Skidmore Scholars in Science and Mathematics (S³M) Program

Thanks in part to a $550,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to recruit students to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), Skidmore has established the Skidmore Scholars in Science and Mathematics (S³M) program. Its focus is on recruiting and supporting financially needy but academically competitive students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

The College will provide two-year scholarships of $10,000 annually to eight students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) with demonstrated financial need. These will result in financial-aid packages with no loan component in the first two years and reduced loans in years three and four. The primary criterion for selection is a strong academic record, not SAT scores. S³M scholars will be selected from those applicants indicating a demonstrated interest in science and/or mathematics.

The S³M program incorporates Skidmore's First-Year Experience; the opportunity to participate in a summer program for rising sophomores that includes an academic program and undergraduate research; academic support such as peer tutoring, study groups, mentoring, and advising; and alumni networks to provide students with an understanding of the multiple paths to graduate study and careers in science.

The application deadline for admission is January 15. For general information, please call 800-867-6007 or inquire by e-mail at admissions@skidmore.edu. Or you may contact Professor of Computer Science Pierre von Kaenel at 518-580-5292 or pvonk@skidmore.edu for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Skidmore offer special scholarships for mathematics and science?
Yes, as well as need-based financial aid, which is available to all eligible students who apply to the College. Skidmore has two programs targeting strong students in science and mathematics—the Porter Presidential Scholarships in Science and Mathematics program and the Skidmore Scholars in Science and Mathematics program, also known as S³M.

You may also want to see Skidmore's science and math brochure online or by contacting Admissions and asking for the brochure: 800-867-6007 or admissions@skidmore.edu.

What's the difference between these two programs?
The Porter program is open to all incoming students with an interest in mathematics or science. The S³M program is supported by the National Science Foundation and is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated financial need. S³M scholarships are particularly targeted at students traditionally underrepresented in science and mathematics. S³M scholars also have the opportunity to participate in a five-week summer science program after their first year at Skidmore. This program will allow students to further explore areas of science and serve as research interns, with ongoing hands-on research projects that involve upper division students and faculty.

Do I need to apply for the scholarships? How does the selection process work?
All scholarship candidates are selected on the strength of their admissions application. A faculty committee determines the awardees from the applicant pool each spring and informs them of their selection by April 1.

Criteria for Porter Scholarships: Candidates must write an essay focused on their interests in science and/or mathematics, the experience(s) that sparked those interests, and what they have done to pursue them. The selection committee will look for a program of study that is heavily weighted in the sciences, a high GPA, high standardized test scores, strongly supportive letters from science/math teachers, and pursuits beyond the classroom.

Criteria for S³M Scholarships: 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 SAT math and 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 science.

How much is each scholarship worth?
The Porter Presidential Scholarships are $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year). The financial-aid packages for S³M scholars may contain up to $10,000 per year of S³M scholarship funds, depending on financial need, and will have no loan component in the first two years, and reduced loans in years three and four.

Can I get a science scholarship and also apply for and receive financial aid?
Yes. Both scholarships programs are open to students who are eligible for financial aid, and the awards will be part of the students financial-aid package. Porter scholarships are available to all students regardless of financial need, while the S³M scholarships are only open to those with demonstrated financial need.

How can I find out more about studying science and mathematics at Skidmore?
We encourage you to visit campus and take one of our special science tours. We also hold a special science admissions open house every fall..

If I have questions about the scholarship programs, where can I find additional information?
For more information, please call 800-867-6007 or inquire by e-mail to  admissions@skidmore.edu. For specific information on the Porter Scholarships, contact Professor of Physics Bill Standish at 518-580-5120 or wstandis@skidmore.edu. For the S³M program, contact Professor of Computer Science Pierre von Kaenel at 518-580-5295 or pvonk@skidmore.edu.