Info: This timeline is only a guide to show you how the program is outlined.

Summer 1 (students who have completed 60-credits in their degree program)

  • Spring: Attend New scholar Orientation and Research Launch and Identify McNair Research Mentor
  • Conduct 10-week research project
  • Receive a summer 3-credit tuition waiver
  • Receive a McNair stipend
  • Receive summer meal plan allowance
  • Apply for summer room waiver if living on campus
  • Attend GRE Preparation Workshop the week before classes start in August
  • Participate in educational and cultural excursion with mentors, graduate students, and program organizers
  • Evaluate the summer McNair activities and project experiences

Junior Year

  • Continue research with mentor on project (optional)
  • Attend McNair Graduate School preparation fall seminar series, workshops, and research symposium
  • Submit research abstract for McNair Research Symposium and MSU Research Conference
  • Meet monthly with the Director, Scholar Support Specialist and McNair Faculty Mentor
  • Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) exam (Attend McNair workshop on GRE and pre/post practice exams)
  • Prepare graduate school applications (i.e. drafting personal statements, take official GRE, etc.)

Summer 2 (students who have completed junior year)

  • Conduct 10-week research project (and/or internship)
  • Receive a summer 3-credit tuition waiver
  • Receive a McNair stipend
  • Receive summer meal plan
  • Apply for summer room waiver if living on campus
  • Participate educational and cultural excursions with mentors, graduate students, and program organizers
  • Serve as a Peer Mentor to new McNair scholars

Senior Year

  • Continue research with McNair mentor (optional)
  • Attend lectures, workshops, and social events  
  • Final preparation of  graduate school applications
  • Take the GRE
  • Visit a graduate school(s)
  • Apply to graduate schools
  • Apply for graduate school fellowships, scholarships, and other funding opportunities
  • Submit abstract to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) or a discipline-specific regional or national meeting
  • Present research in either poster or oral formate at the MSU's Spring Research Celebration
  • Meet regularly with the Director and Scholar Support Specialist
  • As needed, utilize the Writing Center, Math Center, and other academic and student support services offered by TRIO and MSU
  • Immediately enroll into a graduate school program 

Graduation & Enrollment in Graduate School

MSU's McNair Scholars Program staff will be in contact with you to get annual updates as to your graduate school successes.