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Who is eligible to be chosen as a Beckman Scholar ?

Do not think "Oh I'd never win a scholarship" or "These scholarships are already targeted for those students who win all the other scholarships", because you may be WRONG! While GPA is considered, it is by no means the main only factor considered in our selection process. A strong enthusiastic interest in research and an aptitude for original thought are the most important things that you will need. In addition to choosing Beckman Scholars, we also place most finalists and many semi-finalists in research groups and nominate many applicants for other scholarships.

You must satisfy all of the following conditions to be eligible:

• You need to be a UT Austin undergraduate.
• You should have credit for or be registered in CH302.
• You must be in good academic standing; i.e., no probation
• You must be a US citizen, or permanent resident at the time of application
• You must not be planning to graduate until the Spring of the Scholar period (meaning Spring 2016) at the earliest. It is generally expected that students in their Junior or Sophomore year will be most suitable for this program; however Freshman and Seniors are also encouraged to apply.

If you are chosen as a Beckman Scholar, you must also be willing to make the following commitments for the fifteen months of the programme:

• To continue to be in good academic standing
• To commit yourself to a program that will last two full summers plus the intervening fall and spring semesters. You may complete your second summer following a spring graduation.
• To be registered as a full-time student during the fall and spring semesters of the programme, including registration for research credit.
• To spend at least 10 hours in the research lab each week during the fall and spring semesters of the programme, and at least 40 hours in the research lab each week during the two summers of the programme.
• To work towards your own independant research project, aiming for publication in a scientific journal.
• To attend the Beckman Scholar symposium in the first summer, and attend and present your research at the annual UT CNS Research Forum, at a national conference during the spring, and the Beckman Scholar Symposium in the second summer.