University at Buffalo (SUNY) Presidential Scholarship?

Do you think I would be a worthy applicant for this scholarship?
I’m only worried because my SAT/ACT scores are not up to par … even though there is not any minimum criteria the scores ranged from a 1380-1600 or a 29-36…
I received a 1200, and a 26. The scores are very low but I have almost a 98 GPA, all my classes are dual enrollment or AP, I’m top 5 in my class of about 200, I received a scholarship from another college my junior year and a couple honors. I’m also involved in numerous ECs, holding leadership positions in two of them.
Any thoughts? Thank you!

Your other stats are quite good. It certainly can’t hurt to give it a try.

You should definitely apply, doesn’t hurt to try. I believe most pres scholars def have higher scores. Also, most have something they accel in besides academics. Both my sons were/are pres scholars. They both achieved a high level as musicians. Neither of my sons had much in the way of ECs outside of music (one son was a good hockey player and one did cross country) My younger son’s roommate is also a pres scholar and is an excellent musician.

If you are in STEM, you can also apply for the STEM incentive and receive free tuition (if you agree to work in NYS for 5 years after graduation). Pres Scholarship and STEM can be stacked, leaving you almost debt free.

Has anyone received a Presidential interview invitation yet? If I recall, last year they interviewed just after the spring semester started. If they follow the same pattern, that would be 2/1 and 2/2.

My daughter received an email stating that the interviews are Feb. 3 & 4. She submitted her application before January 5th- but still haven’t heard anything. Would like to know either way, so we could plan- we live over 5 hours away.

Not yet and also waiting! Post hear if you receive an invite

“here” not “hear”

My D received the email today at 1:21PM ET that she’s advanced to the next round for the Presidential. Interview dates are 2/2 or 2/3.

My son also received an email about moving on to the interview session. His came at the same time so I assume they sent them out all at once. Good luck to all!

Congrats! We did not make it to next round…

did not make it to next round…
Good luck to all. UB is a great school.

1500+ SAT
97+ UW 100+ Weighted
Lots of really good but not exceptional ECs
meh essay

First, I’m sure everyone to be interviewed is a terrific and very worthy candidate–congratulations! Following up on the last post, I’m starting to wonder about who is being ruled out. I know a student with stellar qualifications (at the extreme high end of the range published for past Presidential Scholarship winners) who didn’t get an interview. How is this being decided?

I can tell you that the pres scholars I know of, and that is only a few including my two sons, have excellent grades. All the applicants do. There are approx 400 applicants each year, all with great grades and scores. Besides that, they all have something else in which they excel, in most cases a couple other things. For my sons it was music and a sport. My sons weren’t loaded with lots of other stuff-clubs, leadership, volunteer stuff- just a high level of achievement in those areas. I’m sure the essay plays a big part, and then of course, the interview-approx 70 people get interviews. Hope this helps a bit-I only know of a few scholars besides my sons and they are all very smart, musical, interesting kids.

Does anyone know when we receive word about the Provost Scholarships? The Presidential decline letter comes from the Honors College, but when we called the HC, they said provost comes from the financial aid office. We received another “pride of NY” 2500/yr expenses scholarship from admissions office. Apparently the offices do not coordinate, and the person I spoke to at financial aid didn’t know anything about provost and transferred my daughter to a voicemail account. Admissions and HC said that Provost comes from FA office. Any insight appreciated

From past experience, Provost was given at the same time as the college acceptance. Not sure if that has changed but for my one son, that was just last year.

I’m surprised to have advanced to the next round since I don’t think my essays were that great. But I’m interviewing on February 3rd.

Congrats to you Supergymnast! Best of luck to you on Feb 3!

Best of luck to all who are interviewing this weekend!

Just a post interview update… they had about 80 students to interview over the two days (from what we could figure out) and they want 25 kids to accept the scholarship and attend UB. Unfortunately, while my son thought the interview went well, he got his “sorry, no pres scholarship” letter a few days ago.

@Oracoj58 I ended up winning the scholarship. I think my interview went fantastic- the 4 of us talked for a long time. I’m surprised because they explicitly said the decisions wouldn’t be sent until later (I think March), while I received an acceptance last Friday.

I loved the Honors College and enjoyed meeting the other Presidential Scholars. UB has a great reputation for premed and I’m so grateful for the opportunity!