Goldwater Scholarship

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The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is given to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. Approximately 400-450 students nationwide receive a Goldwater Scholarship each year.

Award: Scholarships of up to $7,500 a year are provided to help cover costs associated with tuition, mandatory fees, books, room and board. Sophomores receive support in both their junior and senior years. Juniors will receive support in their senior year.

Criteria: The characteristics the Foundation seeks in a Goldwater Scholar include (1) strong commitment to a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering; (2) effective display of intellectual intensity in the sciences, mathematics and engineering; and (3) potential for a significant future contribution to research in his/her chosen field.

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination for a Goldwater Scholarship, a student must:

• Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior
• Intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering, as defined by the Goldwater Scholarship’s Conditions of Eligibility
• Have a GPA of at least a 3.0, and usually 3.6 or higher
• Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident

How to apply for UNC endorsement

• Review the Goldwater Scholarship Timeline 
• Ask a faculty member to nominate you by emailing ods@unc.edu their nomination (this can be a short 2-3 sentence nomination email) 

• Fill out the Goldwater pre-application on the Goldwater website 
  • After we have received your pre-application, you will then need to meet with an ODS team member. Make an appointment here. After your meeting with ODS, we will approve your pre-application. You will then be sent an automated email from Goldwater to begin the online application 

• Request Three (3) Letters of Recommendation 
  • Use the Recommender Name Submission Form to request letters 

• Apply for UNC Endorsement with the Application for UNC Endorsement Form 
  • Prepare and upload a single PDF that includes (in this order) 
    • Your CV 
    • The completed Goldwater Application downloaded from the online portal 
    • Research Essay
    • All relevant unofficial transcripts 

Resources for applicants