Presidential Scholarship applicants and winners this year will participate in a transformed program as the scholarship undergoes alterations in both candidate requirements and award administration.

In the past, students could apply for either a half- or full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. This year, all students will compete for up to a full-tuition scholarship, with unset awards adding more options for potential scholarship amounts, said Tamera Long, director of Campus Recruiting.

“I believe it allows us to award more scholarships, because we can use our funds more strategically,” Long said.

Interviews also are being conducted during the afternoon hours for the first time. Long said moving the interviews to later in the day has allowed more faculty to participate in the interview process.

“I think faculty add an interesting perspective to the interviews, since they are academic scholars in their respective fields,” Long said. “It allows students to interact with prospective faculty and allows the faculty to feel like they are more involved and have a role in selecting potential scholars.”

In addition to changes to the interview process, those receiving awards also will see some changes from previous years. Recipients of the award now will be required to fulfill lowest level requirements for the Honors College and participate in two extracurricular activities.

Leslie Hayes, admissions coordinator for the Honors College, said requiring Presidential Scholars to be more involved in the Honors College falls in line with the capabilities they possess.

“These are top-notch students, and we are giving them a great scholarship to come to our university and perform at the highest level,” Hayes said. “It seems like a natural fit.”

A total of 453 potential students have scheduled interviews for the scholarship, an increase from 323 interviewees a year ago.

Long said ACU’s increasing reputation as an excellent institute of higher education has helped contribute to the spike in applicants for the award.

“ACU is at an exciting time in its history,” Long said. “We are seeing an increase in demand in the high school marketplace because ACU is developing a reputation as a university that puts Christ first and has high academic standards.”

Applicants must earn an ACT score of at least 27 and a high school GPA of at least a 3.5. Also, applicants must have completed their application to the university prior to their interview.

The remaining interview days for Presidential Scholarships are Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 14 and Feb. 21. Those receiving awards will be notified by no later that March 25, and they will be required to accept or decline the award by April 15.

More information on Presidential Scholarships can be found online at www.acu.edu/academics/honors/about/majorscholarships/presidentialscholguide.