The U.S Presidential Scholars Program

The Presidential Scholars Program is a national recognition program for exceptional scholars. The program selects students based on SAT or ACT scores, or other criteria. In addition to academic excellence, candidates must also demonstrate exceptional creative writing and arts skills. Applicants may apply to the program for either the General or Presidential components. The Presidential Scholars Program partners with a variety of recognition organizations to help students gain access to the program and advance their education.

Nominations

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is an honor bestowed on students who excel in academics, community service, and the arts. The selection committee selects a few scholars each year based on their academic performance, leadership abilities, and other criteria, including their essay-writing skills. Thousands of candidates apply each year. The Presidential Scholars are chosen by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, which sets academic standards and selects them based on those scores. The program also hosts a National YoungArts Week.

The US Presidential Scholars Program recognizes exceptional students with excellent academic performance and demonstrated ability in a career or technical education field. To be considered, students must be high school seniors participating in a CTE program. Nominations from local education agencies are encouraged. To submit a nomination, please complete and submit the Nomination Form, secured file transfer, and other information required. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2019.

CTE component

Several factors play a significant role in the selection of Presidential Scholars. Besides the academic achievement, the applicants are also evaluated based on their personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities. In addition, they are asked to write an essay. The Presidential Scholars Program selects up to 161 individuals every year. They are then honored at a national recognition program.

To be selected as a Presidential Scholar, candidates must submit candidacy materials including essays, secondary school reports, and transcripts. During the review process, candidates are evaluated on their academic achievements, personal qualities, leadership activities, and analytical writing. The Commission on Presidential Scholars then selects 60 CTE semifinalists in late March and names up to 20 Presidential Scholars from these 60.

Application process

The process to become a Presidential Scholar is very rigorous. Each year, a commission comprised of eminent private citizens, appointed by the President, selects between six and twenty students from each state and the District of Columbia. The Commission then selects the final 121 Scholars, a male and a female, from these semifinalists. The Scholars are selected in April each year and represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The selection committee considers all factors that will influence the final selection.

To apply, students must fill out an application form describing their academic interests, extracurricular activities, leadership activities, and athletic achievements. Once the form is completed, students are then considered semifinalists and will be asked to submit a short essay on a photo that relates to their interest. Students should write from a unique perspective in order to make their essay stand out.