Overview and Introduction
The purpose of the U-M STEM Research Career Award is to support highly qualified sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD and research career in a STEM field. The scholarship provides up to $10,000.
The scholarship does not require US citizenship; it is open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. The U-M STEM Research Career Award application and letters of recommendation will also be used to select U-M’s nominees for the Goldwater and Astronaut Scholarships from among eligible applicants. Once selected, nominees will be notified and asked to complete the additional application process.
Funding for this scholarship is partially provided by the Mitya.
Gifts to the STEM Research Career Fund sustain this important part of our advising for STEM research opportunities.
Campus Application Deadline: January 12th, 2025 at 11:59pm ET
Eligibility:
- Degree-Level: Sophomore or Junior
- Academics: Most successful applicants will have at least a 3.8 GPA
- Citizenship: No requirement, all welcome to apply
Selection Criteria:
- Academic Achievement: Academic excellence is demonstrated through overall GPA, particularly GPA in STEM major(s), and grades in upper-level STEM courses as well as awards and scholarships that mark the applicant as superlative within the peer group.
- Progress Towards Research Goals: The applicant has well formulated and realistic career goals; preparation is demonstrated by the number and quality of research activities, sustained commitment and original contributions to at least one research project, and/or research courses specifically related to the applicant's goals.
- Quality of Research Essay: The essay demonstrates mastery of technical content, significant contributions to the research design and/or analysis of data, understanding of the future directions for the research. The essay has an appropriate bibliography and organization/grammar.
- Broader Impacts: The applicant has demonstrated commitment to diversity in STEM through outreach, tutoring, mentoring, or science communication activities.
Application Deadlines
- U-M Deadline: January 12th, 2025 at 11:59pm
- Endorsement: U-M based award, applicants apply through U-M system and a winner is chosen. Astronaut and Goldwater do require U-M nomination, however.
Instructions for Prospective Applicants
Prospective applicants should join the U-M Nominated Scholarships Canvas site for an overview of the application, program requirements, additional advising information, and more.
Note: This application is also used to choose nominees to the Goldwater Scholarship and Astronaut Scholarship, which are national awards. Nominees who apply to the STEM RCA and are chosen for one or both will need to complete additional application components.
Application Components
- Several short-answer prompts
- Resume of research activities
- Resume of non-research activities
- Transcript(s)
- 3-page research essay
- 3 letters of recommendation
