Scholarships •

Complete guide to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is a prestigious award for college sophomores and juniors studying science, math, and engineering.

Barry Goldwater Scholarship logo

This guide will cover all that you should know about the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, how you can apply, and how much financial support you can get.

We’ll also discuss a few other scholarships you could be eligible for.

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What is the Barry Goldwater Scholarship?

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986 in memory of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served in the Senate for 30 years. It offers awards to current college sophomores and juniors who want to study natural sciences, math, and engineering.

Successful applicants can receive a maximum of $7,500 per academic year for 1 or 2 years, depending on the year in which they receive the award. The funds can be applied to tuition, fees, books, room, and board.

Barry Goldwater

How to apply for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Let’s look at what you need to know before you apply for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.

Eligibility requirements

Before you apply for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, make sure you meet these requirements:

  • Be a full-time sophomore or junior college student.

  • Plan to pursue a research career in mathematics, a natural science, or engineering.

  • Have a college GPA of at least 3.0.

  • Be a US citizen, a US national, or a permanent resident.

The application

The Barry Goldwater Scholarships accepts applications through its website. Here’s how it works.

  • Step 1. Read about the program and the application on the scholarship’s website.

  • Step 2. Create an account.

  • Step 3. Complete the application. You’ll have to complete and provide:

    • Applicant information

    • Student questionnaire

    • Research essay

    • 3 letters of recommendation

    • Transcripts

    • Institutional nomination form

Take care to fill out the application as completely as possible. Also, make sure to put effort into your research essay and choose people to write your letters of recommendation who can provide a strong reference. These documents are your opportunity to show your personality and connect with the awarding committee.

Important dates to remember

If you’re applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, here are some important dates that you should know:

  • Applications open: First Tuesday in September

  • Local campus deadlines: Early September to Late January

  • Nomination submission deadline: Last Friday in January

  • Applications reviewed: Late February

  • Awards decided: Mid-March

  • Awardees announced: Last Friday in March

Other scholarships like the Barry Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship targets students with strong academics and who are planning to study some specific subjects. It also requires that applicants already be in college.

If you have a strong academic record, some similar awards include:

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