Realism, or reaching for the stars

[Null_]

The Goldwater scholarship application is approaching, and I think it's an excellent opportunity. However, I have a GPA less than the average of 3.95 (but above 3.8), have published no papers (but have been researching since late July), and all around am not a highly motivated individual. I'm also a sophomore.

Is the application process worth it? It seems very intense, and I don't want to spend a whole lot of time on it if I don't have at least a 50% chance. Thoughts?

 

[mathwonk]

If you like certainty, the only sure thing to say is this: if you do not apply you have a 100% chance of not getting it.

 

[Rockoz]

If you like certainty, the only sure thing to say is this: if you do not apply you have a 100% chance of not getting it.

Great post.

 

[romsofia]

What's the worst that happens? They don't pick you.
I say go for it, because if the application process is intensive then maybe it'll help you for the future when applying to other selective programs.

Good luck.

 

[Nano-Passion]

Great post.

Agreed.

The Goldwater scholarship application is approaching, and I think it's an excellent opportunity. However, I have a GPA less than the average of 3.95 (but above 3.8), have published no papers (but have been researching since late July), and all around am not a highly motivated individual. I'm also a sophomore.

Is the application process worth it? It seems very intense, and I don't want to spend a whole lot of time on it if I don't have at least a 50% chance. Thoughts?

3.95gpa is less than average? We aren't talking of a 4.0 grading system are we?

 

[Timo]

I don't know what a GPA is, but Null_ said that 3.95 is the average (not below it), presumably taken over the people being granted a Goldwater scholarship (whatever that is).