Submit Your Application

Dear Applicant,

Are you thinking about graduate school but unsure how to get started? The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at Oklahoma State University is here to help you take that next step.

McNair is a federally funded TRIO program that prepares high-achieving OSU juniors and seniors for Ph.D. study through hands-on research, faculty mentorship, and focused academic development. If you are curious, driven, and ready to grow as a scholar, McNair can give you the tools, experiences, and support to thrive in graduate school and beyond.

Students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at OSU to be eligible. Most of our scholars are both low-income and potential first-generation college students, while others are from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in graduate education. If you see yourself in one of those categories, we encourage you to apply; you belong here.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following:

· Option A: Be a first-generation college student (neither parent completed a bachelor’s degree) and come from a low-income household, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
OR

· Option B: Be a member of one of the following groups underrepresented in graduate education:

o African American/Black

o Hispanic/Latino

o American Indian/Alaska Native

o Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

All applicants must also:

· Be an OSU undergraduate with at least 60 credit hours by the upcoming fall semester

· Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

· Plan to enter an academic or research-based Master's of PhD graduate program (not solely professional programs like medical, veterinary, or law school). Students who are planning to enroll in dual PhD-DVM program or a dual PhD-JD program are still eligible to apply.

· Have a minimum 3.0 GPA

Before You Begin

This application must be completed in one sitting; you will not be able to save and return later. We recommend reviewing the full application first, gathering your materials, and setting aside uninterrupted time to complete and submit it.

We are excited to learn more about you, and we hope you will take this next step toward your future in graduate education.

If you have any questions, please contact our office by email at mcnairscholars@okstate.edu.

Applicant Information:

Last Name *

First Name *

Middle Name *

School ID *

Email Address *

Gender *

Current Address *

Current Address Line 2

Local Address: City *

Local Address: State *

Local Address: Zip *

Permanent Address: Address *

Permanent Address: Address 2

Permanent Address: City *

Permanent Address: State *

Permanent Address: Zip *

Cell Phone *

Preferred Contact Method *

Marital Status *

Date of Birth *

Place of Birth *

Citizenship (check one) *

Permanent Resident Number (If Applicable)

How do you identify racially?

Do you identify ethnically as Hispanic/Latino? *

American Indian/Alaskan Native *

Asian *

Black or African American *

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander *

White (non-hispanic) *

Financial Eligibility

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program that prioritizes support for students from low-income and first-generation college backgrounds. To determine if you meet the income criteria, we will use information already available through your FAFSA and OSU financial aid records.

You will not need to submit tax forms or other financial documentation. Instead, please answer the following questions to help us confirm your eligibility. If we need any additional information, we will follow up directly. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.

Have you completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the current academic year? *

Are you eligible for need based financial aid at OSU? *

Do you qualify for and/or receive the Pell Grant? *

Family Information

Father's/Guardian's First Name *

Father's/Guardian's Last Name *

Highest level of education earned by your father *

Mother's/Guardian's First Name *

Mother's/Guardian's Last Name *

Highest level of education earned by your mother *

Please provide the name and permanent address of one person who will know how to contact you in the future:

Name of relative or permanent contact

First Name *

Last Name *

Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Home Phone *

Academic Information

Are you currently enrolled at Oklahoma State University? *

Major 1 *

Major 2

Minor 1

Minor 2

Are you in a STEM Major? *

College *

Department *

Degree Sought *

Intended Graduation Term *

Total Credits Completed *

Total Credits attempted semester applied *

Current class standing *

GPA *

GPA Scale *

Institution Entry Date *

Attended Community College/2-Year Institution *

If yes, from which institution? (If no, enter N/A) *

Name of your academic advisor

First Name *

Last Name *

Academic Advisor Email *

How did you learn about the McNair Scholar Program? (Check all that apply)

Classroom visit

Faculty

Fellow Student

McNair Scholar

McNair Staff

TRIO Staff

Campus Referral

Have you previously participated in or are currently in any of the following programs? (Check all that apply.)

Participation in other programs? American Indians into Psychology (AIIP)

Education Opportunity Center (EOC)

Participation in other programs? Freshman Research Scholar

Inclusion Leadership Program (ILP)

LSAMP or OK-LSAMP

Participation in other programs? McKnight Scholars Leadership Program

Participation in other programs? NiBlack Research Program

Retention Initiativs for Student Excellence (RISE)

Student Disability Services

Student Support Services (SSS)

Talent Search (TS)

Upward Bound (UB)

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)

Participation in other programs? Wentz Undergraduate Research Program

Needs Self-Assessment

Please check all of the services on the list provided below that you feel you may need assistance with in your pursuit of a doctorate degree:

Graduate School Preparation

GRE Preparation

Writing Personal Statement

Connecting with Graduate School/Faculty

Strategies for Success in Graduate School

Selecting Graduate Program with "best fit"

