President's Scholar

Some of the most intelligent students in California attend California State University - Fullerton through the President's Scholars Program. This President's Scholar scholarship is merit based and is awarded to the students who have shown the highest academic achievement and who have served as leaders and volunteers in their schools and communities.

High school students who are in their last year, can apply for the scholarship if they have maintained a 3.75 GPA throughout their sophomore and junior years, and as long as they apply to Cal State Fullerton before applying for the scholarship. They must also be legal residents of California. Along with the application, students are required to submit an official school transcript including records from the last six semesters of school and two Candidate Evaluation Forms with a letter of recommendation attached for each. In the process of selecting a President's Scholar, the essay portion of the application is very significant. Cal State Fullerton's scholars are considered to be the "best of the best", and favorable characteristics such as critical thinking, should be demonstrated in the essay. Selection committees also rely on the letters of recommendation as a way to objectively assess a candidate's attributes. Finalists and semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition are invited to interview for the President's Scholars Program.

The number of students who can become a President's Scholar depends on available funding. The scholarship pays for tuition and fees for four years at Cal State Fullerton if the student sustains a GPA of 3.5 or more, and continues to be involved in activities in the community and at Cal State Fullerton. In addition to the cost of tuition, the President's Scholars Program gives $750 each year for books and materials, provides a laptop computer, parking permits, and possibilities of part-time employment at the university.