Follow SPS on:

Recipients by year: 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 & Previous

Application Form   Scholarship Flyer (PLEASE POST)

Purpose

The purpose of the Society of Physics Students Scholarships is to encourage the study of physics and the pursuit of high scholarship.

Award

SPS scholarships consist of a top award of $5,000, and a number of $2,000 awards, which are intended for physics majors in the latter stages of their undergraduate careers.

Basis of Selection

In determining the recipients, the SPS Scholarship Committee shall consider:

1. high scholarship performance both in physics and overall studies,
2. the exhibition of the potential and intention for continued scholastic development in physics, and
3. active participation in SPS programs.

Eligibility

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students applying in at least their junior year (except for two-year college applicants who should apply after completing one semester of physics). Students who expect to complete their bachelor's degree in physics in the spring or summer following the February 15 deadline should not apply for these scholarships. Only Society of Physics Students members are eligible.

Applications

Application forms can be obtained online, or from SPS Chapter Advisors. Applications, and all supporting materials, must be postmarked on or before February 15 and must be sent to SPS Scholarships Committee, Society of Physics Students, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740; via email to sps@aip.org subject: SPS Scholarship Application; via fax to (301) 209-0839

Announcement of Scholarships

The recipients of the Society of Physics Students Scholarships will be announced in April. Notification will be sent to all other applicants shortly thereafter.

Note: Awardees will be required to submit a completed W-9 federal tax form before funds dispersal—download form at: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Filling Out the Application Form

This application form must be completely filled out in ink or by computer. Additional sheets may be inserted as needed; these must by 8 1/2" x 11" sheets. Place your name at the top of each sheet and insert within the application. The applicant mails this form to SPS Scholarship Committee.

What not to do

• Do not send a resume.
• Do not send published papers, newspaper clippings, or other items not specifically requested.
• Do not send a photograph. (One will be requested if you are selected).
• Do not expound on the plight of the world (Question 14) but describe your own plans and what you intend to do.

Transcript

An official, certified, current transcript must be sent directly to the SPS Scholarship Committee by your college or university.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters from at least two full-time members of the faculty must be filed in support of your application. These faculty members should know you and your qualifications. A copy of the SPS Scholarship flier from the SPS Information Book should be given to the faculty members writing a letter of recommendation to inform them of the basis of selection of the recipient. They should comment on you in light of each of the three criteria.

These letters are to be forwarded directly to the SPS Scholarship Committee by their authors. The application is not complete until these letters are received by the SPS Scholarship Committee.

Application Deadline

The application and all supporting information must be postmarked on or before February 15, but the earlier, the better. Transcripts require time for processing before they are mailed. Asking faculty members for their letters of recommendation early will avoid putting them under time pressure and will work to the applicant's advantage. It is recommended that ordinary first-class mail be used; it is not necessary to use special delivery or express mail. If acknowledgement of the receipt of the application is desired, please enclose a self-addressed postcard.

Checklist