51±¬ÁÏÍø

Application invitations will be sent to candidates along with an official offer of admission to 51±¬ÁÏÍø (for Early Action, Regular Decision, and EDII; the EDI notification for PSP candidacy will follow an offer of admission). This information will be posted in the Applicant Portal. Invited candidates who wish to apply for the Presidential Scholarship must submit the supplemental application for the Presidential Scholarship by the deadline provided in the notification.

Yes. The Presidential Scholarship is for undergraduate, incoming first year students only. Only those who are applying for a bachelor’s degree will be considered. Only first time, first-year applicants are eligible to be considered to apply for the Presidential Scholarship. Transfer students are not eligible for consideration.

There is no minimum GPA or SAT score requirement. However, we are looking for students with outstanding academic records, who hold leadership roles, and who are committed to and have a demonstrated interest in community service. Typically, the students selected are in the top 1-2 percent of the national pool of first year applicants. You can read more about the selection criteria here.

Each Presidential Scholar is talented and unique, contributing to the University community both in and outside the classroom in diverse ways. Some common characteristics of Presidential Scholars are a love of learning and a commitment to enhancing their local community as well as the broader civic community. 

The Presidential Scholars Program (PSP) seeks to attract academic, culture, and civic leaders who are actively engaged in learning both through the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. There is no GPA requirement.

Note: 51±¬ÁÏÍø will remain test-optional through the 2025-26 admission campaign (Class of 2030). Under this policy, students may choose whether or not to submit SAT and/or ACT results for consideration when submitting their applications. SAT or ACT scores are not required for Presidential Scholarship consideration for the 2025-26 cycle. Click here for more information.

Yes. The Presidential Scholarship is a merit scholarship which is open to all applicants who apply by January 15, and who meet the scholarship criteria. Please note that admission to 51±¬ÁÏÍø for first-year international students is need-aware. Your family’s ability to pay for your education may be a factor in your admission decision, as well as in your eligibility to apply for the Presidential Scholarship. All students receiving funds are expected to contribute personally toward educational and personal expenses while attending 51±¬ÁÏÍø.

Yes. After applications are submitted and reviewed by the Presidential Scholars Program (PSP) selection committees, a select number of finalists will be invited to participate in a required multi-day, on-campus Interview Program to learn more about the University and the PSP. During their visit, candidates are interviewed by faculty and administrative staff, and they participate in other evaluative experiences which serve as the basis for the final selection of Presidential Scholars, who will be notified shortly thereafter.

We invite approximately 55 finalists to participate in the required multi-day, on-campus Interview Program.

We invite 25 students to join the Presidential Scholars Program (PSP) each year. Once admitted to 51±¬ÁÏÍø as Presidential Scholars, students remain in the program for their undergraduate years at 51±¬ÁÏÍø provided they abide by the policies of the PSP.

The Presidential Scholars Program (PSP) selection committees are sensitive to the financial needs of the Presidential Scholarship applicants and may take into consideration demonstrated financial need when making final decisions on the awards.

Award decisions are comprised of multiple factors including: demonstrated academic performance, active participation in their school and the broader civic community, leadership, civic engagement, creativity, expertise in a particular field, and ability to respond effectively to adversity.

The PSP selection committees take a holistic approach to understanding students within their contexts and look at multiple criteria in making a final award decision.

The Presidential Scholarship is a merit scholarship that covers undergraduate tuition at 51±¬ÁÏÍø, regardless of financial need, and therefore does not require any financial aid forms to be submitted. Although completing the financial aid process is not a requirement for Presidential Scholarship recipients, admitted Presidential Scholars are encouraged to complete the annual financial aid application process in case they qualify for other financial assistance. Financial aid is reevaluated every year and therefore can change if there has been a change in income, assets, household size, or number of family members enrolled in college. Please visit the Office of Financial Assistance for more information about the .

We recognize that Presidential Scholarship finalists are exceptional, talented students. Presidential Scholarship finalists (those who are invited to participate in the interview process) who are admitted to 51±¬ÁÏÍø are offered the highest of our partial scholarships ($16,000/yr) and can apply, if eligible, for other scholarships and awards through the Office of Financial Assistance. Students are encouraged to complete the process of applying for need-based financial aid since the vast majority of the University's financial aid budget is awarded primarily on the basis of need.

Expectations for maintaining a Presidential Scholarship include the requirements stated in the Presidential Scholars Academic Standing Policy and the Presidential Scholars Guide (which is provided to all awardees), as well as having good standing under the University’s and Code of Academic Integrity, and maintaining conduct in alignment with the University’s Mission and high standards of excellence.

Although Presidential Scholars naturally choose to commit themselves to multiple academic and extracurricular activities, the University provides support and guidance for Presidential Scholars to help them reach their utmost potential. Presidential Scholars are provided with academic advising from the University Honors Program and are expected to participate in the Honors Program to an extent that is appropriate to their course of study (some exceptions apply). Presidential Scholars are often involved in cultural, intellectual, and service activities throughout the academic year. Additional guidance and support is provided by the Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF) and the Center for Access, Success and Achievement (CASA). Scholars are expected to meet regularly with CRF and CASA during their time at 51±¬ÁÏÍø.

Each year, the University awards a portion of Presidential Scholarships to underrepresented students who have demonstrated leadership in their ability to make significant academic and social contributions to their school and communities. The purpose of the Underrepresented Presidential Scholarship for Diversity, Equity, and Social Change is to identify and recruit Scholars who will be agents for transformative social change. The University is committed to diversity within the classroom and campus climate and believes that learning is best achieved through sharing diverse perspectives and ideas. The Underrepresented Presidential Scholarship for Diversity, Equity, and Social Change is one way the University upholds its commitment to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Students who wish to be considered for the Underrepresented Presidential Scholarship for Diversity, Equity, and Social Change are reviewed by BOTH their College selection committee and the Underrepresented Presidential Scholarship (UPS) selection committee. 

We ask Presidential Scholarship applicants to self-identify as underrepresented students if they wish to be considered for the Underrepresented Presidential Scholarship for Diversity, Equity, and Social Change. Underrepresented Presidential Scholar alumni and current Scholars demonstrate a sustained commitment and work toward social change. They also demonstrate their capacity to engage in dialogue about issues of equity, justice, and social change. Many have overcome significant social and/or economic barriers to achieve educational excellence and transform their communities and 51±¬ÁÏÍø. Examples of underrepresented students include those who identify as low-income (normally Pell Grant eligible), those who are the first in their family to pursue a college education, and candidates who demonstrate a sustained commitment to social change. Eligible candidates for the Underrepresented Presidential Scholarship for Diversity, Equity, and Social Change must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, although international students are welcome to apply for the Presidential Scholarship. 

The Presidential Scholarship is offered to finalists in place of any previous merit-based award they may have received from 51±¬ÁÏÍø. It may also reduce the amount of need-based aid for which finalists are eligible. Some national scholarships and grants do not allow students to accumulate and compound scholarships from several sources. As a result, recipients may not be able to count on having at their disposal the full amount of other awards they may have received in addition to the Presidential Scholarship. Please visit the Office of Financial Assistance for more information.

The Presidential Scholarship includes funds that are taxable. According to federal tax law, scholarship amounts that exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for attendance and coursework are considered taxable income to the recipient. Amounts which would be considered taxable include scholarship funds which cover the costs of housing and meal plans, travel, and optional equipment. We recommend that all recipients consult a tax professional regarding the appropriate reporting of any taxable scholarship amounts.