LoginsGoldwater eligibility and years of support turn on a handful of precisely defined terms. These are the definitions the Foundation uses.
Sophomore
An undergraduate who has a minimum of three but not more than four semesters left of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2026. A sophomore who is awarded a Goldwater Scholarship can expect to receive a maximum of two years (4 semesters) of support.
Junior
An undergraduate who has a minimum of one but not more than two semesters left of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2026. A junior who is awarded a Goldwater Scholarship can expect to receive a maximum of one year (2 semesters) of support.
Transfer student
A student who began their college career at a 2- or 4-year college or university other than the academic institution that is nominating the student. An associate degree or a minimum amount of time in residence at another institution is not required. High school students who have taken college classes prior to enrolling in a college degree-granting program are not considered to be transfer students.
U.S. veteran
According to 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), the term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
Current address
The mailing address you use when you are at school — the address at which you expect to receive mail. This is the address the Goldwater Scholarship Foundation and Scholarship America will use to mail you correspondence.
Legal address
The address you use to vote. The Foundation uses this address to notify your Congressional House and Senate members of your receipt of a Goldwater Scholarship. Members of the House and Senate are also notified if you attend an academic institution in their district or state.