Graduate School Admission Process

Fellowships/Funding for Graduate School

Summer Research Opportunities

Research Skills

Technical Writing Skills

Library Research Topic

Selecting a Research Topic

Defining your Research Questions

Writing an Annotated Bibilography

Writing a Literature Review

Presenting your research

Thriving in College

Tutoring

Financial Aid Advising/Funding

Critical Thinking Skills

Career Awareness/Exploration

Networking/Professionalism

Interpersonal/Communication

Stress Management

Time Management and Goal-Setting

Building Relationships with Faculty

Selecting a Faculty Mentor

Educational and Research Interests

Please complete the questions below to help us better understand your academic goals and interests. This information helps us tailor your McNair experience and begin the process of matching you with a faculty mentor.

Which fields of graduate study interest you? (You may list more than one, if applicable.) Example: Psychology, Environmental Science, Public Health, Sociology, etc. *

Please select the one statement that best describes your interest in graduate education: *

If you have prior research experience in a university setting, briefly describe your project, your accomplishments, and the professor(s) you worked with. If not applicable, enter "N/A." *

Have you given any thought to graduate program(s) you might attend? If so, please list them here. Include university name and program if known. If not, mark "N/A." *

Please indicate a potential faculty mentor you are interested in working with.
Include the faculty member’s name, email, and department. The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program cannot guarantee placement with a specific mentor, but your input helps us find the best match.

Potential Faculty Mentor Name *

Academic Department *

Potential Faculty Mentor Email *

Statement of Purpose

As part of your McNair Scholars Program application, please submit a one-page, single-spaced personal statement (12-point Times New Roman font) that addresses the following:

· Why you want to become a McNair Scholar and how the program will help you successfully prepare for graduate school

· Your family background and how it has shaped your educational journey

· Key educational experiences that have influenced your academic interests

· Your passion for your field of study and how that connects to your future goals

· Your career objectives and how earning a Ph.D. fits into those plans

Take your time with this statement. A strong, clear, and focused essay often takes several drafts. This is your chance to share your story, your motivation, and your vision for the future.

When saving your file, please use the following format:
LastName_FirstName_McNairPersonalStatement_Date

Upload Statement of Purpose *

References

List the names and email addresses of two individuals who have agreed to submit a recommendation form on your behalf.

To be considered complete, your application MUST have two completed recommendation forms.

At least one recommendation MUST come from a faculty member at a college or university.

***An email will be sent to the recommender requesting that they complete the electronic recommendation form.

Reference One First Name *

Reference One Last Name *

Reference One Email *

Reference Two First Name *

Reference Two Last Name *

Reference Two Email *

I hereby WAIVE ANY RIGHT to EXAMINE A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION submitted on my behalf. I realize that the Oklahoma State University McNair Scholars Program will utilize this recommendation only in conjunction with consideration of my admission to the McNair Scholars Program. I realize my right of access to this recommendation is not a condition of my admission.

Please select your choice *

Signature of applicant *

Please select a signature verification type.

When saving your file, please use the following format:
LastName_FirstName_DocumentName_Date

Upload Release of Records Form *

Upload Program Participation Form *

Upload Resume/CV *

Upload Transcript *

By Submitting this Application:

1. Authorization to Access Records:

I authorize Oklahoma State University Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program to access information related to my academic progress (including mid-semester reports, standardized test scores, GPA, earned credits, and transcripts) and financial aid records. This access may occur before my participation and throughout my involvement in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, only as needed to determine eligibility and provide program services.

2. Use and Confidentiality of Information:

I understand that this information will be used solely for eligibility determination, compliance with federal grant requirements, and to support my success in the program. My academic progress, participation, and financial aid status will be reported to the U.S. Department of Education as required by grant regulations. All information will be treated confidentially and protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

3. Information Sharing Within OSU:

I consent to the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program staff sharing necessary information with other Oklahoma State University offices and programs to coordinate services and support my educational success. Access to my personal information is limited to those directly involved with the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program.

4. Accuracy of Information:

I certify that the information I have provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I agree to provide documentation upon request to verify any information reported.

5. FERPA Rights:

I understand that I have the rights under FERPA, including the right to review my educational records and request corrections, subject to university policies.

6. Use of Images and Statements:

I grant permission for Oklahoma State University Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program to use photographs, quotes, and statements that include my first and last name in program-related publications and materials. If you do not wish to grant this permission, please [check here] to opt out.

IMPORTANT

To complete your application, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the “Submit Application” button. After submitting, you will be redirected to a confirmation page.

If you do not click “Submit Application,” your application will not be recorded, and you will need to start over.

Questions?

If you experience technical difficulties or need help with the application, contact us at:

· Phone: 405-744-3943

· Email: mcnairscholars@okstate.edu

Our Location: Scott Hall, 4th Floor, Offices 403-406

Applicant Signature *

Please select a signature verification type.