Scholar Selection Process
The Presidential Scholars Program (PSP) is a highly selective scholarship and leadership development program for students who are passionate about making a difference in the world.
As of September 2024, nominations are no longer required for Presidential Scholarship consideration. Nomination letters or emails will not be accepted.
Students interested in applying for the Presidential Scholarship must submit a complete application for admission to Villanova University through the Common Application by 11:59 PM (EST) January 15. If you have questions about the Common Application, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
New this year, all applicants to Villanova will be considered for the Presidential Scholarship as part of our application review process.
Candidates will be selected by Villanova and invited to apply for this award through their Applicant Status Page in the middle of January for Early Action and Early Decision I applicants and in February for Regular Decision and Early Decision II candidates. The PSP application includes short-answer essays*. The deadline for submission will be included in the candidate's invitation.
Finalists will be identified following the application deadline. Finalists will be required to participate in an on-campus Interview Program in March. All finalists will be notified of the scholarship decision following the in-person Interview Program.
The deadline for recipients to accept the Presidential Scholarship is in April.
For more information, see the FAQs.
*Please note: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law mandates that Villanova University may be required to report incidents of abuse that are disclosed in applications.