McNair Program Application Instructions

Please note: This online application requires an on-campus or secure connection to protect the privacy of your information. If you are using a wireless or off-campus connection to this site, you will have to first log in to the CU Virtual Private Network (VPN) with your Identikey using free software provided by ITS at www.colorado.edu/its/vpn/index.html. If you are unable to do this, contact Kent Wagner for other options at wagnerw@colorado.edu or by calling 303-492-3729.

PHASE ONE: Submitting core data

Go to the online application form (on-campus or CU VPN connection required) 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.

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