McNair Program Application Instructions

This checklist is provided to assist you in submitting a complete application packet. Your application will not be considered until all required documents have been submitted to the McNair office.

PHASE ONE: Submitting core data

1.    Go to the online application form and submit the Contact, Family, and Financial Information sections of the form. Once you have submitted this material you will be called to schedule a interview with the McNair Advisor and the Program Director.

2.    Either mail or deliver the following documents prior to the interview:

mailing address: Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, 107 UCB, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0107

or hand deliver to: Student Academic Services Center, Willard Administrative Center, Room 400

1. A printed, signed copy of the citizenship verification form which may be printed from the on-line application
2. Photocopies of documents you submitted to the CU Office of Financial Aid when you applied for assistance for the current academic year. If there are no tax forms because family income was too low to file, then bring a notarized copy of the Financial Information Page signed by the principle earner.
3. Academic transcripts, which need to include:

   1. A copy of your most recent CU official transcript sent or obtained, from the Registrar's Office at CU-Boulder. Official transcripts are FREE and are normally processed within four (4) working days and sent by first class mail. (We cannot accept a transcript printed off PLUS, it must come from the Registrar's Office.)

   2. Copies of transcripts for college level work completed at other institutions. These can be obtained for free from the Academic Records in the Registrar's Office. Just go in the main door and ask for directions.

PHASE TWO: The interview

The interview, attended by both the Academic Advisor and the Program Director, will focus on your academic strengths and weaknesses, your long term goals, how you decided on your major, your motivation for getting a PhD, what talents and skills you bring that would be especially useful to the TRIO community, etc.

Within two days of the interview you will be notified regarding whether or not you have been provisionally admitted and may begin participating in program activities. Admission is provisional pending positive letters of recommendation and the completion of a personal statement that addresses the issues raised in your interview. At the time of provisional admission, you will make an appointment to meet with the academic advisor within two weeks.

At the end of the interview, promising candidates will be coached on the best ways to select people from whom to request recommendations as well as the best ways to solicit a letter of recommendation from faculty.

Go to PHASE THREE: Full admission