Statement of Purpose
The information provided in this section is very important to the selection process. Please respond in essay format using complete sentences to the topics and questions that are presented below. Please type your answers on a separate sheet and return it with the application. Thoughtful, well-constructed, candid responses are expected. Be sure your name is typed on the essay. The essay should be a minimum of two pages typed, double-spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman or a similar font.
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Describe your family and educational background/history. How have these experiences affected your educational aspirations and career goals?
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Define your understanding of the McNair Scholars Program philosophy and its primary objective. How is the Program a good fit for your needs and goals? What academic experiences have you had that support your application for the McNair Program?
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What are your reasons for pursuing the doctoral degree? What is your projected timetable for obtaining the Ph.D. (i.e., going to graduate school after working one or two years; attending graduate school immediately after receiving the bachelor’s degree; going to graduate school to complete the master’s degree, and working for one or two years before pursuing the Ph.D., etc.)?
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The McNair summer research experience is stimulating, challenging, and demanding. What are your expectations of this experience? What research fields and topics are of interest to you?
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What are your perspectives on punctuality, self-discipline, and delayed gratification?
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Researchers and administrators increasingly say that success in graduate school requires an appreciation for a balanced lifestyle that includes spiritual, physical, and multicultural perspectives, in addition to strong knowledge. What is your interpretation of this?