Northeastern Illinois University-McN-Application Form

The McNair Scholars Program is a U.S. Department of Education, federal TRIO program, funded at 151 higher education institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico. The Northeastern Illinois University McNair Scholars Program is designed to assist undergraduate students making the transition to graduate study through workshops, academic and professional advising, faculty mentorship, paid research, GRE test preparation, sponsored travel to research conferences, and other scholarly activities.

We invite you to apply if you intend to pursue a career that requires a graduate degree, and you meet the following criteria:

a member of at least one of the following groups:
- Low-income and first-generation college student
- Member of a group under-represented in graduate education
a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
presently in sophomore year (completed at least 48 credit hours) or junior year (completed at least 60 credit hours) or a senior graduating no earlier than December 2025 at NEIU
no cumulative GPA required. However, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher encouraged (4.0 scale)
plan to attend graduate school to pursue a graduate degree
available to participate in a full-time summer research internship

If you meet the above criteria, please submit a completed application form along with the following:

PERSONAL STATEMENT
Please include a 2-3 page statement that discusses why you want to participate in the McNair Scholars Program. Describe your research interests and your academic and career goals. Include knowledge/skills that you currently possess or need to develop, such as: computer programming, quantitative/qualitative research, written and verbal communication, and any other knowledge/skill sets that may be relevant to your personal statement.

PERSONAL STATEMENT*

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Include two letters of recommendation. The letters should come from faculty and should address your ability to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Recommenders should also be able to evaluate your potential for graduate school, your capacity for critical/analytical thinking, and your ability to organize and express ideas clearly. Add the name and email address of your recommenders, who will then be contacted to complete and submit the recommendation form and upload letters.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, known as the Buckley Amendment, gives students the right to inspect and review their educational records. You may, however, waive the right to see specific confidential letters. Failure to state your preference here indicates confidentiality by default*

I hereby waive my right to examine this letter and understand that it will not be shared with me.I do not waive my right to examine this letter.

Recommender 1*

First NameLast Name

Email Recommender 1*

example@example.com

Recommender 2*

First NameLast Name

Email Recommender 2*

example@example.com

UNIVERSITY TRANSCIPTS
Please provide unofficial transcripts from each college and/or university you have attended. All transcript should be uploaded to the McNair Scholars Program application.

Please provide unofficial transcripts from each college and/or university you have attended. All transcripts should be uploaded as a single file or can be delivered to the McNair Scholars' office in B-141.

MOST RECENTLY FILED FEDERAL INCOME TAX FORMS
Tax forms are required of all applicants. Include a copy of your and/or your parents’ most recent Federal Income Tax Return(s) or an IRS No-File letter. If married and filing separately, applicants must submit a copy of the spouse’s tax form. All tax forms should be uploaded as a single file or can be delivered to the McNair Scholars' office in B-141.

MOST RECENTLY FILED FEDERAL INCOME TAX FORMS

CITIZENSHIP OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY DOCUMENTATION
Applicants must upload a copy of their birth certificate, current U.S. passport, or permanent residency card. All citizenship or Permanent Residency documents should be uploaded as a single file or can be delivered to the McNair Scholars' office in B-141.

CITIZENSHIP OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY DOCUMENTATION