<p>There's an interesting thread in College Admissions on the presidential scholar program. Any wise Parents Forum posters have knowledgeable input on why these kids should jump through these particular hoops (app plus 5 or 6 essays I think)?? There is no money involved and they will all be admitted to schools by the times the scholar names are announced, so what are the benefits other than the obvious one of yet more public recognition?</p>
<p>Excellent questions. DS received mail last week inviting him to apply and we wondered if it was worth doing.</p>
<p>There is matching money that can be had with the Pres. Scholar award. Coco Cola applied for matching funds for all of their scholars and D got an additional $1000 or so with her award. The matching money has to come from a local or corporate organization i believe. It's all on the website.</p>
<p>clarification: Presidential Freedom Scholarship has matching money.
<a href="http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/programs/pfs.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.learnandserve.gov/about/programs/pfs.asp</a></p>
<p>The Presidential Freedom Scholarship has nothing to do with being named a "Presidential Scholar". It is a one-time award given for exemplary community service and can be given at the school level, as long as the matching funds are available through the school. Two entirely different programs.</p>
<p>That's why I clarified it.</p>
<p>Basil & doddsmom: First, congratulations to your children, it is an honor just to be invited to apply for the DoE Presidential Scholar award. We got the same initial "so what?" reaction from S. But there are a couple of other things to consider. </p>
<p>First, our son's school is a small community, and everyone there takes pride and ownership of all the students' accomplishments, whether it be academic, athletic, or anything else. IMO, blowing off such an honor and opportunity because it takes a couple of hours of paperwork is a refusal to acknowledge the support the school community has given my S over the last 12 years.</p>
<p>Second, in a broader context, those who value education should do all we can to promote academic excellence as a leadership role in our society. How many grumpy, griping threads have you seen here on CC about athletic scholarships and "party schools"? While the winners of the NCAA tournaments are at the White House for photo ops, our academic achievers are saying "so what?" </p>
<p>In any case, if one accepts the reasoning that because the award won't be on the college app it's not worth the effort, then there are a plethora of spring activities/honors/recognition events for seniors that we can chuck out the window, right?</p>
<p>As an aside, I do wish they would give this another name so that it isn't so easily confused with the other programs and competitions similarly named.</p>
<p>Very well said, wyogal.<br>
I'm glad you are all posting your thoughts on this, must confess I saw the letter out and wondered too if I should gently 'encourage' Son to complete this app, considering this week for him has also included:
3 scholarship apps due (with essays and FAFSA fun)
1 IB Theory of Knowledge Essay exam
IB English Oral Exam
Math Team trip to London (leaving tomorrow)</p>
<p>I knew I wasn't alone in feeling that Son will say "I've had it up to here with essays". I think I will frame it like: You have nothing to lose, and it might be fun. Think that will work? </p>
<p>Anyway, congrats to your kids, wyogal, doddsmom, and basil.
AnudduhMom</p>
<p>My D also is really not interested in writing all the additional essays, but most of the questions, if not all, are very similar to questions she has already answered for some college applications. Her GC, principal, and recommender (a beloved writing teacher) have already filled out their portions, so if nothing else works to inspire D to do the essays, I WILL RESORT TO GUILT!! :) Congratulations, parents, it IS an honor.</p>
<p>D (reluctantly) is working on it today. I totally agree with wyogal about effort and recognition. I like the tie-in to recognize a teacher as well. No doubt at least a few of them helped your S/D get to where they are today. There is still time to apply.</p>