HI All, Our daughter applied for the Presidential Scholarship, not really believing much would come of it. We were thrilled today to learn via email that she has been invited for an on-site interview in February for this scholarship. Does anyone know much about this scholarship? I wonder how many students are interviewed versus the number of spots. Also curious about the interview and visiting day and how it works. Anyone have experience? Would love to hear! Thanks so much.
@RabbiBeth My son was a Presidential Scholarship winner last year. Interviews were held on Friday and Saturday. My son’s Saturday session had around 40 kids to be interviewed. I assume it was similar on Friday. Point is your daughter already made the largest cut. There were 20 of these scholarships awarded to my son’s class so based on interview numbers your daughter has around a 20-25% of winning one. Obviously that is only an estimate and can be affected by a great many things. I gather they may award more knowing some may choose not to attend in the end. The scholarship is $15,000 per year for up to four years. If you are a NYS resident, that covers around 75% of the total cost. You do have to maintain a 3.5 GPA I believe in order to keep it. The interviews are pretty free-form and with faculty members and Honors College staff. My son interviewed with a faculty member and the Dean of the Honors College. I know some people interviewed with three different staff. Your daughter should be prepared to discuss any or the essays she wrote and perhaps be able to go into more depth. It’s important to be able to think on your feet and also apply life experiences to real-world issues - make connections. Most importantly, be sincere and confident. As you will see from previous forum comments, all of these kids excel in multiple things. It’s not enough to have the highest GPA and test scores - they are looking for students who can bring something unique to the university community and make a difference 5-10 years down the road. Almost all of the kids are musical, some athletes,and most of them have performed some type of community service. They are all very accomplished kids (I have met several) and are more than just book-worms. Last year, a few parents in these forums were upset their kids were not chosen when kids with lower stats were. This just indicates it really is more than the best numbers. I recently saw the stats for the 2018 Presidential Scholars (on UB website): SAT 1350-1600, ACT 29-35, 95-100 average, salutatorians and valedictorians. I am confident any of these kids would hold their own at an Ivy League School.
I wish your daughter the best of luck! My son is very happy there. He wouldn’t change a thing. There is a certain camaraderie with the Presidential Scholars and the University does their best to build a community spirit among them.
@choguy1 WOW WOW WOW! I am sorry I only now checked back online - I had a super crazy work week. This response you so generously shared is so very helpful! It is so exciting. Congrats to your son on being such a high calibre kind of young man. Thank you SO very much for this generous reply to my post. I truly appreciate it.
We are super proud that our daughter was even asked for the interview round. It would be amazing to be a Presidential Scholar but even if not, it’s wonderful to have been invited. She also learned today that she received the Provost and Pride of NY merit scholarships - they are not stackable with Presidential, but in either case, UB is showing generosity. We have not yet visited UB but are looking forward to the visit next weekend! My husband is taking her - unfortunately, I must work - but I want the full report!!!
Thank you, thank you again!!!
@RabbiBeth You are most welcome! I told my son about your post and he wanted to know what advice I gave. He said I was “fairly correct.” All of the scholars say their interviews were pretty free-flowing. It’s very important to have a “hook” or something you believe makes you unique and that you can discuss. I guess last year there really wasn’t a “standard question” used for everyone. They will very likely ask for details on the essays your daughter wrote.
Many of this year’s freshmen scholars are helping out during the interviews next weekend. Your husband will probably see my son at some point - big guy with a beard. Because he decided not to try to play college sports he decided to get into power-lifting as a hobby/sport. He’s a pretty good kid if I do say so myself and would be happy to answer questions. Bring your woolies this weekend - polar vortex will be here with high temps in single digits!
@choguy1 thank you so much again! (Once again, I didn’t see this post until days later!!) Our daughter had a wonderful visit on Saturday to SUNY Buffalo. They made a very good impression upon my husband and daughter and told them all about the University and specifically the Honors College. The interview went great and you were right, the two interviewers had read our daughters’ essays VERY carefully! They inquired about some of the minor details she had included in one of the essays and it took the interview into an interesting direction that she did not anticipate. She had a great time speaking with the interviewers. Overall, we are feeling very positively about Buffalo as an option. It was really not on her radar, and she has been admitted to a number of other fine schools, also Honors Colleges in several instances, but if this Presidential Scholarship happens…and even if it doesn’t…Buffalo is definitely now high on our list!!!
That’s so great that your son and other Honors College kids helped out with the weekend. So nice!!! I’ll have to ask my husband if he remembers the big guy with the beard who was helping out!!!
Thanks again for all of your support and information!!!
Update - our daughter has been offered the Presidential Scholarship!! She found out via snail mail yesterday (Monday, February 11). We are very proud and ecstatic!
my son too found out on Monday. shocked as he said his skype interview did not go well at all. So pleased and proud!
still not sure on final decision - waiting on a couple of private schools too.
@Amyfsw CONGRATS! How exciting! Are you a NY resident? Just curious since you mentioned Skype.
Yes. Westchester. No way to get to buffalo due to conflict of son’s performance in school show.
@Amyfsw we are in Rockland - not too far from you! CONGRATS!!!