<p>Mmm I’m splitting this into two posts 'cause the first one was just an eyesore. AHH MAN CC DID THAT WEIRD POST ORDER SWITCH THING NOW MY THREAD IS SUCKS. :[</p>
<p>–</p>
<p>Here’s what I do know, in case you came in here and are as clueless as I was an hour ago:</p>
<li><p>Uhmmm the “top 30 males and top 30 females” of each state or jurisdiction are considered… this is based on test scores, either ACT or SAT CR+M. Then they’re narrowed down to 20 each (still based on scores I think.) But if there’s a tie, >20 people will be considered. (This adds up to about 2600 people, according to Wiki. Or maybe the 2600 people are the ones who submit apps or something I DUNNO THIS HINGES UPON THE ANSWER TO MY QUESTION NUMBER 1.)</p></li>
<li><p>Thennn there’s this grueling application process in which “candidates must submit candidacy materials, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.” Thank you Wikipedia. Time frame ambiguous. </p></li>
<li><p>In April, 500 semifinalists are chosen. 6-20 SFs per state/jurisdiction.</p></li>
<li><p>Then there’s a final selection of 121 students… except it’s actually 141… because 121 just includes the academic ones, and the rest are in the arts? Anyways, those students get an expense-paid trip to DC to do cool stuff (and sometimes get to meet the president!) </p></li>
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<p>Yep. That’s what I know. Nowww clarification pl0x? D:</p>
<p>I knowww there's a thread on the front page already, and I posted in it asking my questions, but that one was just one person's particular concern. I just want to get some general info on the program, 'cause I've looked at like every thread on the site (I promise! I didn't just rush to create a thread without researching first!) as well as the Presidential Scholar website, but I have questions!!! </p>
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<li><p>I'm REALLY confused as to how it works. Do we have to be nominated by our schools or does the program find us through testing companies? I've seen people say both on threads on here. </p></li>
<li><p>When do they send out the apps? I took the SAT in November of last year soooo should I have gotten it already? </p></li>
<li><p>How do they pick who is considered? Is it just scores or what? I don't want to expect to hear from them (and freak out if I don't) if there's a chance that I won't even be considered! (I got a 1600, though.)</p></li>
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<p>Note: The following applies to the academic portion of the program. There are also presidential scholars in the arts. </p>
<p>The initial nomination is based on test scores. Schools do not nominate students. Students are not notified of their nomination until sometime in the winter of their senior year; I don't remember exactly when, but it may have been January. It would not have been prior to January. Once initially nominated students complete an application including essays as well as have a school official complete a recommendation, submit transcripts, etc. All the applications received are reviewed by a review committee and semi-finalists for each state are selected. The semi-finalists' applications are then reviewed by the Presidential Scholar Commission which selects the finalists for each state.</p>
<p>i remember getting the app in spring. might have been january i dont remember. i had a score of 2350 in california. that was probably the bare minimum required to get it here...</p>
<p>the app is bogus. so ridiculously long.</p>
<p>i seriously think the whole thing is just a way of self-aggrandizement. you dont get anything for it.</p>
<p>zzzboy lol I've heard that it's crazy long but the opportunity to meet the president (well, depending on what goes down in a month...) might be worth it, IMO!</p>
<p>Yea I'm excited for that if it's Obama. Does anyone know what the probable score cut-off for the ACT might be and if score cut-offs are national or by state kinda like National Merit? Thanks!</p>