Apply

• Eligibility
• Requirements
• 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.

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:
  • A first-generation and low-income college student. (For information on Federal TRIO Program Low-Income Levels see Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels.)
  • An underrepresented student as defined by federal regulations in U.S. graduate education as Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiians or Native American Pacific Islanders. 
• 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.

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?

5. Five to ten page writing sample (This can be a paper from a course you have completed)
6. Two letters of recommendation submitted with the recommendation form completed by Hunter College professors
7. 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