Future McNair Scholars
Apply Now!
Attention eligible undergraduates aspiring for a Ph.D.: Dive into our McNair Scholars program! Unlock workshops, research internships, faculty mentorship, leadership opportunities, funding, and more—essential tools to elevate your educational journey. Let's make a difference together!
Recommendation Form
Eligibility Requirements & Criteria
Attention OSU students, including transfer students! If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meet the criteria below, don't miss the chance to apply for the McNair Scholars Program.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
(i) Be the first in your family to attend college, regardless of your race or ethnicity, and have a low family income as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition to the criteria above, students must:
(i) Reach junior or senior standing by completing at least 60 credits
(ii) Maintain a stellar cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
(iii) Envision an immediate transition to graduate school and desire to earn a Ph.D.
The McNair Scholars Program is exclusively for those aiming for a PhD, not applicable to those pursuing only a Master's or professional degrees like MD, JD, DVM, PharmD, PsyD, DNP, and more.
- A complete application consists of:
- Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose
- Showcase your achievements with a dynamic CV
- Provide necessary eligibility documents:
- Permanent resident card or equivalent
- Verification document confirming first-generation low-income status obtained by program staff from the financial aid office.
- Secure two impactful recommendations directly submitted by your references
- Statement of Purpose Guidelines
Submit a 1-page statement of purpose (1-inch margins, 12pt font, single-spaced) addressing the following:
Clearly articulate why you aspire to be a McNair Scholar for a successful transition to graduate school. Share insights into your family background, educational journey, passion for your field, and career goals. Craft this statement with care—writing a compelling, concise purpose requires careful planning and revision.
- Recommendation Guidelines
Secure TWO recommendations for your application. The first from a faculty member assessing your academic work, research potential, and motivation for graduate school. The second can be from a personal mentor, advisor, employer, or supporter. First-year transfer students can obtain recommendations from faculty at their previous institution.
- Additional Application Materials
Ensure all materials are completed and uploaded in the relevant section of the online McNair Application.
Current OSU Unofficial Transcript
- The term first-generation
A first-generation college student is someone who (1) has parents without a baccalaureate degree; (2) before 18, lived with and received support from only one parent without a baccalaureate degree; or (3) before 18, didn't regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.
- The term low-income
"Low-income" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the previous year did not surpass 150 percent of the poverty level. Check the current Federal TRIO Program low-income levels.