USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards

Eligibility

• Be a full-time undergraduate student attending an accredited four-year college or university in the United States when the award is received, or meet the special eligibility requirements for designated non-U.S. USRA member universities.
• Major in science or engineering, including life sciences or science education, with application to space science or aerospace engineering.
• Be within two years of earning a B.S. or B.A. in an eligible field when the award is received.
• Have at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA.
• For U.S. institutions, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Previous USRA scholarship winners are not eligible.

Requirements

• Complete the online USRA scholarship application.
• Submit a career-goals statement of fewer than 600 words.
• Submit a leadership and broader-impact statement of fewer than 325 words.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Ensure at least one recommendation comes from a college-level professor, mentor, or school official.
• Submit college transcripts showing at least two years of college credit.
• Submit a resume or CV of no more than two pages.

How to Apply

1. 1Confirm that you are within two years of completing an eligible science or engineering bachelor's degree.
2. 2Verify a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50.
3. 3Prepare the career-goals and leadership statements.
4. 4Request two recommendation letters well before the separate recommendation deadline.
5. 5Gather transcripts from your current institution and applicable transfer institutions.
6. 6Prepare a resume or CV of no more than two pages.
7. 7Complete the online application before the student deadline.
8. 8Follow up with both recommenders to ensure their letters arrive before the recommendation deadline.