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Atchison, Kansas

Presidential Scholars Weekend

Benedictine College awards 15 scholarships to outstanding young men and women who are selected from the annual Presidential Scholars Competition. Ten Presidential Scholarships in the amount of $38,250 and five Dean’s Scholarships of $28,687 are awarded each year. Visiting students may attend on one of two weekends:

  • Weekend 1: January 30-31, 2026
  • Weekend 2: February 6-7, 2026

Presidential Scholars Weekend, which includes the Scholarship Competition, is a signature campus event that involves our entire college community. We warmly invite students to experience the most complete expression of our hospitality and scholarship by attending in person.

Register for the Competition

Sample Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Music Audition Requirements

Directions & Parking

Transportation to Campus

Area Accommodations

Weekend Overview

Presidential Scholars Weekend consists of a Friday visit day, scholars’ dinner, and Saturday competition. Attendance on Saturday is mandatory for all competitors, although all participants are encouraged to take advantage of the Friday activities. Along with the chance to compete for an incredible four-year scholarship, students have these opportunities:

  • Audition with the music department (on Friday only, see requirements)
  • Meet outstanding students from all over the country
  • Preview our Academic Departments and meet with faculty members

Competition Details

On Saturday students from all over the country will compete for one of these prestigious scholarships through:

  • An on-site essay based on 3-5 prompts
  • A 20-minute interview with two faculty members, administrators, or board members.

Note that your resumé will be provided to faculty or staff members prior to your competition interview. It must be kept to one page. Please do not include your GPA, class rank or test scores on this resumé. See Sample Resume

Competition Results

We intend to announce the results of the competition by April 1, seven weeks after the second competition date. Students will receive both a phone call and a letter informing them of the results.

Eligibility Requirements

The invitation to participate in the Presidential Scholarship Competition is extended to the following groups of admitted students:

  1. STANDARD: Students who submit an official high school transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and who submit an official ACT composite score of at least 27, an official SAT score of at least 1260, or an official CLT score of at least 84.
  2. TEST-OPTIONAL: Test-optional applicants who submit an official high school transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  3. SLIDING SCALE: Students whose individual combination of GPA and test score merits eligibility consideration based on a sliding scale.

Attendee Information

  • Parking: Feel free to park in any parking area on campus.
  • Meals: All meals for students and guests are complimentary. Students must present their event lanyards to Campus Dining staff upon entrance to the Dining Hall for Friday’s lunch and dinner, and Saturday’s breakfast and luncheon.
  • Campus Security: You can reach campus security at 913-360-8888 if you have an emergency, are locked out of your vehicle, or need a jump start.
  • Prayer & Sacraments: See Mass, Confession, and Adoration times throughout the weekend.
  • Parents & Guests: Join us for a coffee reception on Friday evening in the Haverty Center. Parents and guests are also invited to join us for the welcome breakfast on Saturday. Following breakfast, students will begin the competition, and parents will enjoy a variety of presentations intended especially for them. Tours and Mass will be available, and the Raven Store and Holy Grounds will be open.

Students Unaccompanied by Parents

  • Transportation: The Office of Admission has arranged airport transportation for students traveling alone through 5 Guys Transportation. Your check-in packet includes the departure time for your return trip to the airport, which will depart from the Haverty Center. It is critical that you are aware of and adhere to the departure times and locations from campus.
  • Overnight Accommodations: Students who are travelling alone may meet their overnight hosts in the Murphy Recreation Center at 8:00 pm on Friday evening.
  • Luggage Hold: If you are traveling alone, you may securely store your luggage in the Murphy Recreation Center upon your arrival on Friday. All luggage must be claimed by 3:00 pm on Saturday.