See below for the following when submitting your application packet. We only accept hard copies during our recruitment period annually in the fall semester.

Completed Student Application

Please complete the student application form in its entirety.

Personal Statement

Write a statement describing your educational and career goals from completion of your undergraduate degree through completion of your graduate/doctorate-level degree. Explain what you have done to prepare yourself to meet these goals (courses, work experience, extracurricular activities, etc.) In what ways would you like the McNair Program to help strengthen your preparedness for graduate school? What motivates you to pursue graduate studies? Additionally, outline one or more research interests upon which you would like to focus during the internship period.

Your statement should include research components such as:

• Why would like to pursue a research project in this (or these) particular topic area(s)?
• What experience do you have with research?
• How would your research in these areas fit into your academic or career aims?

Personal Statement should be 2 pages maximum.

Recommendation Forms/Letters of Recommendation

Two sealed and completed recommendation forms are required in your application packet. One of the recommendations should be from a faculty member in your discipline. Recommendation letters are also welcome as well they just would need to be attached to the form and sealed in their own individual envelope and signed across the flap. Recommendation forms may be sent directly from the recommender to our office if more convenient.

Official or Unofficial College/University Transcripts

Include an official or unofficial college transcript in your application packet.

Most Recent Federal Income Tax Return

If your parent(s) or guardian can claim you as a dependent on his/her tax return, you must submit a copy of that person's most recent federal income tax return. If your college/university considers you independent please note the following categories and submit a copy of the appropriate documentation

• Single
• Married filing jointly
• Married filing separately (please include a copy of spouse’s most recent federal income tax return)
• Head of household (with qualifying person)
• Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child
• If you are unsure of which forms you need to send, please contact our office. Please do not send us copies of your W2 forms.
• Make sure your tax forms are signed and dated by the appropriate person.

Taxable Income Verification Form

Please fill out the most recent Taxable Income Verification form for needed tax information.

Most Recent Student Aid Report (SAR)

Submit a copy of your most recent Student Aid Report (SAR). Include this with your application packet in addition to tax information. If you do not have a current SAR, but filed the FAFSA, please print and sign a copy from your online access through the FASFA website. Again, please sign and date the SAR.

How am I compensated?

In the McNair Scholars Program, you are paid for completing your research project and participating in the program. Scholars receive compensation through stipends.

Is the research stipend a scholarship?

No, because no service is required from you if give a scholarship. McNair Scholars put in hours on their research projects.

Will the payment affect my financial aid?

No, the payment is awarded through stipends.

Do I have to attend graduate school at FSU?

No, McNair Scholars receive fee waivers for more than 200 graduate schools across the nation, and can be accepted all over the nation.

What if I want to get a JD, MD, DDS, or PharmD?

The McNair Program does not support these degrees. We only support students who want to earn PhDs. We however, will accept students who want to pursue dual degrees such as MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, or PharmD/PhD.

Does it matter what my major is?

No, McNair Scholars may come from any discipline.

Will participating in the McNair Program cost me anything?

No, it will only cost you your dedication and time.

What are some of the things McNair Scholars get for FREE?

GRE fee reduction waivers and graduate school applications fee waivers. Scholars are eligible for McNair fellowships at universities all over the nation. Computers and other resources are available to scholars to use. We also offer you free workshops, classes and social events with other McNair scholars across the nation. We are here to help you succeed academically.

What does it mean to be an underrepresented group?

Underrepresented ethnic and racial groups are Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaskan Native. The latter is to be documented as an enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native Group, or possesses one fourth degree (federally recognized) Indian blood prior to selection.

Are part-time students eligible to become McNair Scholars?

The requirements state that you have to be enrolled at FSU and hold a full-time status (12 units or more).

What if work, family, or other commitments conflict with the summer research internship?

There must be a balance between your commitments outside academics and your commitment to furthering your education. you will have to manage your time and energy in graduate school, so we expect you to do the same in the McNair Program summer research internship.

May I choose my own mentor? 

Yes, but we do ask that your primary mentor be a FSU faculty member with a doctoral degree.

What should you do before your interview with the McNair Scholars office?

Review the McNair Scholars website (if you are on this page, you have begun this step!)

Be committed to obtaining your Ph.D. (in any area of study)

Research the field you may want to pursue as a graduate student (i.e. Biology, Sociology, Mathematics, Graduate School)

Research what program will be most compatible with your interests and abilities.

Know if you are available to fulfill the summer requirements of the McNair Program (vigorous research, GRE preparation, poster presentations, etc.)

Research FSU faculty you may want as a research mentor (a former professor, etc)

Understand the McNair Program only supports students who want to earn a Ph.D.