Weight of Goldwater Scholarship in Admissions

[shostakovich13]

Hey, y'all,

 

Was just wondering how much--if at all--winning the Goldwater Scholarship affects your application. I'll be looking at "top" immunology/virology programs, with a decent GPA (3.75+).

 

DANKE!

[SciencePerson101]

It doesn't.... If you apply to top 10 schools there are ton of people with 4.0 gpa and perfect gre and multiple research experiences with publications and countless awards and they still get rejected. Look for research fit rather than name plz and you will be happier. (and yes i got into harvard and yale this cycle)

Edited March 27, 2014 by SciencePerson101

[spaceimmunology]

Yeah, it's a nice line on your resume, but it won't be a factor that is really taken into any consideration. If you're scores to good enough and your essay compelling enough then you'll get an interview regardless. And if you get an interview, then your grasp of your work and your research interests and overall fit will be far more important. 

[wishfulthinking2]

Of course it helps! Also, presumably because you can write a decent application and have research experience. Awards etc. are something like a stamp of preapproval, meaning that others have recognized and acknowledged your abilities and promise.

[sciguy]

I think it will help.  Goldwaters are not easy to come by!  I think it definitely will be more than a "nice line on your resume."

[username1824]

I think if you won the Goldwater, you have good research experience, a good GPA, and outstanding letters. It also probably means you write well. That all means you're probably an outstanding candidate for grad schools. I applied for the Goldwater, was nominated by my school, didn't win, and still was accepted to top schools in my field. So if you won the Goldwater already, I think you'll have your choice of school.

[bsharpe269]

I agree with the people who say that it doesn't matter and research fit does. You'll be accepted to the "top" schools who your research fits well with and rejected by those who don't fit well.