The 500 semifinalists in the program’s academic component were initially selected as candidates for their exceptional performance on either the college Board SAT or the ACT Assessment.

Final selection of the scholars will be made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the President, and will be announced in May. Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. for several days in the second half of June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in various activities and events held in their honor.