The BU Presidential Scholarship: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The Boston University Presidential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships offered at BU. Receiving this scholarship comes with tremendous benefits and great responsibility. If you’re considering applying for this scholarship or are going through the selection process, this guide will help you understand all the key details and requirements.

The Presidential Scholarship can open many doors and opportunities during your time at BU. However, it’s important to go into the application and selection process well-informed of what to expect.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the BU Presidential Scholarship, there are a few basic criteria applicants must meet:

Be a high school senior entering as a first-year student at BU in the upcoming fall semester. Students already enrolled at or transferring to BU are not eligible to apply.
Demonstrate academic excellence through high school transcripts showing a minimum weighted GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Unweighted GPAs are also considered.
Earn top ACT or SAT test scores. The Presidential Scholarship typically requires a minimum 32 ACT composite score (36 being perfect) or 1450 SAT score (out of 1600). Superior standardized test scores are important.
Show strong leadership experience through extracurricular activities, community service, employment, or other engagement outside the classroom. Leadership essays are an important part of the application.
Submit a completed application by the stated deadline, which is typically in mid-January prior to the upcoming fall semester. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Meeting these eligibility benchmarks does not guarantee an interview or selection, but demonstrates an applicant is competitive for the merit-based scholarship. Most semi-finalists and finalists will exceed the minimum requirements in multiple areas.

Application Process

The Presidential Scholarship application takes considerable effort and planning to complete successfully. Here are the typical steps:

Complete the online BU Presidential Scholarship application by the January deadline. This includes essays, activity listings, honors/awards, and recommendation requests.
Submit all required supplemental materials like transcripts, test scores, and resume or activity sheet by the deadline. Late materials could impact an application.
A selection committee will review all complete applications based on academic excellence, accomplishments, leadership potential, and fit with BU’s values.
Semifinalists will be invited to an on-campus interview in late January or early February. Approximately 50-75 candidates are selected.
Interviews last 30 minutes and include a writing sample, questions about leadership experiences and goals, and why BU is the best fit.
Finalists will be notified by late February or early March if selected to receive the Presidential Scholarship. Usually, only 10-15 students ultimately win.
Scholarship winners must formally accept or decline the award by a specified date, usually in early spring.

The process is merit-based yet highly competitive. Meeting all deadlines, crafting unique and insightful essays, providing a well-rounded application, and interviewing exceptionally are all vital steps toward potential selection.

Selection Factors

While academic excellence is clearly important, the BU Presidential Scholarship selection committee evaluates candidates holistically based on multiple qualitative factors:

Outstanding academic record evidenced by high GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Transcripts are heavily reviewed.
Demonstrated leadership through activities, organizations, employment, volunteer work, or other experiences. Impact and responsibilities matter most.
Unique contributions and accomplishments that set an applicant apart from peers. Awards, publications, arts involvement, and initiatives stand out.
Inspiring vision for how the scholarship would help an applicant achieve future goals and bring value to BU and beyond. Essays are pivotal.
It fits BU’s values of leadership, civic engagement, diversity, innovation, and global citizenship. Demonstrated passions align.
Interpersonal skills and character exhibited through interactions, recommendations, and competitive interviews. Personality and authenticity impress.
Overcoming significant life obstacles or unique circumstances that have not diminished a strong work ethic or commitment to excellence. Adversity is considered.

No single factor guarantees selection and different candidates will stand out in various ways. How well-rounded and impressive an application is as a whole determines if one moves forward in the process.

Award Details

For selected Presidential Scholarship winners, the prestige of the honor comes with generous financial and programmatic benefits over four years:

Full undergraduate tuition coverage, which is currently valued at over $70,000 per year, includes mandatory fees. This is awarded each year contingent on renewal criteria.
$5,000 annual award for books, supplies, personal expenses, plus free on-campus housing or housing allowance.
Priority course registration each semester to help keep on track to graduate in four years.
Designated faculty advisor and mentor to guide academic planning and success throughout college.
Invitation to special campus events and programs exclusively for Presidential Scholars.
Opportunities to network with BU leaders, alumni, and scholarship donors through receptions and activities.
Consideration for additional enrichment opportunities like study abroad funding or research assistantships.

The total value of this four-year scholarship exceeds $300,000. It’s an incredible investment in an exceptional student’s education and future, rewarding both merit and demonstrated commitment to service.

