​​Dr. ​​RONALD E. MCNAIR
POST-BACCALAUREATE
ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

The Chicago School - Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is designed to prepare students who are first ​generation college students​and/or from traditionally underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies.

The program is open to undergraduate (bachelor's level) students​. A student who wishes to pursue doctoral study, enhance their research and writing skills, and participate in a faculty-led research project should apply! The program offers services including but  not limited to 

• Overall assistance with preparing for graduate school 
• Faculty-led, paid summer research internship
• Assistance with graduate school applications and identifying opportunities for graduate school funding
  
• Access to peer mentors currently enrolled in graduate programs 
• Tutoring services
• Workshops exclusively for McNair Scholars on topics such as Resume Writing, Interviewing, Fellowship Research Strategies, How to Build a LinkedIn Profile, Grant Writing, and Defeating Imposter Syndrome! 
• ​​​​​​Opportunities to present at conferences including assistance with paying for conference registration ​​​​​​​fees, ​transportation, and lodging for scholars.​

The McNair Scholars Program at The Chicago School is one of approximately 200 such programs nationwide. McNair serves the very important function of preparing over 5,000 McNair Scholars for graduate study.​

Contact Us! 

[email protected] | 202-706-5036

ELIGIBILITY ​

• Rising juniors and seniors enrolled in a Chicago School undergraduate (bachelor's degree) program who are U.S. Citizens

• Credit count can include transfer credits from other institutions

• Students classified as sophomores or first year ​are eligible to apply a​nd will participate in the summer research project in the summer of their junior or senior year.

• 2.85 minimum Cumulative GPA 
  

• Two-thirds of all scholars must meet income requirements (as determined by the US Department of Education​) and be First-Generation College students​.​​

• One-third of all scholars may be from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education. If you are from an underrepresented group in graduate education, income requirements and first-gen status do not apply. 

• Students interested in attending graduate school and pursuing doctoral studies.
  

• Scholars must demonstrate strong academic progress and promise.

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE: ​​

• Completed Online Application​​
• Unofficial Transcript
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Essay of Intent: 
  
• Requirements: 
  
• Detail why you applied to and chose to attend The Chicago School
• Explain your understanding of the McNair Scholars Program and how the program is a good fit for your needs and goals
• 250 to 300 words maximum, double spaced. 

McNair Information Sessions: 

Interested in knowing more about the program? We host McNair Scholars Information Sessions via Zoom every Monday at 12 PM CST and 6 PM CST. 

Registration is required. 

12 PM CST Registration Link ​

6 PM CST Registration Link 

Can't make a session​? View it in its entirety, here​. ​​