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 social change and use scholarship and research as a means to achieve social justice. Hence, the program’s motto to “Transform the Academy.” Additionally, UCLA McNair Alumni work in a variety of professional positions that advance a social justice agenda.

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

1) Filling out the Graduate appointment request form

2) Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall

You can also 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 <<

Events

URFP/MMUF/MCNAIR Research Information Session RSVP: https://forms.gle/x6kWcdYLp46u5bCp8

Social Media

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

APPLICATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 2023

Applications Open Fall Quarter

Eligibility

In order to apply students must first ensure they meet the following criteria:

Are a low-income AND first generation college student OR Are a member of an underrepresented group within graduate education
Are an United States citizen or permanent resident
Have Junior standing and at least two years remaining at UCLA
Are available during the McNair Summer Research Institute (typically Summer Session A)
Are interested in research and pursuing graduate school

Application Materials

Complete and submit the UCLA McNair Research Scholars Application AND the following supplemental materials as PDFs (unless otherwise noted) by the application due date – Applications Open Fall Quarter:

500 Word Personal Statement
1,000 Word Research Proposal/Statement
Resume or Curriculum Vita
2023 – 24 UCLA Electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN)
Parent(s) or Guardian(s) *SIGNED* Federal Income Tax Return from 2023 (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) Filling out the Graduate appointment request form

2) Visiting our office in-person at 1202 Campbell Hall

You can also email us at mcnair@college.ucla.edu. Get support with applying for the program, don’t do it alone!

Fall 2023 Information Sessions

URFP/MMUF/MCNAIR Research Information Session RSVP: https://forms.gle/x6kWcdYLp46u5bCp8

2023 UCLA National McNair Conference

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The UCLA McNair Research Scholars Program hosted the McNair Summer Research Institute that culminated with the 2023 UCLA National McNair Conference. Over 380 McNair scholars and staff from across the country came together to share their research at the 2023 UCLA National McNair Conference, July 31 – Aug 2, 2023, held at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center. During the conference, scholars had the opportunity to present their research as oral or poster presentations, network with over 40 graduate and professional school recruiters at the Graduate Opportunities Fair, connect with other McNair scholars from other institutions, attend Financing Your Graduate Education and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program workshops, tour UCLA, visit USC or CalTech, and visit the Griffith Observatory. The McNair Scholars Program at UCLA is generously supported by many campus partners and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Dean of Undergraduate Education, and the Vice Chancellor of Research.