How to WIN the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes some of the country’s most accomplished graduating seniors in academics, the arts, or career and technical education. Here’s how selection actually works and what you can do to be in the running.

💡 Rishab’s take: I was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, and the key thing to understand is you can’t apply directly — strong SAT/ACT scores (or a YoungArts/CTE nomination) put you in the pool. So the lever you control is nailing your test scores early; the essays only matter once you’re invited. Treat them like the Common App’s more thoughtful cousin.

Rishab Jain

Eligibility

At the baseline, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and a graduating high school senior. Beyond that, the program selects through three components:

• Academic: based on exceptional SAT or ACT scores.
• Arts: through the YoungArts competition.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE): for accomplishment in technical fields.

There’s no fixed GPA cutoff, but scholars tend to have very strong records across the board.

How Selection Works

You can’t apply directly. The program is invitation only, and here’s how you get in:

1. Nomination: For the academic path, you’re identified by your SAT or ACT scores, essentially the top scorers in each state. Arts candidates come through YoungArts, and CTE candidates through a separate nomination. Chief State School Officers can also nominate students.
2. Application: Once you’re invited, you complete an application through the U.S. Department of Education, including essays, your academic record, and recommendations.
3. Selection: The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final picks, weighing academics, leadership, service, and writing. Up to 161 students are named each year.

Benefits of Being a Presidential Scholar

The program doesn’t award money, but the recognition and experience carry real weight:

• Expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
• Medallion ceremony sponsored by the White House.
• Networking with other scholars and national leaders.
• A lifelong honor that stays on your record.

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Rishab Jain: STEM Researcher and U.S. Presidential Scholar

Rishab Jain, from Westview High School, has built a strong record in science, technology, engineering, and math. His work earned wide recognition and led to his selection as a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Journey to the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award

Rishab has consistently done well in national and international science competitions, and has led initiatives to grow STEM education globally. His work at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, was central to his nomination. After the application process, he was named one of the two Presidential Scholars from Oregon.

“These types of recognition help me stay motivated.”

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Beyond his own awards, Rishab works to make STEM education more accessible. As co-founder of the Samyak Science Society, a nonprofit, he helps students get STEM resources and build a real interest in science. On his YouTube channel, he shares guidance for students getting started in STEM.

“It all plays into my vision that the world can have a lot of young people working on problems. The future will be a lot brighter 10-20 years from now when these young people are leading the efforts. I want to show the potential of young people with what I can do and work on inspiring others as well. I looked back, and my involvement in STEM enabled me as a young person to do this type of work.”

Rishab’s story.

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Tips to Put Yourself in the Running

Since you can’t apply directly, the goal is to land in the selection pool and then make the most of the invitation. A few things that help:

1. Nail your test scores. For the academic path, your SAT or ACT score is the main thing that gets you noticed, so prepare early.
2. Build a strong, specific record. There’s no GPA cutoff, but scholars have excellent academics across subjects.
3. Do real service and leadership. The final selection weighs the impact you’ve had on your community.
4. Go deep on something. Sustained work on one project, competition, or cause stands out more than a long list of activities.
5. Use the right path. If you’re an artist, pursue YoungArts; if you’re in a technical field, aim for the CTE nomination.

Not sure how to start?

Get going with Rishab’s free scholarship guide. Wherever you’re starting from, keep building, and good luck.

About Afreen Hossain:
I’m a web developer, amateur astronomer, and aspiring computer scientist, interested in using technology to make healthcare, transportation, and space more accessible. Learn more about me on LinkedIn.