Jan. 26, 2021

Two named candidates for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Two Upper St. Clair High School seniors were named candidates in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Harrison Chui and Richa Mahajan were among the 4,500 selected to apply for the program from the 3.6 million high school seniors graduating this year.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by the executive order of the President, to recognize and honor the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Candidates are identified for the program by scoring exceptionally well on either the SAT or ACT exam. Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. To be considered further, candidates must submit candidacy materials, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.

In March, approximately 500 semifinalists will be named by an independent, national committee of educators. Up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced in April and recognized in June at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

Harrison and Richa were both named National Merit Semifinalists last fall and were inducted into the Upper St. Clair High School chapter of the National Honor Society in June 2020.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program:

• Visit the website
• List of 2021 Candidates