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 preparing for graduate school, presenting research, financial literacy, and much more!
• ​​​​​​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

A student is eligible to participate in a McNair project if the student meets all the following requirements:

• • ​​​U.S. Citizens; OR
    
  • Permanent Residents of the U.S.; OR 
  • Is in the United States for other than a temporary p​urpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident; OR
    
  • Is a resident of one of the Freely Associated States
    

  Is currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in any program at The Chicago School. 
  

  • There is a preference for applicants who are rising juniors and seniors.
    
  • Credit count can include transfer credits from other institutions. 
  • Students classified as sophomores or first-years are eligible to apply and will participate in the summer research project in Summer I of their junior or senior year.
  • Minimum GPA: 2.85

  Is classified as:
  

  • ​​A student who meets income requirements ​determined by the Department of Education. 
  • A student who is a first-generation college student; OR 
  • A student who is not first-generation or does not meet income requirements; however, they are a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate school education. 
  • A student who has not enrolled in doctoral-level study at an institution of higher education.​​
  Students who are interested in attending graduate school and pursuing doctoral studies and those who demonstrate strong academic progress and promise.​

APPLICATIONS 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. 

Interested in knowing more about the program? We hosted McNair Scholars Information Sessions via Zoom every Monday. 

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

​

Major Changes Came to the​

2024-25 FAFSA 

View the 

2024-25 FAFSA Information Session - Here​