Fall 2026 Virtual Presidential Scholars Registration Form

The Virtual Presidential Scholars Competition is offered to students who live 500+ miles away from NMU's campus. Please contact your admissions counselor for questions about the competition.

By checking this box I affirm that my home address is 500+ miles from NMU's campus and that I am therefore distance-eligible to compete in the virtual competition

I would like to request an exemption

Please explain

If your home address is less than 500 miles from NMU's campus, please explain why you are not registering for one of the on-campus competition dates. The Presidential Scholars Competition committee will review your request and contact you with a decision.

Virtual Presidential Scholars Competition Registration Form

Personal Information

First Name

Last Name

Student Email

(Your eligibility status will be e-mailed here)

Student Telephone

Parent's Email

Address

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Student Type

First time freshman – Have not graduated from high school. If you are a middle-college student, you are still considered a first-time freshman.

Transfer – Not middle college. Must have completed at least 30 college-level credits after high school graduation.

High School

My high school is not listed in the box above.

Community College

My community college is not listed in the box above.

Virtual Competition Date

Sunday, November 15 – Monday, November 16, 2026 (registration deadline Monday, November 2 at 8 a.m. Eastern Time)

Submit the scholarship application; application for admission (if not already applied) by November 3. Competition details such as Zoom links and a schedule of events will be emailed a week prior to the competition to those who are eligible to participate. If you do not meet eligibility requirements, you will be notified by the program coordinator.

If you must request a change of dates, please contact kannala@nmu.edu. DO NOT fill out another application form.

Optional: NMU Leadership Scholarship

If you would like to be considered for one of the 11 Leadership Scholarships, you will submit a resume and essay about one of your leadership activities.

I am applying to participate in:

Only Presidential Scholars Competition

Both Presidential Scholars Competition & Leadership Scholarship - an essay and resume must accompany registration form

Optional: NMU Leadership Scholarship

Each participant must complete the following (this information must be submitted with your competition application form and cannot be completed after you have initially applied for the competition):

Resume – used to assess the impact of the participant’s leadership experience

List each activity and include the number of years involved, and any duties or responsibilities that describes your involvement.
Students will be evaluated on quality as well as quantity of their leadership experiences. Sustained effort over time and a commitment to community service will be rewarded.
Presentation and description of goals and efforts will also be considered.
Please name your file following this format: FirstName LastName_Resume

File formats accepted for Resume document: pdf doc docx odt

Choose file

Essay - used to evaluate the participant's understanding of leadership

Pick one activity from the brief resume and write a 250-350 word essay. Please include the duties, description of the activity, and a reflection of the activity.
The scholarship committee will be primarily looking for the student's ability to reflect on the chosen leadership activity. You should demonstrate that the activity was significant and has helped you develop as a leader.
Please name your file following this format: FirstName LastName_Essay

File formats accepted for Essay document: pdf doc docx odt

Choose file