Background: The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Goldwater and to endow a recognition program to foster excellence in science and mathematics.
The Scholarships: About 300 grants of up to $7,500 to sophomores (for two years) or juniors (for one year) who are planning careers in science or mathematics and who plan to earn a Ph.D. Every American university may nominate up to four candidates.
Application: Biographical information, including activities, employment, research experience, professional aspirations, personal background, and an essay about a significant problem or issue in your field of study. Both high school and college transcripts are required.
Who Should Apply: The Goldwater Scholarship is highly competitive. Almost all Furman winners have had grade-point averages of about 3.90; have had strong, long-term science-connected extracurricular activities and research experience; and plan to earn a Ph.D.
References: Three recommendations are required, at least two of which must be from faculty members in the student’s major. Students who have done collaborative research with a faculty member must have a recommendation from that person.
For More Information: Visit the Goldwater Scholarship website.