United States Presidential Scholars Program
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College, Career and Military Preparation
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
The United States (U.S.) Presidential Scholars Program recognizes graduating seniors for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and promise of future success. Students selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and receive a Presidential Medallion and official commendation during the online national recognition program.
Before You Apply
Students interested in applying should first contact their high school principal. Each school may nominate only one student in each competition category, and a principal's signature is required on all applications.
Important Requirements
Students may apply to only one competition:
- General Component
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Component
- Arts Component
Submitting applications for multiple components will result in disqualification.
Each school may nominate:
- One General Component applicant
- One CTE Component applicant
- One Arts Component applicant
Applications must include a valid principal signature which is either a handwritten signature or a verified electronic signature. Typed signatures will not be accepted.
General Component
Nomination Process
The Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate up to 20 students (10 male and 10 female) to represent Texas. Selected nominees will be invited to complete the national Presidential Scholars application.
Each high school may nominate only one student for this component.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Graduate between January and August 2027
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Attend a public, charter school, accredited nonpublic school, or be homeschooled
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the Texas Commissioner of Education and on:
- Academic achievement
- Leadership and character
- School and community involvement
- Quality of written responses
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Component
Nomination Process
The Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate up to five students to represent Texas.Selected nominees will be invited to complete the national Presidential Scholars application.
Each high school may nominate only one student for this component.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Graduate between January and August 2027
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Attend a public school, charter school, accredited nonpublic school, or be homeschooled
- Be enrolled in a CTE Program of Study* within one of these approved Career Clusters:
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
For additional information, view the CTE Programs of Study.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic rigor
- Technical proficiency
- Employability skills
- Creativity and problem-solving abilities
Arts Component
Nomination Process
The Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate up to five students to represent the state. Selected nominees will be invited to complete the national Presidential Scholars application.
Each high school may nominate only one student for this component.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Graduate between January and August 2027
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Attend a public, charter, or accredited nonpublic school, or be homeschooled
- Have earned individual recognition in state, multi-state, national or international arts competition while in high school.
Eligible Arts Disciplines:
Dance (all forms)
- Choreography
- Solo Performance
Literary Arts / Writing 
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Poetry
- Playwriting, Script, or Spoken Word
Music (all genres)
- Composition
- Instrumental Solo Performance
- Vocal Solo Performance
Theater
- Spoken Monologue
- Musical Theater Solo Performance
Visual Arts
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Film & Video
- Digital and mixed media
- Photography
- Design (Architectural, Product, UI/UX, Graphic, Fashion)
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic achievement
- Academic rigor
- Quality of written responses
- Originality and quality of work
Applications will be available mid-August, 2026.
School Nomination Requirement
Students must first work with their principal to obtain their school's nomination.
Each school may nominate:
- One General Component applicant
- One CTE Component applicant
- One Arts Component applicant
A principal’s signature is required on all submitted applications. Acceptable signatures include handwritten or verified electronic signatures; typed signatures will not be accepted.
A valid principal signature is required on all applications.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Materials
A complete application must include:
- Completed U.S. Presidential Scholars application form
- Principal nomination signature
- Typed responses to all required essay prompts
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Unweighted GPA
Notification Timeline
Table scrolls horizontally on small screens.
| Date | Activity |
| Mid-August 2026 | Application Opens |
| October 2, 2026 | Application deadline |
| Mid-January 2027 | National program contacts selected nominees |
| Early May 2027 | Presidential Scholars announced |
Please note: ºÚÁÏÍø does not provide individual application status updates. Students selected to advance in the national competition will be contacted directly by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.