US Presidential Scholars Program

@JuicyMango yes, 36 - there are a lot of people from NJ on the list - D is one of two from our county - most of the candidates are from schools north of us - many specialty schools - metro area. My D goes to a regular public school.

I’m from Minnesota, which probably wouldn’t be that competitive, yet people I know with 35s were not on the list.

@pineapple86 I’m sure there would be a lot more people if you could super score also. But it’s not all about testing well and being knowledgeable - It’s about being patriotic and supporting your community.

Definitely- at this point, it’s all about extracurriculars and essays. I doubt any variations in scores between candidates (142 vs 144 ACT points) would be used to determine who becomes a semifinalist.

@pineapple86 do you think accomplishments/community service etc. in the US weigh heavier than abroad?

@MomEof3 Probably, since it is the US presidential scholar program. But I’m sure accomplishments both domestic and abroad will be take into account.

@JuicyMango do you know what they are looking for?

@MomEof3 Are you talking about international mission trips and things along those lines? Not to say that you can’t make a difference doing international service, but deans of colleges I’ve toured have mocked the stereotypical mission trip and I think they recognize that those kinds of opportunities are for a privileged few. I don’t know about the US Presidential Scholars, though.

gtk @pineapple86 about the universities and I assume the reviewers will also see through this kind of paid for opportunity. make it a great day!

@MomEof3 I believe they are almost like a private college, looking for a diverse “class” of students. So in other words, their looking for uniqueness, whether it be through essays or an achievement.

@JuicyMango I’m also from CA but I got a 33 on the ACT. No idea how I got named a candidate.

^ I apologize to all of the amazing people who had higher test scores than me who didn’t get it!

@polichick13 Huh? Are you sure you didn’t take the SAT or anything? I don’t mean to be rude, but I think you got in by mistake or something.

Everyone I know who got a Presidential Scholar Invitation had either a 1600 or 36.

But anyway its not your fault, it was the organization’s. Just kind of weird though…

@polichick13 Is there an asterisk by your name designating you as one of the Arts or Career Tech candidates?

@pineapple86 I am almost certain that my state’s chief school officer through the state Department of Education nominated me. Obviously I have no chance, but its a nice gesture.

I would just like to say that although my son enjoyed the Presidential Scholar events very much, I would not skip your high school graduation to do this. This would especially be true if you were going to get individual recognition at your graduation, i.e. giving a speech, being valedictorian, etc.

@hunt What events/activities did they have for the Scholars?

Will getting a perfect SAT or ACT score automatically put you on the list to be able to apply or does it require something more?

@studentathlete18 A perfect or near-perfect SAT or ACT score (apparently varies by state, and information on exact scores is hard to find) will make you a candidate for the program (your name will be listed in a pdf on their website). You’ll receive an email around Jan/Feb of senior year with a link to fill out the application that will determine who becomes a semifinalist.

You can also become a candidate through achievements in the arts or career tech fields, but the great majority of applicants qualify via SAT or ACT.

They had various talks and workshops, as I recall, but I wouldn’t assume that it would be the same this year.