Apply

Application Status: (2024 - 2025) ~ Open

Applications Due Before: December 15th, 2024

Before You Start the Application

To apply to the program, please check the Eligibility Requirements and see if you’re eligible. If you are, please read through the application process and follow the steps. If you have any questions, refer to the FAQ located on this page, or contact us. Our program’s information will be located on the Contact Us page.

Information sessions will be available at the beginning of each Fall. Here you will be able to ask about eligibility, application requirements, and any other questions you might have about the program, or enrolling in it. However, you may also contact our program Coordinator at McNair.

Informational Sessions

Informational sessions occur each fall semester, with varying dates. If you are unable to attend a session, please email our Program Coordinator, located on the Contact Us page.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for TRIO (McNair) Program services, federal guidelines dictate that students must meet the following requirements:

• Be both low-income and first-generation to complete a baccalaureate degree, OR be a member of a group underrepresented in graduate education.
  • Groups considered include: African American, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaskan Native.
• Must be current U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. 
• Applicants must be enrolled in a formal degree program at San Jose State University on a full-time basis.
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • Completed at least 60-semester units at the time of entry.
• Intend to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation.
  • This program is not open to students pursuing professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, management, or law.
• Students who have already completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science are not eligible to participate in the program.

Clarification:
Selection will be made on a competitive basis from those applicants who best meet the purposes of the program as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Specifically, at least two thirds of the individuals participating in the McNair project must be low income individuals who are first generation college students.
No more than ten percent of the participants will be enrolled in a graduate master's degree program of study at the time of their selection to the McNair project. Applicants who best meet the federally mandated guidelines will then be selected on the basis of their potential for pursuing doctoral studies and their ability to benefit from the program.
 

Application Process

1. Write a Personal Statement for Your Application
   Essay Requirements
   • Double-spaced
   • Size 12 Times New Roman font
   • Three pages in length (with page numbers)
   What the Essay is about:
   • What are your academic and career objectives?
   • What are your research and career interests?
   • Why do you think a doctorate is essential for pursing these interests?
   • How would TRIO McNair help you achieve your professional and academic goals?

    

2. Recommendation Letters

   • Must submit 2 letters (though 3 are allowed)

     • First letter must be from a current professor at any college or university

     • The second letter can be from a current or former professor

     • The final letter is optional and may be from anyone (current/former professor, employer, etc.)

3. Those who will recommend for you must send their form to the given email: mcnair-program@sjsu.edu 
4. Link to recommendation form template [pdf]

1. Research Experience Statement (if applicable)

   • Describe previous research you might have conducted
   • OR describe any honors you have received to date

    

2. Resume OR Curriculum Vitae (CV) (this is optional)

    

3. Other Necessary Attachments
   

   • A clear photo of yourself
   • Official Transcripts (from all colleges attended previously or current)
   • Income verification such as:
     • Tax returns from previous year
     • AND Financial Aid Reward Letter (available on your one.sjsu portal)
     • AND Student Aid Report (SAI)

    

4. Once you have competed your essays and gotten your other necessary attachments, please fill out the McNair TRIO Application linked below.
   You will attach all the files necessary to the application when prompted. 

                                 APPLY HERE

What to Expect After Applying

Processing applications generally takes 1 - 3 weeks; however, if you have questions about your application status, you may contact our Program Coordinator. If you are missing any supplemental materials, you will be informed which documents are still needed in order to complete your application.

What to Expect After Being Accepted 

If your application is accepted, you will receive an email to begin the interview process. If you are accepted into the program, you will be sent a DocuSign with details on your responsibilities to maintain good standing in the program, as well as an add code for our mandatory Spring UNVS 125M course. Please be sure to fill this out in a timely manner.

• Price for Class: Free
• Credit?: No-Credit on transcript
• Mandatory for McNair: Yes, it is mandatory for this program

Application FAQs

• What are the benefits of being in TRIO(McNair)?

  • TRIO(McNair) is solely focused on the success and achievement of our students. As such, there are many benefits offered to our students so that they might find this success with more support.

    Graduate from Education Bootcamp: Every June, we host the California McNair Scholars Graduate from Education Bootcamp. During this series of workshops, you will learn about the graduate school application process, how to craft a great personal statement and CV, how to access funding for your PhD, and so much more.

    GRE Waiver: TRIO McNair Scholars may provide a GRE waiver to applicable students in the program. This can help reduce the cost of the test by 50%

    Research Stipends: TRIO McNair Scholars offers a $2,800 stipend to assist with supporting research and graduate school applications. This stipend funding is only open to undergraduate junior and senior students only.

    • Stipends are contingent upon participation and completion of the various components of our program requirements. These responsibilities will be discussed before entry into the program.

    • Use the stipend for research purposes with faculty mentors

    Research Opportunities: TRIO McNair Scholars offers specialized opportunities to have your research knowledge, network, and CV grow. In this program, you will be able to:

    • Gain access to a faculty mentor
    • Attend conferences to present your research
    • Be informed of research/graduate school events on/off campus

    Specialized Advising: Graduate school advising for undergraduate students.

    Graduate School Tours: Explore the graduate institutions you love with access to housing, transport, and meals at no cost to the student! [Graduate Schools tours vary from semester to semester].

• How do I contact TRIO (McNair)?

  • For first time applicants, please email or call us:
        taylor-dawn.francis@sjsu.edu
    You may also call our office:
        408-924-2540.
    For our location, that will be on our Contact Us page.

• What are the low income requirements?

  • We look to a number of household and taxable income levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A summary of current levels can be found here. We look to a number of household and taxable income levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A summary of current levels can be found here.

• Can I be in EOP and TRIO(McNair)?

  • Yes, as the program purposes are different enough, students are allowed to apply to both TRIO(McNair) and EOP. However, if students wish to apply to TRIO(SSS) and EOP that is not possible as there is too much overlap in each program's responsibility.

    If students wish to participate in both TRIO programs, (SSS and McNair), they may but must choose to apply to both programs separately.

• What is the difference between EOP and TRIO(McNair)?

  • There are several differences between the EOP and TRIO(McNair) programs:

    Program Hierarchy:
    • EOP is a state-funded program
    • TRIO (McNair) is a federally funded program.

    Program Size:
    • EOP can serve around 2000 students
    • TRIO (McNair) can serve around 25 students
    

    Application Requirements:
    • EOP requires students to apply before attending SJSU. EOP also only serves undergraduate students, graduate interest is NOT required. 
    • TRIO (McNair) is open to current and incoming SJSU students who meet the previously mentioned eligibility criteria. TRIO (McNair) also only serves undergraduate students, graduate interest IS required.