FAQ for Student Part 1 PDF
# PURPOSE? APPLICATION/ELIGIBILITY DETAILS
Q1: What is the purpose of the McNair Scholars Program?
A1: The purpose of the McNair Scholars program is to help first generation, low income and/or minority students to obtain admittance into graduate school.
Q2: How was I selected to get an application?
A2: Based on data obtained from OU records, you appeared to meet eligibility requirements.
Q3: Can I apply if I am currently an undergraduate?
A3: Yes! The McNair Scholars Program is exclusively for undergraduates at Ohio University.
Q4: If there is not much time left, how much time does it take to apply?
A4: It should not take more than 2 hours to complete the application form and the Personal statement.
Q5: Could my recommender e-mail the recommendation letters?
A5: Yes! The recommendation letters could be submitted with the application packet or may be sent as text o r as an attachment through e-mail.
Q6: Where can I get an application?
A6: The application forms are available online. You could also get them at our office - 56 Lindley Hall Ohio University, or the Academic Advancement Center.
Q7: If I am a member of an under-represented group (e.g., African American, Native American, Latina/o), do I need to also be first generation and/or low income?
A7: No? If you are from an underrepresented group, you do NOT need to prove low income or first generation status. This federal program is aimed in part at increasing diversity, hence is not restricting eligibility within this group by requiring you to meet the low income and first generation status.
Q8: I am a senior. Is it too late to be a McNair Scholar?
A8: During this initial recruitment period, we are admitting seniors who will not be graduating until August can delay graduation to participate in the summer research internship.
Q9: I am a sophomore. Is this the right time to apply?
A9: Yes? If you have or will have 60 credit hours by the end of the quarter in which you apply.
Q10: What are my chances of being selected?
A10: This is a new program at Ohio University? You have, at this moment, a very good chance of being in the initial cohort of McNair Scholars.
Q11: Does it matter if I have already done or am doing research in my discipline/major?
A11: No, research through another program or through your own association with faculty researchers provides a head start for McNair research, and enhances your chances of graduate admission.

FAQ for Student Part 2
# PARTICIPATION? ADVANTAGES OF PROGRAM
Q1: How much time is required to participate in the McNair Scholars program?
A1: We would like the McNair Scholars program to be a supplement to school. But we do require commitment and dedication from the student. We want the McNair Resource Room to become home away from home? Where you can drop in/hang out.
Q2: Could I take the courses I like when I am into the program?
A2: The McNair Scholars Program is an extension of your academic courses. We give you an enhanced experience at Ohio University.
Q3: When can I graduate?
A3: Students selected for the McNair Scholars Program should be enrolled during the semester following their McNair research experience in summer. For this year only, we are admitting seniors who will not graduate until August or November.
Q4: Can I perform research outside Ohio University?
A4: Yes, depending on the nature of your research, you may engage in field research with a mentor, or conduct such research on your own off campus.
Q5: Does the McNair Scholars program choose my research topic or mentor?
A5: The McNair scholars choose their own research topic and mentors. The program only gives guidance on how the student could approach a mentor and develop a research topic.
Q6: Do I have to attend graduate school at Ohio University?
A6: No, you could attend the graduate school of your choice.
Q7: Apart from the summer research what else is required?
A7: During the year, you will be required to participate in monthly workshops/meetings designed to assist you in applying to graduate school. Summer research opportunity will also commit you to five weeks in the first summer session, either on campus or in the field conducting your own research with the support/assistance of a faculty mentor. Once you complete your research, you will have support (PAID travel) to present your research at conferences.
Q8: What are some of the things that McNair Scholars get FREE?
A8: You receive up to $2800 for your summer research, plus some housing support for the five week summer session. The program helps the students to prepare for GRE. We give free GRE tests. Graduate school application fee waivers are available from participating institutions. The McNair resource room (58A Lindley) will have computers available for use.
Q9: What is a stipend?
A9: A stipend is payment for services rendered. In the McNair Scholars Program, you are paid for completing your research project or scholarly activity and participating in the program.
Q10: How can I afford a graduate School?
A10: One of the main advantages of the McNair Program is getting assistance in filling out financial aid applications, and in writing personal statements that indicate your skills in fulfilling research, teaching or other graduate assistantship duties.
Q11: What are the advantages of graduate school? Why should I attend it?
A11: Many people consider an advanced degree as a means to higher salaries and this is certainly one of the advantages gained from graduate study. People with advanced degrees have the credentials that make them eligible for upper-level and specialized positions, which have higher salaries to match increased responsibilities. The rigor of graduate studies also offers a greater breadth of knowledge and enhanced critical thinking abilities that enrich your overall life.
Q12: Will participating in the program cost me anything?
A12:No.
Q13: What is the time commitment during the Summer Research period?
A13: The time spent with faculty mentors will vary from 1-3 hours per week depending on the nature of the research being conducted (if you and your mentor are doing lab research, you may actually be in the same area far more than this). Most of your time will be spent working independently on your project.

Definition
1) "First Generation" : At the time the application is submitted, the legal guardian (s) of the applicant do NOT possess a Baccalaureate (B.A., B.S., or equivalent) degree.
2) "Low Income" : At the time the application is submitted, the applicant's legal guardians have a taxable income which falls below 150% of the poverty level as defined by the federal government (detailed information is available concerning this item).
3) "Underrepresented Group" means groups that are currently considered underrepresented in doctoral studies: African American, Hispanic and Native American. Women in Science fields are also may be considered underrepresented.