McNair Research Scholars

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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:

Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall;
Sign up to meet one-on-one with McNair Assistant Director, Dra. Lucero, or email ilucero@college.ucla.edu with your UID and preferred dates and times when you are available to meet;
OR
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

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN

Deadline to Apply: November 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT

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 21 – July 30, 2027); and
Is interested in research and pursuing graduate school.

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

Application Components

Please submit all of the application materials below:

Online 2026 UCLA McNair Program Application
2026 – 2027 UCLA Bruin Financial Aid Letter (found in the Bruin Financial Aid Portal)
PDF of your AND/OR your parent(s)’ or guardian(s)’ 2025 *SIGNED* Federal Income Tax Return, depending on if you are considered an independent/dependent student by the UCLA Financial Aid Office (Please note that all social security numbers should be removed but include signatures in the copy uploaded.)
500-word Personal Statement
1,000-word Research Proposal or Statement
Two Letters of Support (from those who can speak to your potential for graduate school)
Faculty Mentor Form (or Faculty Mentor of Interest Contact Form, if you are a STEM Transfer student)
Resume OR Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Unofficial transcript from UCLA or if it is your first term at UCLA, then your community college, and/or any other institution(s) of higher education that you have attended
Screenshot of the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) Application Submission Confirmation (optional, but highly recommended)

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;
2. Sign up to meet one-on-one with McNair Assistant Director, Dra. Lucero, or email ilucero@college.ucla.edu with your UID and preferred dates and times when you are available to meet;
  OR
3. Email us at mcnair@college.ucla.edu.

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