The Barry M. Goldwater scholarship was initiated by the Congress in 1986. This was done to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater who spent 30 years in the U.S. Senate. This scholarship program is one of the most eminent national scholarships. This scholarship is being awarded to engineering,science and math students who want to pursue careers in these fields. This scholarship is distinct since it awards money to college sophomores and juniors pursuing one the fields of expertise mentioned. Usually most scholarships are awarded to high school seniors. An estimated 300 students will receive the scholarship every year. The amount of $7,500 is the maximum a student can receive in an academic year. There are two qualifications for this scholarship namely: a significant merit to qualify and a one's financial need. The first priority would be the students with high GPAs. As for the actual amount given, it is based on one's financial need. So the more needy a student is, most likely he or she will receive more financial aid.

The competition is very tough for this scholarship. Universities or colleges must nominate students for this scholarship. Also, they can only nominate four students every year. The most number of students who received this scholarship is Princeton. This definitely attested its intense and exemplary programs in science. The body that determines which nominees will receive the scholarship award is the Foundation Board of Trustees. They assess everything in a nominees application: field of study, interests, career objectives and other merits that can help determine the level of impact of that student in the fields of math, engineering and science. The main objective of the scholarship is to develop and help contribute more brilliant minds in those fields. Also, make the United States formidable in those areas of study. Grades are highly considered for this scholarship that is why interested students should strive hard in maintaining high GPAs. Also, they are encouraged to take as many advanced classes in math and science in high school in order to be competitive. It is important that they college preference has a strong math and science programs. Once a student is nominated, he or she must be honest and consistent with his or her career objectives. One must be able to verbalize his or her future contributions to his or her chosen field of expertise. This will not always guarantee a 100% success rate. What it can assure is that being able to justify one's need and contribution to the fields of math, science and engineering can greatly help in the committee's selection process.