Office of Fellowships Goldwater Overview

Who is eligible?

The Goldwater Foundation foundation lists the following as eligibility requirements: 

1. An applicant must have/be a United States citizen or national, or a permanent resident (permanent residents must be able to furnish proof of possession of a Permanent Resident Card, or "Green Card"; 
2. They must be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior (become familiar with their classification); 
3. Possess at least a “B” average or the equivalent (a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale); 
4. They must intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics, or engineering (The natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics fields and sub-fields used by the Goldwater Foundation to determine eligibility are those used by the National Science Foundation for its Graduate Research Fellowship Program. These include: Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology. For further subdivisions within this field, click here). 

Does this application require endorsement by the college?

Yes. The College may nominate four students each year, plus a fifth if that student is a transfer or a U.S. veteran. Each applicant submits their complete application (and requests recommendations to be submitted) by the internal deadline. The applications are then reviewed by a faculty committee, after which the Director of Fellowships notifies the students as to whether or not they have been chosen for endorsement. 

How much funding is awarded and how can I use it?

The Foundation awards up to 300 undergraduate scholarships annually on the basis of merit to sophomores and juniors who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500.00 annually (non-transferable between years). Rising junior scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of two years of scholarship support; rising seniors for a maximum of one year. Scholars may opt to study abroad, but their Goldwater funding will be based on their US institution’s budget. Scholars must consult with the Foundation prior to signing up for an overseas program. In addition to the funding, Goldwater Scholars join a network of Scholars and may participate in regional meetups, and informational webinars on grad school, careers, and fellowships.

 Watch this video featuring Goldwater President John Mateja and Goldwater Scholars to learn more about the benefits of applying to and becoming a Goldwater Scholar. 

Who from Amherst has won this award?

Since 2020, six Amherst students have been selected as Goldwater Scholars. As you think about your own candidacy, read applications from some of our recent winners: Clare Macero '25; Rachel Hendrickson '25; Alexander Del Franco '24,; Justin Su '24; Cailin Plunkett '23; Jacqueline Shen '23; Ethan Spingarn '23; Helena Treiber '23E; Hyery Yoo '22; Jea Adams '21

What is the Goldwater Scholarship history and mission?

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

What if I plan to become an MD? Am I still eligible?

If you plan to become a practicing physician who is not also doing research, you are not eligible. If, however, you plan to pursue an MD/PhD and do research informed by a practice, you are. Your clinical practice must be in service of your research goals, and you will need to explain how this is the case in the application.