Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible for the McNair Program?

A student is eligible to participate in McNair if they meet all the following requirements:

  • Is a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States, a U.S. territory, or Freely Associated States;
  • Is currently enrolled full-time at Wesleyan University;
  • Is a low-income individual who is a first-generation college student or is a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education;
  • Is interested in research and pursuing a Ph.D.
  • For more details on eligibility, please see U.S. Department of Education Federal Regulations.

I am an international student, am I eligible for the program?
Unfortunately, you are not. Only US Citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible to apply for this federally-funded US Department of Education program.

My GPA is below a 3.0. Should I still apply?
We highly recommend a 3.0 GPA at minimum to be a competitive applicant to graduate schools. If you are very close to 3.0 GPA, you may apply, but the program may require you to participate in appropriate university services to ensure your GPA increases each semester.

Does it matter if I have already done research or been a participant in a research mentorship program?
If you have already conducted research or currently conducting research in a lab, all the better. You now have a head start for McNair. But, prior research experience is not required.

What if my parent(s)/guardian(s) did not file for taxes?
Email Ronnie Hendrix at rhendrix@wesleyan.edu to submit a non-tax file form.

Can I still apply even if I am not currently in a lab or have a research project/questions?
Yes, students are encouraged to apply even if not currently in a lab or have a research project/question. However, in your application essay, we do request that you discuss a potential research question and topic that you would be interested in exploring for your McNair research project. This is an undergraduate research program and having an idea of what you might like to explore will help you do well in the program.

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Two letters of recommendation from FACULTY are required for the application. You may provide third recommendation from an academic advisor, or someone who you have worked closely within a research capacity, or someone knows you very familiar. It is always a good idea to ask people who you know will write excellent letters of recommendation for you. Look for someone who will be able to speak about your academic achievements, and your ability to do well and successfully complete the McNair Program and, eventually, graduate school. Letters from immediate family members are not acceptable.

What if I am not sure I want a Ph.D.?   
The mission of the McNair Program is to diversify faculty in U.S. institutions of higher education by reducing the barriers to the Ph.D. for underrepresented individuals in graduate education. The McNair program recognizes that first-generation/low-income undergraduates and undergraduates of color have a number of career possibilities to consider outside of academia. However, the mission of the program is to increase the number of Ph.D.s, not professional degrees. So, unfortunately, we don't accept students who only want a J.D., M.D., etc.

What criteria do I have to meet to be eligible for funding and receive my stipend?
For information on stipend requirements, please refer to the Current Fellows page under the McNair Fellows tab.

How will the stipend affect my financial aid? 
The stipend does not affect your financial aid.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the Faculty Research Mentors?
Faculty Research Mentors are chosen by the McNair Fellow with assistance from the McNair staff to assist in selecting and designing appropriate research projects that can be completed during the Summer Research Institute. Faculty Research Mentors supervise all research-related activities and offer support and advice for graduate school opportunities. Faculty mentors will be asked to review and critique written reports and presentations for the McNair Scholars while also directing them in appropriate background literature, training, and techniques needed to successfully complete the research experience. Faculty research mentors will receive a stipend to help cover costs and supplies.

Can I work during the McNair Summer Research Program?
No, you cannot work during the summer program. The summer is strictly devoted to research. You will be allotted a stipend on your full participation in the program.

Does the McNair Scholars Program expect its students to pursue a Ph.D. immediately after obtaining the B.A.?
Yes. The program expects Fellows to apply to both Masters and Ph.D. programs during their senior year as an undergraduate student. McNair realizes that all Fellows may not enroll in a graduate program immediately following their completion of their bachelor's degree, but McNair expects all its Fellows to attain a doctoral degree within ten (10) years of attaining their bachelor’s degree.
          
When should I start preparing to apply to graduate school?
At least one year in advance. We encourage all students in our program to begin preparing for the graduate school application process during their junior year.

If you have additional questions, please contact Ronnie Hendrix at rhendrix@wesleyan.edu