See Also Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions How Are Scholars Selected

For the academic component of the program, students who meet the following criteria:

• are U.S. citizens;
• graduate or receive a diploma between January and August of the current program year; and
• score exceptionally well on either the SAT of the College Board or the ACT of the American College Testing Program, based on tests taken during the two-year window that begins in September, 2006 and runs through October, 2008, (for the recognition cycle concluding in June, 2009).

For the arts component of the program, students who meet the following criteria:

• are U.S. citizens;
• graduate or receive a diploma between January and August of the current program year;
• demonstrate academic achievement; and
• participate in the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts' (NFAA) youngARTS™ nationwide talent search.

Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. Students may not apply individually to the program or be nominated (outside of the above process).