ETSU McNair Program Alumni
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation, GRE Voucher, or a Fee Waiver from the McNair
Program Staff
Upon successful completion of a Ronald McNair Internship, an intern is bestowed the
title of "Scholar." Scholars are entitled to specific incentives that are not available
to other students. The explanations below contain information about these incentives.
Letters of Recommendation
The McNair staff will happily consider requests for letters of recommendation from
former/current ETSU McNair Program Scholars. Scholars who wish to obtain a letter
should contact the McNair staff in writing a minimum of 30 days prior to the date that the letter is needed.
THE MCNAIR OFFICE STAFF WRITES RECOMMENDATIONS COLLABORATIVELY. THIS MEANS THAT THE MCNAIR STAFF WORK TOGETHER TO COMPOSE ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION. THEREFORE, PLEASE ONLY EXPECT ONE LETTER DISCUSSING YOUR MCNAIR EXPERIENCE.
Please forward recommendation materials, including the appropriate forms, stamped envelopes, waivers, web link etc. Please be aware that letters of recommendation will be accurate reflections of your entire program experience and if the staff has any concerns about providing a letter, you will be informed prior to the composition of the letter.
Please make every effort to make multiple requests all at one time. This will ensure that your recommendations are handled efficiently and effectively. Please note that spring and summer semesters are extremely busy times for the program and you are encouraged to give the McNair office as much notice as possible when requesting recommendations.
Graduate Application Fee Waivers, Funding, and Fellowships
McNair Scholars enjoy access to application fee waivers for a wide variety of graduate
programs across the United States. Scholars may obtain specific information regarding
which institutions honor and offer these incentives by clicking on the following link:
McNair Fellowship and Fee Waiver List - USA
Check out more funding and fellowship opportunities for McNair scholars.
When making application to institutions that honor fee waivers, you will be required to produce proof of your McNair Scholar status. Often, these institutions will request a “fee waiver letter” from the McNair Program that you participated in. Alumni of the ETSU McNair Program should submit requests for fee waiver letters via email to chambersjm@etsu.edu. Please include the following information when making a request:
- Your full current name (please include maiden name if different than current)
The year(s) that you participated in the McNair program
The name of your faculty mentor (if you completed ARI) or research methods facilitator (if you completed summer only)
Mentor's department- The mentors CURRENT official title (Dr., Ms. Mr., etc.) and their CURRENT position title in their department (Usually found on the department website)
- The title of your research project or research proposal
The full name of the institution to which you are applying
The deadline date for submitting the fee waiver letter
The institution contact person’s email so the waiver can be emailed.
GRE Vouchers
GRE 1/2 off Vouchers if available may be obtained by contacting Ms. Chambers at chambersjm@etsu.edu.