Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is one of the most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States. It seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the nation’s next generation of research leaders in these fields.
The characteristics the Foundation seeks in a Goldwater Scholar include:
- strong commitment to a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering,
- effective display of intellectual intensity in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, and
- potential for a significant future contribution to research in their chosen field.
Deadlines
- Pre-Application: October 1
(Application Opens September 3) - Goldwater Application to Seek Nomination: November 15
- Goldwater Foundation’s submission deadline: Last Friday in January (5:00 p.m. Central Time)
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Goldwater Scholarship
By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields.
Scholarship Process Map
This is a general Goldwater Scholarship workflow scenario. Though Wake Forest Goldwater application process may vary slightly, this outlines the overall application process.
General Guidance for Applicants
A competitive application requires planning, attention to detail, and sufficient time to work with individuals who can support the student’s application. All applicants need to plan appropriately.
- Be a matriculated sophomore or junior and be a full-time matriculated student during the academic terms when receiving scholarship support from the Foundation.
- Intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics, or engineering.
- Have a college grade point average of at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. Permanent residents must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card.
Wake Forest may only nominate a handful of students for the Goldwater Scholarship each year. Interested applicants must submit a full Goldwater application and one letter of recommendation to the Selection Committee, who will determine which students move forward as nominees each year.
Deadlines
- Complete the Goldwater Pre-Application by October 1.
- Complete the Goldwater Application by November 15.
- Campus Interviews will take place in late November.
- Submit a Goldwater Scholarship Pre-Application by October 1
- Once you submit, your student profile and pre-application are shared with the WF Goldwater Advisor, who will give you access to the full online application.
- Complete the Goldwater Application by November 15 to be considered for WFU nomination.
- 1 Letter of Recommendation by November 15.
- Nominees will be notified of selection by early December and will work with the WF Goldwater Advisor to polish their applications for the Goldwater Scholarship Foundation deadline.
For general questions, email WF Goldwater Advisor Morgan Alexander-Coster, alexanm@wfu.edu, or schedule a meeting.
For more detailed information, come to upcoming information sessions or visit the Goldwater Scholarship website!
Information Sessions
Upcoming Info Sessions
WFU Goldwater Information Session
Tuesday, September 24 at 6pm
Salem Hall Room 202
Please RSVP by September 23 to ensure we have an accurate headcount!
Past Wake Forest Recipients
View List of Recipients
- Cassandra Hung, 2024
- Elena Singer-Freeman, 2024
- Shelby Horth, 2023
- John Billos, 2022
- Landon Bradshaw, 2022
- Joseph McCalmon, 2021
- Ashley Peake, 2021
- Samuel Schwartz, 2021
- Hannah Scanlon, 2020
- Robert Bradford III, 2019
- Noah Meyer, 2019
- Fernando Rigal, 2019
- Dylan King, 2018
- Elizabeth Sarkel, 2017
- Angela Harper, 2016
- Alec Christian, 2013
- Claire McLellan, 2011
- Melissa Donaldson, 2009
- Christopher Jackson, 2007
- James Nelli, 2007
- Emily N. Leonhardt, 2005
- Sarah C. Hubbard, 2003
- Cynthia L. Gillikin, 2002
- Daniel J. Durand, 2000
- Neil R. Claussen, 1995
- John H. Tart, 1994
- Alexander S. Crowell, 1992
- Allison M. Simon, 1992
- Jennifer M. Deang, 1990
Cassandra Hung (’26) Named Goldwater Scholar
Cassi Hung is an applied mathematics and statistics major from West Chester, Pennsylvania, and a Stamps Scholar. Her research work with psychology professor Veronica Cole and statistics professor Sarah Lotspeich helped her to see how quantitative methods can be applied across disciplines.
Elena Singer-Freeman (’25) Named Goldwater Scholar
Elena Singer-Freeman is a biochemistry and molecular biology major from Darien, Connecticut. Her research focuses on the developmental mechanisms of limb regeneration. She plans to pursue an MD-PhD to both help patients and advance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of their illnesses.
Shelby Horth (’24) Awarded Goldwater Scholarship
A native of Kohler, Wisconsin, Shelyb Horth is one of only 48 students selected whose research focuses on mathematics and computer science. She plans to pursue a doctorate in imaging science – an interdisciplinary academic discipline that looks at the design and optimization of imaging systems to improve information-gathering and solve scientific problems.