Scholars Eligibility

To qualify for the McNair Scholars Program, students must:

  • Be a current SMU undergraduate
  • Have an interest in undergraduate research
  • Meet at least one of the following federally mandated requirements:
    • Be a low-income AND first-generation college student according to established guidelines OR
    • Be a member of a group underrepresented in graduate education (Alaska Native, American Indian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islander)
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency
  • Have plans to pursue graduate study following graduation

Application Components

  • McNair Student Application
  • Short-Answer Responses
  • 2 Letters of Recommendations (at least 1 from SMU faculty)
  • Resume / CV
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Signed Income Statement or Tax Form (from the previous year)