Annual Renewal Process

While selection for the Presidential Scholarship is highly competitive, recipients must meet ongoing expectations each year to retain both the financial award and title of Presidential Scholar. This renewal process ensures standards remain high.

The annual renewal criteria include:

Maintaining a high 3.5 cumulative GPA each semester to stay in good academic standing.
Enrolling full-time in at least 12 credits each fall and spring semester at BU’s College of General Studies or another BU college/program.
Meeting regularly with faculty advisors and using resources like tutoring to maximize success.
Participating in at least one Presidential Scholar civic engagement program or project annually in addition to maintaining a rigorous course load.
Submit renewal application materials like transcripts, activity updates, and personal statements each spring.
Continuing to represent BU’s values in campus involvement and community positively.
Avoiding significant conduct issues, which could result in probation or loss of scholarship.

While the bar is high to retain the award, the advising, resources, and community aim to support scholars thriving at BU. Meeting deadlines and maintaining top performance both in and out of the classroom is expected.

Applying What You’ve Learned

Now that we’ve covered all the in-depth details about applying for and receiving the Presidential Scholarship, it’s time to reflect on how to put this knowledge into action. Here are a few suggestions:

Start planning early – Developing a strong application takes time, so begin working on essays, activities list and requesting letters starting the summer before senior year. Procrastination could cost an opportunity.
Ensure top qualifications – Maintain an rigorous course load, earn top grades, and maximize standardized test prep to demonstrate academic excellence competitively. Not every applicant can be accepted.
Showcase leadership – Find meaningful ways like clubs, initiatives or jobs to take on responsibilities, gain experiences, and highlight your unique talents and passions outside the classroom. Accomplishments shine through.
Consider BU’s overall fit – Make sure BU’s location, size, majors, clubs, and campus culture truly are the best choice for your goals and interests. Conveying “Why BU” authentically matters.
Prepare extensively – Practice interview questions and writing prompts in advance. Anticipate variable questions to demonstrate poise, competence and ability to think on your feet impressively under pressure.
Follow up if not selected – While chances are low, request feedback from BU to strengthen your profile for future opportunities elsewhere should this particular scholarship application prove unsuccessful. Every interaction can help down the road. Every application makes you better prepared.

Coming to the Presidential Scholarship fully prepared demonstrates initiative, seriousness of purpose, and commitment to success. Those who put in maximum effort often find great rewards, so work diligently. With dedication and some luck, this could open incredible doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

After such a thorough overview, some common questions likely remain. Here are answers to five frequently asked queries about the BU Presidential Scholarship:

Is it possible to receive other aid and grants in addition to the Presidential Scholarship?

While the Presidential Scholarship itself fully covers undergraduate tuition, additional grants or merit-based aid may still be available for expenses like housing, meals, books, or personal needs. Students are encouraged to complete the standard financial aid process to see if any supplementary assistance could further support their education. Combining multiple funding sources lightens the financial responsibility even more.

What majors are most popular among Presidential Scholars?

Some of the most common majors that Presidential Scholars pursue include Business Administration, Biomedical Engineering, Journalism, Neuroscience, and International Relations. However, scholars have a wide range of academic interests. Popular interdisciplinary studies include programs in Health Sciences, Entrepreneurship, and Global Studies. The scholarship allows recipients the flexibility to design a personalized education across BU’s many departments and schools.

How competitive is it to receive the scholarship for each application cycle?

On average, only 10-15 students per year are awarded the Presidential Scholarship out of a typical applicant pool of 500-700 candidates. This means the acceptance rate is around 2-3%. Qualified applicants generally have extremely high grades, test scores, and leadership experience, and their essays and interviews need to stand out from other well-rounded candidates. Maintaining a competitive application takes significant effort.

What are some examples of successful extracurricular or leadership activities that scholarship finalists often showcase?

Common impressive activities seen amongst finalists include student government experience like class president, starting an impactful club or initiative, competitive career internships, significant community service involvement like mission trips, participating in intensive research programs, launching a social media campaign, or starting their own small business. Regional or national awards or recognition for academics or talents also build strong applications.

How intensive is the expected annual service commitment for renewal each year?

To retain the scholarship annually, recipients participate in at least one Presidential Scholars program per academic year related to service, leadership or civic engagement. Typical approved activities range from 20-40 hours and include volunteering with Boston non-profits, campus peer mentoring, planning philanthropic fundraisers, participating in service-learning courses, or organizing campus awareness campaigns. The goal is to remain actively involved while balancing a rigorous course schedule each term.