University of Rochester

Kearns Center Programs


Pre-College Programs

College Programs

Graduate Programs

Resources


David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity in Arts, Sciences, and Engineering

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.

Student Responsibilities Include
*
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:
*
Download the application HERE.
* Complete the application on your computer and save it in the following format: lastname,firstname_AcademicYearApp.pdf
* Return the completed application to Christopher Grant as an email attachment: chris.grant@rochester.edu