Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program & Application

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded TRIO program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral study. McNair Scholars complete an intensive scholarly and professional development curriculum comprised of research engagement, faculty mentorship, graduate study exploration and planning, and graduate school application coaching. Our program gives priority to applications from students who are income eligible (per federal guidelines) and first-generation college students (meaning neither parent or legal guardian has completed a four-year bachelor’s degree). This is a rigorous yet fulfilling program for individuals who plan to earn a research-intensive doctoral degree, as well as those interested in learning more about the opportunities and possibilities afforded by graduate study. For more information about benefits and eligibility, visit our website at go.usm.edu/mcnair.

DEADLINE: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

To submit a completed application, you must provide the following:

  • A resume or CV
  • One letter of recommendation from an instructor, faculty member, or mentor who can attest to your academic abilities, potential for undergraduate research, and readiness to participate in a rigorous research and graduate school preparation program
  • Income verification documentation (i.e., 2025 income tax return with Social Security numbers redacted or income verification form)
  • Statement of Purpose describing your research and career interests
  • 3 to 4-page writing sample

Award
$2,800.00
Scopes
Special Awarding Deadline
Deadline
10/25/2026
Supplemental Questions

  1. The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded TRIO program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral study. McNair Scholars complete an intensive scholarly and professional development curriculum comprised of research engagement, faculty mentorship, graduate study exploration and planning, and graduate school application coaching. This is a rigorous yet fulfilling program for individuals who plan to earn a research-intensive doctoral degree, as well as those interested in learning more about the opportunities and possibilities afforded by graduate study.


    The McNair Scholars Program at USM strives to create a bridge between undergraduate and graduate education. The program supports eligible undergraduates in acquiring the knowledge, skills and capacities necessary to successfully navigate the rigors of Ph.D. studies through immersion in research and a variety of scholarly activities. For more information, visit our website at go.usm.edu/mcnair.

  2. Select your identification.
  3. Anticipated undergraduate graduation date.
  4. How did you hear about USM's McNair Scholars Program?
  5. Upon the completion of your undergraduate degree, do you plan to apply to graduate school?
  6. Do you plan to earn a Ph.D. or other research-intensive doctoral degree?
  7. Please upload your resume or curriculum vitae.
  8. Please upload a Statement of Purpose describing your research interests, any prior research experience, your educational/career goals. The document should be approximately 500-800 words.
  9. Please provide no more than four (4) pages of a sample of your writing. Use what you feel is the best demonstration of your academic writing ability (e.g., paper from a previous course, research paper, etc.).
  10. Please provide the contact information for one individual who can provide a letter of recommendation. Once you provide the recommender's name and email address, the recommender will receive a link to upload their official letter of recommendation that will automatically be connected to your application. The letter must come directly from the recommender for consideration.
  11. If selected for the program, you are required to have a faculty mentor in your discipline or a closely related filed. Please list three (3) potential faculty mentors and briefly describe how your research interests align with the potential faculty mentor's research.
  12. Mother's (Guardian #1) Full Name
  13. Mother's (Guardian #1) highest level of schooling completed
  14. Father's (Guardian #2) Full Name
  15. Father's (Guardian #2) highest level of schooling completed

  16. The U.S. Department of Education uses specific criteria to determine whether a student is considered dependent or independent for federal financial aid purposes. Independent students generally include students who are:


    * at least 24 years old


    * married


    * a graduate or professional student


    * a veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces


    * an orphan or ward of the court


    * an emancipated minor


    * someone who is unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused


    * or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse


    Based on these criteria what is your federal financial aid dependency status?


  17. Please attach a copy of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) most recent (2025) tax return (or your own if you are independent student). If your most recent tax return is unavailable, please upload a document requesting alternative income verification documentation.
  18. Please enter your first and last name below as your electronic signature. By doing so, you certify that the information provided in this application is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
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