Preparing students for doctoral studies

McNair Applications

Now Accepting Applications

Sophmores and juniors from ALL majors are welcome to apply.

Looking for a guaranteed interview with the McNair Scholars Program? Apply by October 4, 2024 at 11:59pm for priority consideration.

START ONLINE APPLICATION

Required Checklist

Before you begin our online application, you'll want to make sure you have the following documents and information ready to complete your application. You also have the option to "Save and continue." The program will not be able to review incomplete applications.

Contact Information

Statement of Purpose

Recommendations

Two letters of recommendation are required. Identify one (1) faculty with a Ph.D. to write a recommendation letter on your behalf. Identify a second (2) lecturer, instructor, teaching assistant, academic counselor, or undergraduate advisor at CLU to write you a recommendation.

Provide the name of emails of person(s) who will write your letters.
Have recommenders submit their letters of recommendation below.
For Transfers, at least one letter must be from a professor, lecturer, instructor, teaching assistant, academic counselor, or undergraduate advisor at CLU. The other letter can be from a professional outside CLU, from another college.
Pro tip: Give recommenders at least a 2 week notice when possible. Share your statement of purpose and resume with recommenders as resources, along with any additional information that you think might be of help in preparing your letter of recommendation.

Financial Information

Dependent Students will need only one of the following: (i) Signed Parent/legal guardian verification (download form); (ii) Signed copy of your FAFSA application including all financial information; or (iii) Signed US or Puerto Rico 2020 tax return.
Independent Student will need only one of three options: (i) Signed application if 24 years of age or older; (ii) Signed copy of your FAFSA application incl. all financial informaiton; (iii) Documentation of previous/current status as foster youth, emancipated minor, or homeless/unaccompanied youth; (iv) Documentation from the U.S. military or Veteran’s Affairs office confirming your military status.
All Students should keep in mind income verifiication is needed by the time you submit your application to be guaranteed an interview. If you are unable to complete income verification during the application process, you can verify using a method below. Income verifications will not be accepted after October 25, 2024 for Fall admission.

Letters of Recommendation

All applicants need academic professionals to provide a recommendation in order to be considered for the program. This form is to be completed by a professor, lecturer, instructor, teaching assistant, academic counselor, or undergraduate advisor.

To Recommenders:

You have the option of writing a letter or completing our three prompts below:

Please provide a brief introduction and background on how you know the applicant.
Discuss your assessment of the applicant's academic preparation and commitment to post-graduate studies.
Describe any the other strengths, academic or otherwise, that makes the applicant a strong candidate for the McNair Scholars Program.

SUBMIT LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Application Tutorial Videos

Section: Personal Information

Section: Family Information

Section: Tracking Information

Section: Schools & Transcripts

Section: Academic History

Section: Academic Status

Section: Letters of Recommendation

Section: Statement of Purpose

Section:Income Verification

Get easy access to tutorial videos on our Instagram: @CLU_McNair

Post-Application Submission

Follow up with your parent/legal guardian on a signed income verification if needed.
Follow up to confirm with Faculty/Staff that recommendations are submitted within the deadline period. Faculty/Staff will have five-days after the deadline to submit letters of recommendation.
McNair will schedule interviews for all applicants who met the priority deadline for the first week of November 2024. Subject to time restrictons, McNair will make best efforts to interview all applicants who meet the Fall Deadline by the third week of November.
McNair will send a personal notification to your CLU email letting you know if you were selected for this year's research cohort.

Questions?

For assistance with the McNair application, contact us:

Email: mcnairscholars@CalLutheran.edu
Phone: 805-493-3322
Office: 3215 Pioneer Ave. #5200
Allies House #103