Presidential Scholars Program
 2003-2004

PROGRAM GOALS

• To encourage the continued high academic performance of entering students

• To provide support to students that will allow timely completion of degree

• To provide opportunities for students to successfully meet the academic requirements of the institution while still benefiting from being an active member of the campus community

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Scholars will be among the top students in their high school or community college. They will be awarded:

• A residential life scholarship in an amount equal to the cost of housing at University Village

• A fee payment scholarship in an amount equal to full in-state fee

• A fully configured laptop computer to assist in academic coursework

Scholars will be asked to contribute to the University through outreach efforts with local middle schools and high schools, attendance at community functions with the President, service on university planning committees, and/or by serving in a student leadership role on campus. Later in their academic career, Scholars will be encouraged to participate in research endeavors that support the pursuit of scholarly inquiry in the major area of their study.

SELECTION CRITERIA

For Freshmen Students

• Be a graduating senior from a California high school in the spring prior to Cal State San Marcos enrollment

• Have a minimum 3.75 grade point average, or be in the top five percent of graduating class

• Be fully eligible for admission to the CSU and CSU proficient in mathematics and English

ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED

• Demonstrated leadership in school or college activities

• Demonstrated leadership in community organizations

• Being a first-generation college student

• Finalists will be required to interview with the Selection Committee

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application materials are due in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office no later than June 23, 2003. Application materials may be emailed to scholarship@csusm.edu, faxed to (760) 750-3047, mailed to Cal State San Marcos Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, San Marcos Ca. 92096 or walked into the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office,  3^rd Floor Craven Hall, Room 4204.

The formal application packet will include:

• Cal State San Marcos Presidential Scholars Application
• An essay that describes the applicant’s educational and professional aspirations, including the planned area of study at Cal State San Marcos
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the merits of the applicant

RENEWAL CRITERIA

All presidential scholarship recipients will be eligible for renewals pending the following criteria are met:

• Cumulative Cal State San Marcos GPA of 3.5 or better
• Evidence of successful progress toward degree as evident through the completion of 12 units per semester
• Evidence of active involvement in campus activities as a Presidential Scholar
• Not to exceed four years for freshman recipients or two years for transfer recipients

PROGRAM TIMELINE

May 23^rd   Presidential Scholars Applications can be downloaded here or may be picked up in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

 June 23^rd Presidential Scholars Application Packet Deadline

 July 15^th  Presidential Scholars Application Committee Review

 July 29^th  Presidential Scholar Interviews

 August     Recognition of Recipient at the New Student
                 Convocation

August      Recipient to meet with key campus individuals