1. What is a Ph.D.?
The Ph.D. stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”. It is the highest terminal degree within the disciplines that offer a Ph.D. The Ph.D. is different from professional degrees which include the M.D. (medical), J.D (law), D.D.S. (dentistry), D.V.M (veterinary medicine), etc. The McNair Program does not serve students who intend to pursue a professional degree.

2. What exactly does underrepresented mean?
Groups underrepresented in graduate education currently include the following ethnic and racial groups: Black (non-Hispanic), HIspanic, and American Indian/Alaskan Native. (Note: The Seceratary [of Education] has determined as a policy issue that Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders may be included in this definition).

3. What if I do not file taxes?
If your parents claim you as a dependent, then submit their most current tax returns. However, if you are independent and do not file taxes, you can submit a letter of explanation with your application.  The letter must be signed and dated.  You are personally responsible to the government for any false information.

4. Can I turn in an application after the February deadline?
Yes. Applications are accepted year round, but those turned in by the February deadline will have priority.

5. What if I am Graduating in June?
All applicants and participants must be juniors or seniors at Cal State, with an anticipated graduation date following June of 2007.  Federal guidelines prohibit the awarding of stipends to students who have attained a Bachelor's degree.

6. What is the definition of low income?
The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount.

Federal TRIO Programs 2005 Annual Low Income Levels
(Effective February 2005 Until Further Notice)

For family units with more than 8 members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $4,890 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $6,120 for Alaska; and $5,625 for Hawaii.

The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount.

The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150% of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register, Vol. 70, No. 33, February 18, 2005, pp.8373-8375.

http://www.ed.gov/programs/triomcnair/index.html

7. If I am currently enrolled in a master’s program, am I still eligible to apply to the McNair program? No. Unfortunately, the McNair Scholars Program serves only undergraduate students.

8. I am only interested in pursuing a terminal master’s degree, is this program right for me?
The McNair Scholars Program only supports undergraduate students that are committed to pursuing a Ph.D. (see question no.1). However, if you are unsure of what your ultimate career goals are in your field, make an appointment with the director to discuss your options.