Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships

Since 1988, fifty-two Duke students have been recipients of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based award for undergraduates who plan careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering.

Once again, Duke has been asked to nominate candidates for the Barry M. Goldwater scholarship which provides up to $7,500 per year for one or two years of college study. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of academic excellence and demonstrated potential for a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Applicants must be United States citizens or resident aliens in their sophomore or junior year in college. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation expects to award 300 scholarships each year and to distribute awards among residents of all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories. Duke may nominate four individuals for this year's competition.

Previous winners of this award from Duke have shown the following characteristics:

1.    An outstanding academic record--overall GPA above 3.8 which is substantially higher than the minimum GPA required by the Goldwater Foundation.

2.    Excellent grades in rigorous science and mathematics courses.

3.    Previous research experience, employment in a research setting, or participation in science-oriented activities during college; documentation of one or more of these activities with a letter of recommendation in the final application.

4.    Well written responses to the requests for specific information on the final application.

In order to meet the selection calendar recently announced by the Foundation, the Goldwater Scholarship Committee at Duke will review preliminary applications in late October and November (see schedule below for dates). Selected semifinalists will be invited to complete final applications with additional written material and letters of recommendation.

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION: Students who wish to be considered for nomination by the Goldwater Scholarship Committee at Duke must submit, usually by early November, see this year's deadline. A preliminary application which consists of the following:

1.    Cover page with your name, social security number, e-mail address, local mailing address and telephone number, permanent mailing address and telephone number, year of matriculation and expected date of graduation from Duke, and your specific advanced degree and career objectives. Note: Advanced degrees are those beyond the baccalaureate level.

2.    List of activities and achievements including those in science and mathematics in college and high school.

3.    Official transcript. On the transcript request form available at the Registrar's Office, please specify that the transcript should be addressed to the Goldwater Scholarship Committee and that it be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows (see address below).

The materials should be delivered to:
c/o Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows
Duke University, 103 West Duke Building
Box 90736, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0736
Telephone: (919) 660-3070;
Fax: (919) 681-7059
e-mail: ousf@duke.edu

Please note that official communications about this scholarship will be accomplished via e-mail.

A full description of the Scholarship is available on-line at the Goldwater Home Page
http://www.act.org/goldwater