The purpose of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship program is to “foster and encourage excellence in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering.” The Goldwater Foundation seeks scholars who are committed to a career in science, mathematics, or engineering, and who display intellectual intensity, and have the potential for significant future contribution in his or her chosen field.
The Goldwater Scholarship provides a grant toward the last year or last two years of undergraduate tuition and living expenses for students in science, mathematics, and engineering who are planning careers in research. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. MSU may nominate up to four candidates, who may be either juniors or sophomores at the time of nomination. Applicants should have strong research experience, be U.S. citizens, and have a high GPA (the mean GPA among Scholars is 3.95).
For more information about the scholarship, visit the Goldwater Scholarship website. https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/
The Goldwater Scholarship requires an institutional endorsement. If you intend to apply, make sure you know that the MSU internal competition deadline is November 1st.
How to Apply
- Review the Goldwater Scholarship website to make sure you are eligible: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/
- Complete the DSAO Intent to apply form at studentawards.msu.edu to get on our list of applicants and to access D2L where application materials are located. Do NOT use the online application on the Goldwater Scholarship website.
- Send (studentawards@msu.edu) a draft of your application and resume to DSAO for feedback
Application Components:
- Internal MSU Goldwater Scholarship application from D2L
- Research essay (work with your research mentor)
- Three recommendations (have a conversation with DSA) first, recommenders should be STEM faculty who have supervised your research or taught you, no high school teachers, no graduate students or postdocs), and use the recommender handout on D2L.
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended after high school
- Resume using the DSAO Resume Template
