Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program

The University of Wisconsin – Madison Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is an academic excellence opportunity for undergraduate students with aspiration and strong academic potential for advancing toward doctoral (Ph.D.) study upon completing the bachelor’s degree. The program creates a bridge between undergraduate and graduate education through academic, research, and scholarly experiences. Students selected for the McNair Scholars Program join a supportive community of peers, faculty, staff, and alumni. The McNair Scholars Program is housed in the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA)

ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY!

Eligibility: UW Madison undergraduate students must meet either criterion (1) OR (2), in addition to criteria (3) and (4). *
1) First-generation college student as well as a low-income student (https://tinyurl.com/TRIOLIL; 34B C.F.R. §647.7, 2023).
2) Member of the federally-defined underrepresented groups
in graduate education: African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian (*according to federal guidelines, Asian American, including Southeast Asian American are eligible under criterion 1; 34B C.F.R. §647.7, 2023)
3) A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8 and 45 earned college credits.
4) US citizen or permanent resident

*Preference will be given to applicants who meet criteria #1. Applicants must be able to participate in the program for a minimum of 12 full months (i.e., anticipated graduation term of Fall 2024 or later). However, all eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply.

ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY!

Application Checklist (Due October 1st, 2023):

Submitted through WiSH Portal:
1. Completed Application (e.g., WiSH profile)
2. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (at least one letter must be from a UW-Madison Professor or Researcher (e.g., they have a Ph.D.)
3. Current CV/Resume
4. Personal Statement: Please provide a personal statement (no more than 1000 words). Please consider these guidelines as you are writing this statement:

  • Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D.?
  • What are your short and long-term career goals?
  • How can the McNair Scholars Program assist you in attaining those goals?
  • Describe a personal example that shows your persistence and commitment to academic endeavors.
  • What specific research area interests you the most? Discuss any current research or a possible research topic and mentor/professor with whom you would like to work.

5. Verification Forms: These documents MUST be hand-signed; forms with electronic signatures will NOT be accepted. Applicants can drop these forms off at the McNair Office (408 Bascom Hall) or mail them to The McNair Scholars Program, Bascom Hall 408, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706.
The First-Generation College Status Form (Found Here)
The Verification of Income Form (Found Here)

  • Both Dependent and Independent Forms are available. For the McNair Scholars Program, all students under the age of 24 are Dependents, regardless of their financial aid status. The form must indicate the taxable income for the 2021 federal tax returns. DO NOT EMAIL FINANCIAL INFORMATION!! We will only accept hard copies of your financial documents.

DEADLINE – October 1st, 2023

The McNair Staff is hosting three virtual office hours. Students are welcome to drop in during these times to inquire about the McNair programming, the application, and the new BADGER Series.
September 11th, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
September 21st, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
September 27th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Zoom Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99418659731

For more information about the program, please visit the McNair Scholars Program website at diversity.wisc.edu/mcnair or through email at mcnair@cdo.wisc.edu.

UW-Madison McNair Scholars Program Linktree: https://linktr.ee/uwmadison_mcnair

Award
Up to $2,800
Organizations
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
Deadline
12/22/2023
Supplemental Questions
  1. Are you a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident?
  2. What is the highest level of education completed by your mother (parent 1) or guardian?
  3. What is the highest level of education completed by your father (parent 2) or guardian?
  4. Based on my parents'/guardians' 2021 federal income tax returns, I am a low-income student according to the *taxable income* levels listed here. *Note: you must specify the "Taxable income" (Line 15 of the 1040 form).
  5. Financial Information
    • Are you considered a dependent or independent student?
    • Are you receiving financial aid?
  6. If dependent student, please answer these questions to the best of your ability. If independent, please enter n/a to each of the questions.
    • 1. On whose taxes were you claimed last year?
    • 2. What was their taxable income?
    • 3. How many exemptions did they claim?
    • 4. What is the size of your household?
  7. If independent student, please answer these questions to the best of your ability. If dependent, please enter n/a to each of the questions.
    • 1. On whose taxes were you claimed last year?
    • 2. What was your taxable income last year?
    • 3. How many exemptions did you claim?
    • 4. What is the size of your household?
  8. What are your racial/ethnic affiliations?
  9. Anticipated College Graduation Date (enter the anticipated semester: Fall, Spring, or Summer + Year YYYY):
  10. Do you plan to enroll in a research-based graduate program in the fall semester immediately after you graduate from UW-Madison?
  11. Contact Information for Two Recommendations: (One must be a UW-Madison Professor)
    • Please provide the name and contact information for a potential recommender. One must be a faculty member.
    • Please provide the name and contact information for a potential recommender. One must be a faculty member.
  12. Please upload your current Resume/CV (pdf format only).
  13. Please provide a personal statement (no more than 1000 words). Please consider these guidelines as you are writing this statement:
    1. Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D.?
    2. What are your short and long term career goals?
    3. How can the McNair Scholars Program assist you in attaining those goals?
    4. Describe a personal example that shows your persistence and commitment to academic endeavors.
    5. What specific research area interests you the most? Discuss any current research or a possible research topic and mentor/professor with whom you would like to work.
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