Goldwater Scholarships
2016-2017 Application for University Nomination
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION (from https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org):
A program of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, Goldwater
Scholarships aim to provide a continuing source of highly qualified individuals in the sciences,
mathematics, and engineering. To this end, the foundation awards up to 300 scholarships each year to
rising juniors and seniors who intend to pursue careers in these fields and who have been nominated by
their undergraduate institutions.
Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up
to a maximum of $7,500 annually. Junior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of two
years of scholarship support, and senior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of one
year of scholarship support.
In awarding scholarships, the foundation’s board of trustees will consider the nominee’s field of study and
career objectives and the extent to which that individual has the commitment and potential to make a
significant contribution to his or her field. The foundation expects that most scholars will eventually
pursue advanced degrees. (Students who plan to study medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship
only if they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in a private practice.)
University nomination: Columbia University may nominate a total of four eligible undergraduates for
consideration each year. Students in Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science,
and the School of General Studies who will be current sophomores or juniors at the time of application are
eligible.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Assemble the following materials:
1. A completed application form (see below);
2. A current resume or CV (do not exceed two pages);
3. A current official undergraduate transcript from each postsecondary school you have attended;
4. Essay-typed, 2 pages maximum (1 side only, single or double spaced, font may not be smaller than
11 point). See below for essay prompt.
5. Copy of Permanent Resident card and Letter of Intent to become a U.S. citizen, if applicable.
In addition, please secure to have written on your behalf:
6. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who know enough about you to assess
your personal characteristics, motivation, and potential for a career in mathematics, the natural
sciences, or engineering. At least two recommendations must be from faculty members or
instructors, and at least one of these must be in your field. If you have been involved in research,
one of your recommendations must come from the individual who supervised your work. Your
recommenders should upload their letters directly to the Goldwater Scholarship application
website, following the instructions they will be sent when you register them in your own online
application.
Electronic submissions: Email completed application materials to the Office of Global Programs at
ogpfellowships@columbia.edu (include “Goldwater Application Materials” in the subject field).
References submit electronic letters of recommendation to ogpfellowships@columbia.edu with
“Student Name Goldwater Reference” in the subject field.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, December 15, 2015. The Fellowships Office does not accept
late or incomplete applications. If recommenders anticipate a delay in submitting their letters, please
submit your own materials by the deadline and follow up with your referees afterwards.
CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE APPLICATION FORM.
Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation
2016-2017 Application
PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME (LAST, First):
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CLASS YEAR:
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MAJOR/Concentration:
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UNI:
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GPA (unrounded):
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CITIZENSHIP:
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REFERENCES
Please list the names and titles of your references for the Goldwater Scholarship:
1.
2.
3.
CAREER GOALS
In no more than 200 words, describe your career goal(s), including the highest degree you plan to pursue (e.g. Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D.,
D.V.M./Ph.D.).

PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS
In no more than 200 words describe your professional aspirations. Indicate which area(s) of mathematics, science, or engineering
you are considering pursuing in your research career and specify how your current academic program and your overall educational
plans will assist you in achieving this goal.

PERSONAL STATEMENT OF MOTIVATION
In no more than 200 words describe an activity or experience that has been important in clarifying or strengthening your motivation
for a research career in science, mathematics, or engineering.

PERSONAL INFORMATION (OPTIONAL)
If you wish, please describe, in no more than 200 words any characteristics or other personal information about yourself or your
family that you wish to share

.
Submit completed application no later than
Tuesday, December 15, 2015.
CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR ESSAY INFORMATION.
Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program
2016-2017 Essay
Your essay should discuss a significant issue or problem in your field of study that is of particular interest
to you. Your 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 you
would be involved, and explain the relevance of the issue or problem to you as a mathematician, scientist,
or engineer. The content and style of your essay will be important to the success of your scholarship
application. Assume that your reader is knowledgeable in mathematics, science, and engineering, and will
have the expertise to read, review, and understand the complexities of your field of specialty. If your essay
involves research in which you are or were involved, please indicate if you are or were the sole researcher
or if you collaborated with another individual.
Include a bibliography, references, or illustrations as part of the essay when appropriate, which will be
included in your two pages. Font size may not be smaller than 11 point and your essay must be
typed and confined to two pages (one side only). Additionally, your 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
c. Student’s signature