Eligibility is set by the U.S. Department of Education. Students cannot apply to the program, and are nominated through screening criteria that vary depending on the type of scholarship for which they are eligible.
General All graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and who have scored exceptionally well on either the
SAT of the
College Board or the
ACT Assessment of the
American College Testing Program on or before October of each year are automatically considered for participation. The
United States Department of Education then examines the test records for the scoring students, ranks them separately for males and females, and selects the top 20 males and top 20 females in each state. Each Chief State School Officer (CSSO) may nominate up to ten male and ten female candidates, residing in the CSSO's jurisdiction, based on their outstanding scholarship. Candidates are notified of eligibility, and if interested in being considered for the scholarship, must submit an essay, self-assessments, high school reports, and transcripts. They are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay. 500 students are chosen as semifinalists. In March, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of up to 161 Presidential Scholars.
Career and Technical Nominations are submitted by each state's Chief State School Officer (CSSO). CSSOs can nominate up to five candidates who meet the requirements. In March, up to 60 candidates enter the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program selection process at the semifinalist level. In April, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of up to 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education. ==Notable participants==