Main Features
Program overview
1 – Complete a research writing seminar in spring
2 – Participate in the Summer Research Institute in summer
3 – Apply to schools and present your research in fall
McNair scholars are typically recruited into the program as sophomores or juniors and begin formally participating in activities during their junior year, spring semester. During this time, they complete a Research Writing and Communication course and begin a relationship with their faculty research mentor in preparation for their research projects they will complete during the upcoming summer. Scholar meetings and seminars, typically about 5-6 throughout the semester, assist students in this process and orient them to the program.
The McNair program hosts a Summer Research Institute (SRI) during the summer in which scholars conduct supervised research, investigate graduate programs of interest, prepare to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), write a research report and attend various seminars aimed toward preparing for the graduate school application process and enhancing their writing/communication skills. Scholars average 20 hours per week or more working on their research in addition to 20 hours per week or more preparing application materials and studying for the GRE. The SRI is similar to holding a full-time job, but does allow for some flexibility within each scholar's schedule. Scholars are advised not to take classes or work more than ten hours per week at an outside job during the entire summer.
Financial support
McNair scholars do receive a living allowance to help defer the cost of remaining on campus for the summer to attend the Summer Research Institute. Additionally, scholars receive a $2400 stipend for completing the research project, dispersed according to the following schedule:
- Completion/acceptance of research proposal — $1000
- Completion/acceptance of final research paper — $1000
- Oral presentation of results at a national McNair conference — $400
In addition, McNair scholars receive training for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE test fees are covered and scholars have access to travel allowances in order to present their research at national conferences and visit prospective graduate schools.
During their senior year, scholars continue to attend bimonthly seminars focusing on graduate school success. They travel to conferences to present their research, as well as presenting during CMU-sponsored research symposiums held on campus in the fall and spring. Scholars visit their top-choice graduate school, attend cultural events and complete their bachelor's degree. Each spring, the McNair program hosts a reception to honor graduating scholars; family members/friends are encouraged to attend!
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