Physics & Astronomy General Scholarship Application -- Undergraduate

Welcome to the Department of Physics & Astronomy General Scholarship application. There are several scholarship opportunities available to current students in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Applications to all opportunities will be evaluated based on a combination of i) academic success, ii) participation in departmental research, teaching, mentoring, and other activities, iii) leadership and engagement in on- or off-campus communities, and iv) need. Thus, students should be sure to address those points in their application materials. Some scholarships have additional criteria or priorities that will require short additional statements as part of the application.

Applicants must be officially-declared Physics or Physics Teaching majors to be eligible for these scholarships (any emphasis). Scholarships are awarded for the 2025-26 academic year. Students graduating in or before Summer 2025 are not eligible.

Thomas J. Parmley Scholarship for Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Walter W. Wada Endowed Scholarship
Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for this scholarship.

Preston J. and Phyllis R. Taylor Scholarship
Priority will be given to students who have overcome obstacles on the way to strong academic achievements.

RJ Hoffman Scientific Passion Scholarship
Priority will be given to students with a biomedical physics emphasis or an applied physics emphasis.

Hanson Continuing Education Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy
Priority will be given to students who are among the first generation in their family to attend college.

Students interested in applying for these scholarships must apply here using the General Application.

Applications must be submitted by February 23, 2025.

Award
Varies
Deadline
02/23/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is your intended major and emphasis (if applicable). What drew you to this degree and what do you hope to do with it?
  2. List any pertinent accomplishments, awards, community involvement, activities, or recognition you have received or engaged in, if any.
  3. How would scholarship funding help you achieve your goals in the College of Science?
  4. Will you be receiving any other scholarships for the upcoming academic year? If so, please list the scholarship name and amount.
  5. Research Involvement
    • Are you involved in undergraduate research at the U or elsewhere? If so, briefly describe your research project and how long you’ve been involved in research.
    • Have you participated in any of these research programs?
    • List the name of your Research Advisor and what department they are in.
  6. Submit your UNOFFICIAL transcript for each school attended (University of Utah and/or other colleges or universities.)
  7. Select your expected date of graduation from the University of Utah.
  8. Letter of Recommendation - Provide a name and Umail address (uXXXXXXX@utah.edu) of a recommender that has agreed to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Your recommender should be a professor in your major or closely allied areas, preferably College of Science faculty.
  9. To be considered for the Don and Rebecca Reese Scholarship in Science Teaching: prepare an essay discussing your commitment to teaching science and/or mathematics in the secondary school system in the State of Utah. (A complete FAFSA application is required for this award).
  10. If you would like to be considered for the Outstanding P&A Student Veteran Award, please provide your branch and years of service. Eligible applicants must meet the State of Utah's definition of veteran: an individual who served in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 180 days: on active duty; or in a reserve component, including the National Guard; or incurred an actual service-related injury or disability while in the Armed Forces regardless of time served; and separated or retired under honorable or general conditions. (If selected, proof of eligible service will be requested.)
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