Ronald E. McNair
Program Description: Academic Year
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at the University of Rochester encourages talented students to pursue the doctoral degree. Established and funded by the United States Department of Education and named in honor of Challenger astronaut and laser physicist, Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the program provides participants with a mentored research experience, seminars and workshops on topics germane to the pursuit of the doctoral degree, and opportunities to meet with role models who have obtained the terminal degree.
- Writing the personal statement
- Formulating a graduate school application plan
- Designating and completing a research project during one or two semesters
- Making formal presentations of research at local and national conferences
- Preparing for and taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Applying to at least five Ph.D. programs during the final year of undergraduate study
To be Eligible, An Applicant Must Meet All of the Following Criteria:
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher (a GPA of at least 3.0 in major field is preferred, but not required)
- Be a sophomore at the University of Rochester
- Be committed to pursuing the Ph.D (not an MD, JD, or other graduate degree)
- Be one of the following: low income (according to federal guidelines) AND a first-generation college student OR a member of a group underrepresented in graduate study at the doctoral level (African American, Native American, Hispanic)
Program Benefits Include:
- $1200 stipend upon completion and presentation of the required research project
- Opportunity to travel to local and national conferences to present research
- GRE fee reimbursement
- Application fee waivers and some fellowship opportunities for doctoral programs across the country
Application Instructions:
- Ensure that you have the latest version of Adobe Reader.
- Download the Application Form.
- Complete the application on your computer and save it in the following format: lastname,firstname_AYApp.pdf
Note: Your application and supplemental materials must be returned as a SINGLE pdf. Most computer labs on campus will have Adobe Acrobat Pro, which will allow you to combine multiple files into one. If you cannot access a lab, there is an online program that will do the same: Merge PDF. If you need assistance with this, please stop in and see an advisor. Letters of recommendation can be emailed seperately by the professor to the email address below.
- Return the completed application to Christopher Grant as an email attachment: chris.grant@rochester.edu
- Interviews will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis once your completed application is received.
Application Deadline: Friday December 7, 2012 at 5:00pm EST.
