Ronald E. McNair
Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
Wichita State University
2018 - 2019 Participant Application
“Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly
you want them. You’re eagles! Stretch your wings and fly to the sky.”
- Dr. Ronald E. McNair
What is the McNair Scholars Program?
Eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors may now explore the advantages of pursuing graduate education through
the
Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) at Wichita State University.
The Program offers research participation, scholarly experiences and preparation for graduate school. Students are
encouraged to pursue graduate study in preparation for careers as college-level professors and researchers. The Program
focuses on serving first-generation students with limited income and student populations underrepresented in graduate
education, such as African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino and Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander.
What are the advantages of participating in the McNair Scholars Program?
The following activities are planned for student participants in the McNair Scholars Program:
• Mentoring with prominent WSU faculty
• Tutoring for courses and the development of writing skills
• Assistance completing graduate school applications and writing effective personal statements
• Campus visits to other universities and graduate school programs
• Faculty-led seminars for graduate school preparation
• Counseling to identify financial aid for graduate school, including assistantships and fellowships
• Undergraduate research participation with a professor through the Research Component
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation
• Support to attend national conferences and opportunities to present research
• Publication opportunities in the WSU McNair Journal of Research Reports
How do I apply for the McNair Scholars Program?
Students must meet the following criteria:
1. Have completed a minimum of 40 credit hours by Summer 2018, with reasonable plans for completing
your degree
2. Be currently attending Wichita State University as a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or a GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credit hours
4. Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
5. Neither
of your parents have received a four-year colleg
e degree or be eligible to receive the federal Pell grant
6. Be a member of an ethnic group underrepresented in graduate education, i.e. African American, American
Indian/Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
**Participants of Student Support Services and Disability Support Services are
strongly encouraged to apply.**
To submit an application package, please send the following by Friday, March 30, 2018:
ü C
o
mpleted McNair S
cholars
Program
applicat
ion along
with
a personal
statement
and
research
proposal
ü Current
(
unofficial) transcript
ü Copy of applicant's and/or parents’ filed 2017 Federal Income Tax Return documents
ü Three recommendation letters/forms, any combination of those listed below:
• one (1) from a teaching faculty member in your department
• one (1) from an academic adviser or college counselor
• if you are a former TRIO participant, one (1) from your TRIO counselor/director
• one (1) from a work supervisor
Submit all application materials to:
• McNair Scholars Program • Wichita State University • 1845 N. Fairmount • Campus Box #199 •
• Wichita, KS 67260-0199 • mcnairscholars@wichit
a.edu • phone: 316-978-3139 • fax: 316-978-3439 •