Hi, I received a letter yesterday saying that I was nominated (or made the cut-off for, I’m not sure. Anyway, I’m a candidate) for the US Presidential Scholar. I was wondering if this was an achievement that was good enough to update colleges with, especially my top choice that deferred me EA.
Thanks!!
I also got this! I don’t think I will pursue it since its so selective, though.
Did you get it for your SAT or for arts? If for SAT like me I don’t think you need to update it for colleges because they already know your score.
Looking forward to hearing the opinions of others!
Nomination alone doesn’t mean that much. It just means that you met basic qualifying criteria, which are mainly based on SAT/ACT scores (other than for arts nominees). The OP is from Alabama, and there were 74 nominees from that state alone:
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/2016/candidates.pdf
Semifinalists aren’t notified until April, after the admissions decisions are out. Scholars (1 male and female per state, plus 20 or so arts scholars) are announced in May. There’s a huge paring down process from the initial nominees.
Colleges already know your SAT/ACT scores. If you have participated in the National YoungArts program at the national level, then presumably that was also on your application.
It wouldn’t hurt to send out an update to the school. I know that this isn’t a big deal yet because the semifinalist round is still yet to come, but every little update will help you in the process. It would be even better if you sent in the update with any additional information (new awards, leadership positions, etc.) that you may have. Colleges like to see commitment, especially from deferred students, so keeping in contact with the admissions office may do more than just notify them of an achievement.
As for the selectivity and value of the nomination, only 3-4 kids got the letter in my region. Even I didn’t get a letter with a 2300+ SAT and 35 ACT, so it’s definitely more selective than you may think! Not everyone who has great SAT/ACT scores gets the nomination, so it’s certainly something that will help your standing in the RD pool. Good luck!
It’s likely the 36 ACT and 2370+ scorers on the list. Anyone notice how few come from large cities and how many from wealthy , techy suburbs? There are more kids from Palo Alto than Los Angeles, more from Boulder than Denver, more from Naperville than Chicago, and more from JohnsCreek/Alpharetta than Atlanta.
Does anyone have an idea Maryland cutoff score for SAT? I got 2370 in SAT
I got it with a 2290 in providence, RI. Yay for tiny states! Lol
Note that SAT Writing doesn’t count, it’s just Math + CR:
“No. Since the writing component is not a required part of both assessments, we do not use that score to determine eligibility for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Eligible candidates are determined using the Math and Critical Reading scores for the SAT, and the English, Math, Reading and Science scores for the ACT.”
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/faq.html
That might clear some things up about the cutoff 
I had a 35.25 ACT and a 2360 superscore SAT, 2330 single sitting.
Oh, I got 1580 for CR + M
I got 1570 for CR + M
The selection is based on 1 single sitting of the test- not superscored.
Some additional information:
Congratulations to all and hope you make it through subsequent rounds!
@TooOld4School I believe you’re completely right. It’s pretty strange, actually, in my state at least there are very few in the big cities.
I did not make it in Missouri with 2280 and 35.
@whitespace , if you look at who runs, benefits from and influences urban public education, I think the answer is very, very clear. Hint: It’s not the kids.
My D is a candidate with a 1600 CR+M. Nice surprise in the mail but still a long shot for any candidate.
How are nominees considered? I know there is arts, SAT, and now technology. I have a terrible SAT compared to the people in this thread but still somehow managed to be a candidate. Is it due to my ECs? Diverse background? Recs? Essays?
I’m thinking that they select from a percentile or top 10 like list for each state or area of jurisdiction for the DoE Chief State School Officers. I took my ACT in Guam and met the minimum with a 34, so you’re definitely not alone. Fill out the application even if you don’t think you’re qualified. You have nothing to lose, and an all expenses paid trip to DC to gain!
The Texas cutoff is incredibly high. I just called in with my scores of 1580 M+CR and 35 ACT Composite and those weren’t enough. For Texas you needed 1600 M+CR and 36 for ACT. Good luck to all those who were nominated!
Nominated with a 1600 CR+M in MD. So proud of everyone here who was selected!