McNair Program Components and Key Activities
The following overview highlights the key activities undertaken by Scholars in each semester of the typical 2-year progression through the program:
Year One – Fall Semester – McNair Scholar
- Enroll in McNair Scholars Seminar (3 credits - Graded)
- Begin to explore graduate field of study and programs
- Explore and select Faculty Mentor
- Explore and identify topic for upcoming summer research
- Enroll in research methods and topic-related coursework in major, if applicable
- Initial academic assessment – Individual Academic Plan (IAP) developed
- Begin to cultivate “scholarly identity” and develop professional network and relationships
- Begin grad application development and GRE preparation
Year One – Spring Semester – McNair Scholar
- Enroll in McNair Research Seminar (3 credits - Graded)
- Produce research proposal for Summer Research Plan with Faculty Mentor’s approval (including IRB)
- Begin regular research preparation and research planning meetings with Faculty Mentor
- Explore graduate programs and external graduate funding opportunities (i.e. fellowships, assistanceships)
- Relevant research and academic coursework in major
- Continue development of graduate application components (curriculum vita, statement of academic purpose, etc.)
- Continue and intensify GRE preparation
- Explore professional associations and plan conference submissions for upcoming year
- Explore summer research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) at other institutions
Summer Research Program – McNair Fellow
- Enroll in research-related/Independent Study coursework (3 credits–fees waived)
- Conduct and complete summer portion of research project under Faculty Mentor guidance - supported by Summer Research Stipend of up to $2800
- Participate in Summer Research Seminar (including intensive GRE preparation) and meet regularly with Mentor
- Present at McNair Summer Research Symposium
- Intensive GRE preparation - complete GRE by summers end with McNair fee waiver
- Continue drafting key grad application documents (CV, statement of purpose)
- Finalize list of graduate programs of interest (GPI) and make initial faculty contacts
- Request application packages from GPIs and fellowships
- Begin writing research paper/McNair Journal article
Year Two – Fall Semester – McNair Fellow
- Enroll in McNair Senior Seminar (1 credit – Pass/Fail)
- Draft, revise and complete research paper from Summer Research Project
- Finalize list of graduate programs of interest and funding awards and develop application timeline
- Continue communication with faculty at GPIs
- Complete and submit all applications (many with McNair application fee waivers) by October 1
- Develop poster/research paper and submit to professional conferences
- Plan and begin graduate program visits
Year Two – Spring Semester – McNair Fellow
- Enroll in McNair Senior Seminar (1 credit – Pass /Fail)
- Complete undergraduate degree requirements and graduate from Boise State
- Submit and present research paper at academic conferences & publish in Boise State McNair Research Journal
- Visit and continue communication with graduate programs to which applied
- Weigh, negotiate, and accept graduate program and funding offers
- Attend year-end McNair Recognition Reception
- Graduate from Boise State and immediately enter a graduate program
