McNair Research Scholars

Welcome How To Apply Events Join Us Contact Us

Welcome to the McNair Research Scholars Program

About The Program

The UCLA McNair Research Scholars Program was established in 2003 as a two-year research-based program that prepares undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. to not only apply to but also excel in the best graduate school programs in the country.

Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 28 juniors and seniors from a variety of majors in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, STEM, and applied or interdisciplinary Sciences. The UCLA McNair program particularly attracts young scholars who are committed to gaining research experience and attending graduate school immediately following their bachelor’s degree attainment.

To receive guidance and support as you are working on your McNair Application, please schedule an appointment with a McNair team member by:

1) Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall;

2) Sign up to meet one-on-one with McNair Assistant Director, Dra. Lucero: https://calendly.com/dra_lucero/meeting-w-ad or email ilucero@college.ucla.edu with your UID and preferred dates and times when you are available to meet;

3) Email us at mcnair@college.ucla.edu.

Get support with applying for the program, don’t do it alone!

Program Curriculum

UCLA McNair Research Scholars complete a comprehensive and rigorous two-year academic program under the supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Director, and multiple Graduate Student Mentors.

During their first year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the UCLA Student Research Program (SRP) under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and attend weekly seminars designed specifically for the program. These seminars guide students through navigating the academy and developing research proposals.

In the summer between their first and second year in the program, McNair Scholars participate in the six-week UCLA McNair Summer Research Institute. This six-week program includes: workshops and seminars on academic career opportunities; standardized test preparation; writing and research skills; writing a statement of purpose; obtaining letters of recommendation; and completing the graduate school application process. In addition, McNair Scholars begin their independent research projects and present their current findings at national McNair Conferences.

During their second year in the program, McNair Scholars apply to graduate school and complete, present, and publish their research project and senior thesis. Every Scholar has the opportunity to donate her or his research materials and senior thesis to national McNair journals and various publishing opportunities.

>> View the McNair Two-Year Plan <<

Social Media

For the latest updates and news, follow us on the official UCLA McNair Instagram. @ucla_mcnairscholar

Events

McNair Info Session & Office Hours

✨ We’ve got exciting workshops lined up this October! 🍂 Join us for a series of engaging sessions designed to help you learn, grow, and connect. Whether you want to boost your academic skills, navigate college life, or prepare for your future, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out—check out the schedule and mark your calendars! 📅📚

Zoom Links to Join Info Sessions and Office Hours: https://ucla.zoom.us/j/97339779438

APPLICATION NOW OPEN

2025 McNair Application: https://bit.ly/2025mcnairapp

Deadline to Apply: November 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM

NOTE: You must log into your g.ucla.edu in order to complete this application.

Eligibility

A student is eligible to participate in McNair if they meet all of the following requirements:

Is a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States, a U.S. territory, or Freely Associated States;
Is currently enrolled at UCLA and looking to participate in the last two years of undergrad;
Is a low-income individual who is a first-generation college student;
Is available during the McNair Summer Research Institute (Summer Session A: June 22 – July 31, 2026); and
Is interested in research and pursuing graduate school.

For more details on eligibility, please see U.S. Department of Education Federal Regulations.

Application Materials

Complete and submit the UCLA McNair Research Scholars Application AND the following supplemental materials as PDFs (unless otherwise noted) by deadline:

500 Word Personal Statement
1,000 Word Research Proposal/Statement
Resume or Curriculum Vita
2025 – 26 UCLA Electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN)
Dependent Students: Copy of your Parent(s) or Guardian(s) *SIGNED* Federal Income Tax Return from 2024 (with Social Security Numbers removed or blocked from view)
Independent Students: Copy of your *SIGNED* Federal Income Tax Return from 2024 (with Social Security Numbers removed or blocked from view)
Two Letters of Recommendation (from those who can speak to your potential for graduate school)
Signed McNair Faculty Mentor Form or Faculty Mentor of Interest Contact Form if you are a STEM Transfer student
Unofficial Transcript(s)
- If you are a transfer student, please also submit a copy of the transcript(s) from the previous school(s) you attended alongside your UCLA transcript.
Screenshot of the MyUCLA Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) Application Confirmation Page (JPG & PNG are acceptable file formats for this document)

Help with Application

Whether you just want to learn more about the program or are working on your application materials, please schedule an appointment with a McNair team member or Graduate Mentor by:

1) Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall;

3) Email us at mcnair@college.ucla.edu.

Get support with applying for the program, don’t do it alone!

McNair Info Session & Office Hours

Zoom Links to Join Info Sessions and Office Hours: https://ucla.zoom.us/j/97339779438

Become a McNair Graduate Mentor

We are currently hiring McNair Graduate Mentors for the academic school year. This position requires to be in-person. Please review the following job call: McNair Grad Mentor AY 25-26 Job Call