Barry Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is among the most prestigious scholarships awarded to undergraduate students. Goldwater Scholars show exceptional promise of becoming the next generation of research leaders in the engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics. A Goldwater Scholar is a student with a strong commitment to pursuing a STEM-based research career and effectively displays potential for significant future contribution to research is a chosen field.

Goldwater scholarships can make a difference in graduate school applications due to its national recognition; the prestige alone can open the door to many graduate school and professional opportunities. The Goldwater is worth up to $7,500* per year and can cover tuition, mandatory fees, books, and room and board. So, sophomores awarded the Goldwater can receive up to that amount each year until graduation. Juniors can receive up to that amount for their senior year. *Students who already have financial aid should note that the monetary award is not guaranteed. Goldwater candidates are nominated by their university’s Campus Representative, who can nominate a maximum of four students per year. If you are nominated, then you are among the select few deemed eligible to apply for the Goldwater.

Even if you are not selected as a scholar, there is no limit on how many times you can be nominated. Applicants are encouraged to re-apply as a junior if they are not selected in their sophomore year; the success rate of students who are re-nominated generally have a higher success rate.

General Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for scholarship application:

  • Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a Bachelor degree
  • Intend to pursue a research career and/or graduate school (such as a doctorate) in engineering, the natural sciences, or mathematics within the following sub-fields:
    • Computer and Information Sciences
    • Engineering
    • Geosciences
    • Life Sciences
    • Materials Research
    • Mathematical Sciences
    • Medicine (NOT Medical School or Research)
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Psychology
  • Have a college GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident

Application Dates and Deadlines

First Tuesday in September: Online Application Opens

Last Friday in January: Nomination Submission Deadline (5:00pm CDT)

Last Friday in March: Awardees Announced (11:00am CDT)

Timeline: Applying as a Sophomore

Freshman Year

Spring

  • Meet with Goldwater Campus Representative (GCR) to discuss application requirements, research interests, and graduate school aspirations
  • Contact faculty within area of study about research interests and potential mentorship
  • Take HON 201: Scholarships and Graduate School Prep (7 Weeks)

Sophomore Year

Summer

  • Identify research mentor and three potential recommenders for Letters of Recommendation
  • Brainstorm research essay with GCR

Fall

  • Start online application once available and write drafts of research essay and short answers
  • Submit drafts of research essay and short answers to GCR for feedback
  • CAMPUS DEADLINE - November 20: Submit completed draft of application to GCR and research mentor for review

January of Spring Semester

  • CAMPUS DEADLINE - January 08: Letters of Recommendation finalized and uploaded to application portal
  • Finalize application with GCR, who will submit application last Friday of January with endorsement

Timeline: Applying as a Junior

Sophomore Year

Fall

  • Take HON 201: Scholarships and Graduate School Prep (7 Weeks)

Spring

  • Meet with Goldwater Campus Representative (GCR) to discuss application requirements, research interests, and graduate school aspirations
  • Contact faculty within area of study about research interests and potential mentorship

Junior Year

Summer

  • Identify research mentor and three potential recommenders for Letters of Recommendation
  • Brainstorm research essay with GCR

Fall

  • Start online application once available and write drafts of research essay and short answers
  • Submit drafts of research essay and short answers to GCR for feedback
  • CAMPUS DEADLINE - November 20: Submit completed draft of application to GCR and research mentor for review

January of Spring Semester

  • CAMPUS DEADLINE - January 08: Letters of Recommendation finalized and uploaded to application portal
  • Finalize application with GCR, who will submit application last Friday of January with endorsement