Requirements

Open to:

• Cornell Undergraduate Students

GPA Requirements:

Minimum GPA: 3.80

Sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens with stated intent to obtain U.S. citizenship. Students' ultimate educational goal should be the Ph.D.; the competition is not appropriate for students intending to go to medical school.

Application Information:

Interested Cornell applicants should first carefully read all the information given on the official Goldwater website, as well as the Cornell application information here. To begin the process of being considered for a Cornell nomination complete a pre-application on the Goldwater site. Applicants will then submit application materials in the Goldwater application site for consideration by the Cornell endorsement committee.

Cornell applicants may refer questions to Krista Saleet (meetings by appointment).

To apply for Cornell's nomination for the Goldwater, you will need:

1. Three letters of recommendation: One must be written by a faculty member in the applicant's field of study and one by another person who can discuss the applicant's potential for a career in mathematics, engineering or the natural sciences. If the applicant has been involved in research, one evaluation must be from the individual who supervised the applicant's work.  The lead recommender should be the mentor of the project about which you write your research essay.
2. A completed application via the Goldwater application portal.
3. Research Essay – typed and confined to three pages. The essay should discuss a significant issue or problem in the applicant's field of study that is of particular interest to her/him. This essay must include a description of the issue or problem, discuss an idea for research that could have significant impact on the issue or problem, describe an aspect of the research in which the applicant would be involved (or, ideally, has been involved already), and explain the relevance of the issue or problem to the applicant as a mathematician, scientist, or engineer. The content and style of the essay will be important to the success of the scholarship application, as it should demonstrate the applicant's ability to think and to write as a researcher. Assume that the reader is knowledgeable in mathematics, science, and engineering, and will have the expertise to read, review, and understand the complexities of the applicant's field of specialty. If the essay describes research in which the applicant is or was involved (as it should, ideally), the role of the applicant should be specified: sole researcher or collaborator with another individual involved. Include a bibliography, references, or illustrations, when appropriate, as part of the essay. Essays should be single spaced and use 12 point or larger Arial font and must not exceed 3 pages. The essay must include the following identifying information at the top of each page: a) Student’s Name & b) Name of student’s college or university. Single or double column format may be used.
4. Transcripts: Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts. An unofficial transcript must also be requested from any other institution attended for post-secondary studies (to be sent directly to ccs-fellowships@cornell.edu). Only one official copy of each transcript is required.

Candidates whose applications are nominated by Cornell to go forward to the national competition will have an opportunity to finalize their applications, with advice from the Cornell endorsement committee, in advance of the national deadline in late January.  Following the national selection process, the new class of Goldwater Scholars, together with Honorable Mentions, are normally announced in late March. 

Selection decisions (both on-campus and at the national level) are based on these criteria:

• Academic record: A high GPA (above 3.8), evidence of "intellectual intensity" as shown by early participation in graduate courses, and research outside the classroom make a strong record. Presentations on campus or at conferences indicate the potential to make a contribution to the field.
• Commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering: Internships, research, and related employment strengthen a student's application. Students should also have shown involvement in math/science/engineering student or professional organizations.
• Three letters of recommendation: Evaluations must be from faculty members or research supervisors who can discuss your potential for a career in math/science/engineering. A letter from an employer who has supervised your research is welcome. At least one letter must be from faculty in your field of study. NOTE: Letters of Recommendation should be no more than tow pages, have one-inch margins on all sides, be single spaced, use 12 point font and be printed on letterhead.

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible are US citizens, resident aliens, or US nationals who are current full-time sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in mathematics, engineering or the natural sciences. It is expected that Goldwater Scholars will pursue advanced degrees and research-oriented careers. Candidates who intend to study medicine (e.g. an MD/PhD) are eligible only if they plan a career in research rather than a career in medical practice.

Cornell applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above. The average GPA of successful Cornell Goldwater Scholars is 3.8+.

In selecting the award recipients, the candidate's field of study and career objectives will be considered, as will the extent to which the candidate has demonstrated the commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to their field. Financial need is not a criterion for selection.

Restrictions to Use of Award:

This Scholarship is only for students hoping to pursue PhD research careers in STEM fields.

Contact: 

For more information, contact Krista Saleet at ks2334@cornell.edu.