Eligible are US citizens, permanent residents (Green Card holders), 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.
Each award covers eligible undergraduate expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Goldwater Scholars are eligible for one or two years of support.
Yale applicants may refer questions to Fellowship Programs (meetings by appointment).
To apply for Yale's nomination for the Goldwater, you will need:
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.
A completed application via the Student Grants Database. If you are selected as a nominee you will complete an application via the Goldwater application tool.
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.
Transcripts: For the initial campus competition, applicants may submit unofficial transcripts. However, for the ensuing national competition, nominees will need to request official transcripts from the Yale University Registrar. An official transcript must also be requested from any other institution attended for post-secondary studies (to be sent directly to the Fellowships office). Only one official copy of each transcript is required.
Candidates whose applications are nominated by Yale to go forward to the national competition will have an opportunity to finalize their applications, with advice from the Yale 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.
Check the fellowships calendar for upcoming information sessions about the Goldwater.
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.
Yale applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above. The average GPA of successful Yale Goldwater Scholars is 3.9+.
Computing your GPA:For the 2024 competition, report your GPA through at least the Spring term of 2023. If your GPA for the Fall term of 2023 is available prior to your nomination, please include these grades in the calculation of your GPA. To be eligible, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA through the term you report (based on a 4.0 scale)
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.