Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships

Candidates must:

• be a sophomore or junior at the time of application
• be a U.S. citizen, national or resident alien
• have a highly competitive grade point average, typically 3.8 or above
• have at least one significant research experience to date

Outline

For undergraduate study leading to research careers in mathematics, natural science or engineering. Awards up to $7,500 for the remaining undergraduate year(s) of study.

The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue research careers in these fields.

In 2014, 288 scholarships were awarded in an applicant pool of 1,167 mathematics, science, and engineering students. One hundred seventy-six of the Scholars are men, 112 are women, and virtually all intend to obtain a Ph.D. as their degree objective. Twenty-two Scholars are mathematics majors, 195 are science and related majors, 63 are majoring in engineering, and 8 are computer science majors. Many of the Scholars have dual majors in a variety of mathematics, science, engineering, and computer disciplines.

Please see the Goldwater website for information about what areas of study are supported. If you follow this link, you’ll see that the foundation lists undergraduate major and career objectives of former Goldwater Scholars. They also have very specific advice for students who plan to study medicine: “Students who plan to study medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship only if they plan a research career rather than a career as a practicing physician with emphasis on the clinical practice of medicine and patient care.”

Student's nominated for Goldwater Scholarships must include in their online application a statement of interest in a research career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering, detailing how their academic program and their overall educational plans will prepare them for their chosen career goal. It is expected that students selected as scholars will pursue advanced degrees. The website notes: “The Foundation not only considers the nominated student's field of study and career objectives and the extent to which that individual has the commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to his or her field.” In other words, a student needs to be able to accurately describe their research and its significance.

Nomination Process

NYU can nominate up to four students for this scholarship. For this reason, there is an internal campus selection competition. Students need to submit a whole application (available for download at the Goldwater website) to the Office of Global Awards by November 13th at 5:00 p.m. Note that this includes a pdf of the online application form, additional essay, current college transcript, and three letters of recommendation.)

Applications and letters of recommendation should be emailed to nyu.globalawards@nyu.edu by the internal deadline. For the purpose of the internal competition, unofficial transcripts will suffice.