UROC/McNair Scholar Mid-Cycle Application
This special application opportunity is designed to encourage students to become a part of the UROC Scholar program, even if they think it is "too late". If you think this may be you, review the eligibility criteria below carefully and start your application right away!
Though the primary period for students to apply to the UROC Scholars application is in the Fall of a student's sophomore year (see the UROC Scholar page for more information), this year we have space for students who meet the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program or CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) eligibility criteria AND who have engaged in a research experience.
To apply...
Mid-cycle applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.
- Meet the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program or CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) eligibility criteria.
- Applicant must have four or fewer remaining semesters as a CSUMB student.
- For example, an applicant submitting an application after a Summer 2020 undergraduate research experience should be graduating no sooner than Fall 2021.
- A GPA of at least 3.0.
- Applicants must be committed to pursuing a graduate degree, especially a Ph.D. with a research focus. Students interested in pursuing a research based Masters degree may also be considered.
- Applicants should have participated or should be participating in an undergraduate research program, specifically the UROC Summer Research Program, a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), or another structured undergraduate research opportunity.
- Student must be able to fit UROC's mandatory RSCH courses (300, 301 and 400) into their upcoming course schedule, and each subsequent semester until completion of the program. No exceptions can be made.
- Meet the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program or CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) eligibility criteria.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with a UROC staff member to provide guidance on the goals, structure, and rigor of the UROC Scholars program and the RSCH courses.
Not certain who to contact? UROC's Curriculum Associate, Dr. Corin White is the primary instructor for the RSCH courses and is available by appointment for a consultation.
The UROC Scholar Mid-Cycle application requires you to create an account with SlideRoom, an online application submission system. If you have submitted a previous UROC Scholar application, you will already have an account and must only start the new application.
In addition to basic applicant information, the Mid-Cycle application also requires a few very important elements that will help UROC staff decide whether you should become a UROC Scholar. These important elements are listed and described below.
1. Recommendation from mentor
In order to assess your drive and motivation to succeed as a UROC Scholar, we ask that you submit the contact information of someone who can provide you with a strong reference, preferably the person who you have identified as your potential UROC Scholar Mentor. This person will be asked to submit a Reference Form (or Letter or Recommendation, if they prefer) via SlideRoom.
As soon as you submit this person's name and email, the SlideRoom application system will email them with detailed instructions on how to access the online Recommendation Form (or submit a Letter of Recommendation).
We recommend that you submit this person's contact information as soon as you start your application, so that they have ample time to complete your request.
2. A PDF with all college transcripts
You will need to upload a copy of your college transcripts in PDF format.
If you have attended multiple colleges or universities you will need to collate all of your transcripts in a single PDF document using Adobe Acrobat (available on all CSUMB computer) or a free online PDF merging program.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
3. An academic resume or curriculum vitae (C.V.)
You will need to upload an Academic Resume or Curriculum Vitae in PDF format. Please limit this document to two pages, only.
Your Academic Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) should include relevant coursework and academic performance, college-level academic honors, professional or student organization memberships, examples of student leadership, research or internship experiences, and work experience.
For more information about academic resumes or the curriculum vitae, visit the CSUMB Career Center in the Tanimura & Antle Library or the Purdue Owl Writing Lab.
4. Statement of purpose questions
You will be asked to answer the following questions in 300 words (2,000 characters) or less.
- Question 1: The UROC/McNair Scholar Program aids students in preparing for doctoral level research. Why do you wish to participate in a research-based graduate program?
- Question 2: How will participation in the UROC/McNair Scholar Program help you to achieve your career goals?
- Question 3: What specific research topics do you wish to study as an undergraduate and graduate student?
- Question 4: Who have you chosen to be your UROC/McNair Faculty Mentor and why?
- Question 5: Do you have an ePortfolio i.e. a professional webpage? If so, please submit the active link to your ePortfolio here. If not, please use the space below to tell us why you do not currently have an ePortfolio.
5. Financial and demographic information
This application requires you to submit quite a bit about you and your family's financial and demographic status. This information will not be used to make decisions on your acceptance into the program. Rather, it will be used to help UROC figure out how to support your undergraduate research, conference travel, and/or graduate school visits if you are selected as a UROC Scholar.
If you have a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) it will help you easily fill out all the necessary fields.
If you need clarification or have any questions about this or any aspect of this application, feel free to contact UROC.