Important Application Information & Insights from National Selection Committee Dr. Julia Goldberg, Associate Dean of the College November 7,

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C AREER G OAL In one or two sentences, describe your career goal. Example: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. Conduct research in biomedical science and teach at the university level. You may provide a more detailed description of your career goals. 3

R ESEARCH A CTIVITIES List past and present research activities associated with your interests in mathematics, science, or engineering in which you regularly participate. Explain the duration, degree, and significance of your involvement, including what responsibilities you had in the project. In the absence of formal research experience, describe briefly any other skills or accomplishments, i.e., posters, presentations, publications, etc., significant and relevant to this application. 4

P ROFESSIONAL A SPIRATIONS What are your professional aspirations? Indicate in which area(s) of mathematics, science, or engineering you are considering making your career and specify how your current academic program and your overall educational plans will assist you in achieving this goal. 5

M OTIVATION FOR STEM C AREER Describe an activity or experience that has been important in clarifying or strengthening your motivation for a career in science, mathematics, or engineering. 6

P ERSONAL I NFORMATION Goldwater Scholars will be representative of the diverse economic, ethnic, and occupational backgrounds of families in the United States. Describe any characteristics or other personal information about yourself or your family that you wish to share with the selection committee. 7

P ERSONAL I NFORMATION Personal information is optional. Encouraged to complete this section Personal information is a minor factor compared to major evaluation criteria Level of detail is left to nominee Personal information is never negative in the review Helpful for nominees who have non-traditional background or an inconsistency in the application. Impact of economic or ethnic background Impact of employment as undergraduate 8

R ESEARCH E SSAY : 2 P GS /2-C OLUMN /11 P T F ONT Discuss a significant issue or problem of particular interest. The essay must include a/an: description of the issue or problem, discussion of an idea for research that would have significant impact on the issue or problem, description of an aspect of the research in which you would be involved, explanation of issue/problem’s relevance to you, indication of the collaborative or individual participation in the research, and bibliography/references & illustrations (where appropriate). The essay’s content & style is important! Assume that the reader will have the expertise to read, review, and understand the complexities of the field of specialty. 9

R ECOMMENDATIONS Please evaluate the applicant's: Personal characteristics; Motivation; Potential for a career in STEM. Your evaluation must address: Criteria on which you base your judgments & How the applicant meets your criteria. Provide specific examples that illustrate the applicant's performance, maturity, initiative, and potential. 10

R ECOMMENDATIONS Write a detailed 1-2 page letter. not an application for grad school or a job Concentrate on motivation and potential for a research career. ‘A’ student is assumed avoid ‘turned in assignments on time,’ etc. avoid ‘how difficult my course is,’ etc. OK for nominee to be a ‘nerd * Compare to other students who have gone on to PhD programs and research careers. evaluation at comparable stage of nominee’s career 11

C AMPUS A PPLICATION Deadline: 3 December 2012 Complete application on-line but do not submit through Goldwater Submit separate 2 page Research Essay Letters of Recommendation submitted to Dean Goldberg directly as WORD documents via . 12

C AMPUS A PPLICATION C ON ’ T Campus Selection Committee will nominate up to 4 candidates Revise application (expect multiple revisions) Work closely with Dean Goldberg, Committee, and your faculty as you revise 13

O FFICIAL D EADLINE Materials must be received by 28 January

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