Application Instructions 
Personal Statement (500 word minimum)
Please 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, 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 or fellowship period. Your statement should include the following components:
- What is your definition of research? Why would you like to pursue an independent research project in this particular topic?
- What experience do you have with your research topic(s) of interest?
- Value of the research interests to you, e.g., how would research in these areas fit into your academic or career aims?
Letters of Recommendation (2)
Two sealed and completed letters of recommendation are required in your application packet (forms are provided). These letters must come from faculty, preferably in your major. Distribute the appropriate form to your recommenders. Ask them to complete it, seal it in one of their own envelopes, and sign across the flap before returning to you. Include the unopened recommendations in your application packet. Please remember to give the forms to your recommenders early so that they can return them to you in time for inclusion in your application packet. Letters may be sent directly from recommender to our office if that is more convenient.
Official College/University Transcripts
Transcripts "issued to student" are not acceptable. The transcript must be official, containing the seal of the institution, and must be enclosed in an envelope sealed by the registrar. Include the unopened transcript in your application packet. If your registrar is unable to issue a sealed official transcript to you, ask them to send it directly to our office.
Most Recent Federal Income Tax Return
If your parent(s) or someone else can claim you as a dependent on his/her tax return, you must submit a copy of that person's 2006 federal income tax return. If your college/university considers you to be "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 your 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
Most Recent Student Aid Report (SAR)
Please submit a copy of your 2006-2007 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 request a copy from the processing center or a printable version from the Financial Aid office on your campus. Please sign and date the SAR.
