First-Year Students
Presidential Scholarship Competition
Eastern Michigan University awards millions of dollars in academic scholarships each year. Most will be awarded to students who participate in our annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. High school students in the class of 2012 may participate in the Presidential Scholarship Competition on December 3, 2011 or December 10, 2011. The Presidential Scholarship Competition for members of the class of 2011 took place in December 2010.
Qualified students will be competing for a chance to receive our largest academic award, a four-year full-ride Presidential Scholarship, valued at approximately $67,000 over four years, or the Regents Gold Scholarship (tuition and fees for 30 credits a year renewable for four years - approximately $35,000).
Out-of-state students (excluding Michigan and Ohio) will also receive the National Scholars award, which pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rate for up to 30 credits per year for 4 years.
Am I Eligible?
You are eligible to compete in the Presidential Scholarship Competition if you are a high school student in the fall of 2011, admissible to the University for Fall 2012 and you meet or exceed the GPA/test score combination below:
| GPA | ACT* | SAT** |
| 4 | 22 | 1040 |
| 3.9 | 23 | 1080 |
| 3.8 | 24 | 1110 |
| 3.7 | 25 | 1150 |
| 3.6 | 26 | 1180 |
| 3.5 | 26 | 1180 |
*ACT - Composite score
**SAT - Combined Math and Critical Reasoning sub-scores are used to determine eligibility
Students attending a school that does not weight grades for Honors or AP/IB courses will have their transcripts reviewed and recalculated, if necessary.
What is the format of the competition?
The competition consists of an essay test (the topic will be provided to you at the start of the test), a personal interview with EMU faculty and staff, and a review of your academic and extra-curricular background.
Is there a cost to participate in the PSC?
There is no charge for participating in the PSC.
How do I sign up for the Presidential Scholarship Competition?
First, be sure you have applied for admission and have had your official high school transcripts and test scores sent to EMU.
Registration is now closed.
What is the deadline for registering for the test?
The priority registration deadline for both test dates is November 22, 2011. If you miss the priority deadline, please call 800.GO.TO.EMU.
How can I be sure that I am registered and that my participation is confirmed by EMU?
Shortly after you register, you will receive a confirmation letter or e-mail message notifying you of your eligibility status and all the information that you will need for the test date.
How do I compete for these scholarships?
Students who have applied for admission and meet the criteria above can register to participate in the PSC. All participants must attend the PSC Saturday program on December 3 or December 10, 2011.
When and where do I compete?
The competition dates will be December 3 and December 10, 2011. You may apply for the date most convenient for you. You must compete on one of the PSC dates to be eligible for competition scholarships.
You will come to the EMU Student Center on Eastern's main campus to begin the day. You will be escorted to the test site from there. After the exam, you will return to the EMU Student Center for an opportunity to talk with EMU faculty, staff and students.
What will my parents do while I am taking the test?
While you are taking the exam, your parents will be able to participate in the parent program. They will be able to choose sessions about University Housing, Financial Aid, Study Abroad, the Honors College, Surviving the Next Eight Months, First Year Success Programs, Undergraduate Research, and an EMU Student Panel.
What if I need special accommodations?
Contact the Students with Disabilities Office at 734-487-2470.
When and how will I find out what scholarship I have been awarded?
The EMU Office of Financial Aid will send out letters before the holiday break in December informing all test takers of their scholarship status.
What if I have more questions?
Contact the Admissions Visit Programs office at 734-487-6453.
Ask a real question like:
When can I apply for admission?