In the Presidential Scholars Program, some 3,000 graduating seniors are identified each year as candidates "on the basis of broad academic achievement," according to the program's materials. Eligible students are invited to apply; this year, 550 semifinalists were selected from the applicants.

Scholars are chosen in April and honored with medallions during the National Recognition Weekend in June, in Washington, D.C. Each recipient is asked to identify his or her most influential teacher, who is invited to the recognition events as well. The weekend's travel and expenses are paid by the program.