nor your parents have a copy of your current US tax return, you may request a copy by completing Form 4506 and submitting it with a 14.00 check or money order, payable to the Department of Treasury-Internal Revenue Service. Mail form to: Internal Revenue Service/ 1040 Waverly Avenue/ Photo Copy Unit, Stop 532 /Holtsville, NY 11742

II. Other Income Documentation

If you or your parents receive Public Assistance or Social Security benefits, please request an income verification letter from the appropriate agency. You may also bring a document from another government source that verifies your income and household size.

FOR FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:
1-800-4FED AID OR 1-319-337-5665.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should address your academic and professional goals. More specifically it should address the area of academic interest, career aspiration, unique skills, experience, and/ or pertinent information that makes you a strong candidate for the program. Indicate how graduate school and the obtainment of the doctoral degree would contribute to your field of study and career possibilities.

Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should come from either full- time (tenured) faculty members or adjunct professors who have a history working for Hunter College whom you have taken a course with or worked with in a research project or internship. At least one of the letters of recommendation should come from a faculty member in your major who can assess your ability to conduct academic research, character, and motivation/ interest in graduate school.