Science /Mathematics Scholarships
Porter Presidential Scholarships in Science and Mathematics

Established in 1998 in honor of Skidmore's fifth president, David H. Porter, the Porter Presidential Scholarship in Science and Mathematics supports up to five students annually and is awarded on the basis of superior accomplishment and exceptional promise in science and mathematics, without regard to financial need. Each Porter Scholar is awarded a $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 per year).

While scholarship recipients are not required to major in a scientific or mathematical discipline, they must take at least one course in math or science each semester and pursue at least one significant research project or independent study with a member of the Skidmore science and mathematics faculty.

Porter Scholars are automatically considered for membership in Skidmore's Honors Forum, a supportive intellectual community for highly motivated students. Honors Forum offerings range from Honors-designated courses to special lectures, field trips, and even housing choices that foster intellectual and social interaction among ambitious and talented students.

Applicants who wish to be considered for the Porter Scholarship must respond to the science/math essay question on the Skidmore Supplement to the Common Application.

Candidates for the Porter Scholarship are selected on the strength of their admissions applications, with emphasis on course work in science and math, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and pursuits in these areas beyond the classroom. A faculty committee selects the awardees from the applicant pool each spring and informs them of their selection with their decision letter in late March.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like more information about the Porter Scholarships, please feel free to contact Professor of Physics William Standish at 518-580-5122 or at wstandish@skidmore.edu.

SKIDMORE SCHOLARS IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS (S³M SCHOLARSHIP)

The S³M Scholars program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation and supports up to eight students annually. In order to be eligible for this program. Students must show demonstrated financial need and must be U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents. Students in the S³M program receive financial aid packages with no loan component in the first two years and with reduced loans in years three and four.

S³M Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in a five-week summer program the summer after their first year that includes an academic program and undergraduate research. The summer program is at no cost to the student. Skidmore College provides free room, board, and housing for the five-week period. The S³M program also incorporates academic support such as peer tutoring, study groups, mentoring, and advising. It also offers alumni networks to provide students with an understanding of the multiple paths to graduate study and careers in science.

While scholarship recipients are not required to major in a scientific or mathematical discipline, they must take at least one course in math or science each semester.

Applicants who wish to be considered for the S³M Scholarship must respond to the science/math essay question on the Skidmore Supplement to the Common Application.

Candidates for the S³M Scholarships are selected on the strength of their high school performance. A program of study that is heavily weighted in the sciences, a high GPA, strongly supportive letters from science/math teachers, and evidence of passion from an applicant's essay and/or interview. Participation in extracurricular science activities (e.g. science fair competitions, math club, engagement in science enrichment, or research experience over summers), high math SAT or ACT scores, SAT II scores, and strong AP test scores will also be taken into account, but will not be the primary measure for consideration. Preference will be given to groups traditionally underrepresented in mathematics and sciences. A faculty committee selects awardees from the applicant pool each spring and informs them of their selection with their decision letter in late March.

Preference in selection is given to groups underrepresented in science and mathematics. S³M Scholars are also offered a summer undergraduate research opportunity after their first year. The primary criterion for selection in the S³M program is a strong academics record, not necessarily high SAT or ACT standardized testing scores.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like more information about the S³M Scholarships, please feel free to contact Professor of Computer Science Pierre von Kaenel at 518-580-5292 or pvonk@skidmore.edu. You may also learn more about the scholarship programs on our Web site at xxxxxxx.