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Apply

BECOME A MCNAIR SCHOLAR

Learn how to apply to the McNair Scholars Program. Get information on the program's requirements and access the online application form.

How to Apply

The McNair scholars program has rolling admissions. However, we would like to receive applications by either August 30th, January 4th or June 1st of each academic year.

ELIGIBILITY

Outstanding students who meet the following criteria will be considered: 

  • Be one of the following:
    • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., Guam, The Northern Mariana Islands or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or a resident of one of the Freely Associated States.
  • Be one of the following:
  • Be a rising sophomore or lower junior Hunter student.
    • Eligible students interested in pursuing graduate studies in an academic discipline at the doctoral (PhD) level are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Completed at least 60 credits. 
    • Transfer students must have completed one semester at Hunter.
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher.

NOTES: 

  • Students enrolled in other Hunter College Honors or Opportunity Programs should consult with the McNair Program staff to determine eligibility prior to submission of application. The McNair Scholars Program will follow federal regulations, required to prevent duplication of services and to ensure more students are served, as designated by federal guidelines – [34 CFR 643.11(b) and 34 CFR 647.11(d)].
  • Students seeking professional graduate degrees, such as business (MBA), law (JD), dentistry (DDS), medicine (MD), K-12 education (MSED), nursing (MSN) and social work (MSW) are not eligible for the program.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact the McNair Scholars Program at mcnairprogram@hunter.cuny.edu.

REQUIREMENTS

A complete application will have the following documents submitted:

  1.  Completed McNair Scholar application
  2.  Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
  3.  Student Aid Report (SAR). Download from the following website: www.fafsa.ed.gov
  4.  Two-page personal statement— in a Word DOC or PDF, please provide a clear description of the following:
    • What PhD program are you interested in pursuing?
    • Why did you chose this field? What are your career goals?
    • What research topic would you like to investigate as a McNair Scholar?
    • Why is this topic worth researching?
  1. Five to ten page writing sample (This can be a paper from a course you have completed)
  2. Two letters of recommendation submitted with the recommendation form completed by Hunter College professors
  3. Financial documentation - provide one of the following: 
    • Signed copy of your most recent U.S. or Puerto Rico income tax return (1040)
    • If you are a dependent, submit a copy of your parent(s) current tax return (1040) 
    • Income verification letter from the appropriate agency from Public Assistance or Social Security

Apply

To apply to the McNair Scholars Program, follow the instructions below:

  1. Request from two (2) separate faculty members a recommendation letter and have them fill out the recommendation form.
  2. Complete this application which includes uploading a two (2) page personal statement and a five (5) to ten (10) page maximum writing sample submitted for a grade in a recent course at Hunter.

You will have the option to save your progress and resume your submission at a later date. Click the checkbox to "save my progress and resume later" and provide your email address to have instructions be sent to you on how to go back and edit various sections prior to submitting.

IMPORTANT:

  • All required fields (marked with a red asterisk *) must be completed for your application to be considered complete.