The Boston University Presidential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships available to undergraduates in the United States. Awarded to incoming freshmen, this award recognizes outstanding scholarly aptitude and leadership potential. For the Class of 2028 entering in Fall 2024, the scholarship will provide full-tuition funding and unique access to faculty mentorship, research initiatives and global networking events over four years.
This article will explore eligibility, selection criteria, benefits and tips to submit a standout application for the Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2024.
Founded in 1839, Boston University has grown into a world-class private research university based in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. Enrolling over 33,000 students, BU comprises 17 distinct colleges and schools focused on diverse disciplines – from music to dental medicine and hospitality to engineering. BU also maintains a strong global presence, attracting students from over 140 countries annually.
To support students of exceptional merit regardless of financial need, BU inaugurated the Trustees’ Scholarship Competition in 1996 – renamed the Presidential Scholarship beginning 2012. Awarded solely based on academic and extracurricular prowess, this scholarship represents BU’s highest academic commendation bestowed to 8-10 members of the incoming freshman class annually. As the BU Presidential Scholarship 2024 application cycle approaches, explore key details below regarding eligibility, benefits, selection and preparation tips to shine amid a competitive applicant pool.
Scholarship Eligibility & Timeline
Eligibility for the Boston University Presidential Scholarship is as follows:
Citizenship – The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents as well as international students requiring a visa. Both domestic and global applicants compete on equal footing.
Academic Level – Only high school seniors planning to enter Boston University as first-year undergraduates beginning in Fall 2024 can apply. The scholarship is not open to transfer or graduate candidates.
Admission Application – Students must submit complete applications for freshman admission to Boston University by the early decision deadline of November 1, 2023 or regular decision deadline of January 1, 2024 to be considered. Scholarship finalists then undergo an additional selection process thereafter. Results are conveyed along university admissions notifications in December and April respectively.
Note the Presidential Scholarship selection committees rigorously assess the entire incoming class applicant pool identifying top contenders. You need not apply separately. Still, piecing together a standout admissions file from the start proves vital.
Scholarship Benefits
The Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2024 comprises several generous components:
Full Tuition – The scholarship covers 100% of BU’s tuition and mandatory fees over eight consecutive undergraduate semesters as long as academic criteria are fulfilled. This currently equates to around $58,600 annually. Recipients are responsible for personal expenses like housing, meals, books, health insurance and fees specific to certain programs.
Enrichment Funds – Scholars receive an annual $4,000 enrichment stipend to deploy toward academic summer programs, conference travel, research initiatives, global study and other eligible pursuits. This stipend enables scholars to fund dreams and ambitions over their academic journey.
Faculty Mentorship – Each Presidential Scholar is paired with an esteemed faculty advisor to provide one-on-one mentorship related to academic interests, research collaboration and postgraduate endeavors. Scholars also enjoy priority course registration and access to top faculty.
Global Scholarship Network – Scholars join an exclusive global network through engagement events from TED-style talks to fireside chats enabling meaningful exchange between students, faculty, alumni and outside experts across industries.
Clearly, beyond free tuition, BU’s Presidential Scholarship confers professional development, lifelong connections and elite access making it among America’s most coveted undergraduate merit awards.
Selection Methodology & Criteria
Because the BU Presidential Scholarship evaluation process is integrated within general university admissions, all components of candidates’ applications are weighed carefully by respective committees. Each admissions file undergoes multiple comprehensive read-throughs, including:
- Academic Record – BU closely analyzes the rigor of high school curriculum, grade trends across core subjects, class ranking, and standardized test scores comparing to other university applicants from your background and location. Competitive GPAs and SAT/ACT scores in a student’s context demonstrate preparedness for BU’s fast pace.
- Letters of Recommendation – Letters from teachers and mentors elaborating on the student’s scholarship potential, motivation, intellectual maturity, integrity and impact receive particular attention during Presidential Scholarship reviews.
- Extracurricular Portfolio – Evaluators look for sustained involvement and growth in activities conveying specific passions – from music and journalism to entrepreneurship and activism. Leadership roles and noteworthy accomplishments should shine.
- Essays & Short Answers – Well-crafted responses communicating academic interests, unique perspectives on intellectual issues and profound life experiences through an authentic voice allow personalities to emerge from applications.
Based on committee consensus upon cumulative application review, BU identifies 8-10 standouts demonstrating the highest scholarly potential, curiosity and future change-maker qualities as final Presidential Scholarship recipients.
Application Tips & Preparation
Vying for BU’s Presidential Scholarship involves assembling the strongest possible overall candidacy for university entrance. Here are some top tips:
Choose Challenging Courses
Since freshman year, enroll in honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and accelerated courses across English, math, sciences, languages and social sciences available at your high school. Earn top marks.
Pursue Meaningful Activities
Don’t pad activities just for college apps. Truly immerse yourself in leadership roles, internships, jobs and extracurriculars showcasing what makes you come alive. Achieve excellence.
Start Early
Work closely with your guidance counselor to map an ambitious academic and enrichment plan across all four years of high school optimized for selective college preparation.
Research Thoroughly
Probe how BU’s diverse undergraduate colleges align with your interests to demonstrate fit within application essays and interviews. Articulate why BU is your #1 choice.
Accentuate Individuality
Use writing and interviews to bring your background, values and experiences authentically to life. Offer fresh perspectives on societal challenges. Convey a self-aware, discerning voice.
Yes, pursuing BU’s Presidential Scholarship is an immense undertaking requiring long-term diligence. But putting your vision and passions into action from the get-go makes building an undeniable application dossier achievable.
Conclusion
The Boston University Presidential Scholarship represents the apex of merit-based achievement awarded to only top incoming freshmen yearly. Covering 100% tuition plus generous enrichment funding over four years, it provides select scholars unparalleled access to resources, mentors and opportunities to transform visions into realities at one of America’s premier universities.
While intensely competitive, all prospective students who submit exceptional admission candidacies showcasing scholarly ambition, impactful pursuits and embodying BU values may emerge as Presidential Scholars come decision season. Heed the guidance above – choose intensity over ease in academics, act boldly on interests, tell your story passionately and the Class of 2028 may have your name on it!
Website
To learn more about the Boston University Presidential Scholarship, please visit the official website.
