From nearly 3.2 million graduating high school seniors, about 3,900, including 12 Academy students, were identified as candidates in the program based on their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT assessment. A review committee named approximately 550 of the candidates as semifinalists after analyzing their essays and evaluating their academic achievement, personal characteristics, and leadership and service activities.
Final selection of the Scholars will be made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and announced in May. The Commission selects up to 121 academic scholars and up to 20 arts scholars who will then be honored for their accomplishments at the program’s national recognition events, held in June in Washington, D.C.
Established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, the Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. Presidential Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.
Click here for more information about the Presidential Scholars Program.
