URBANA — Seniors Daniel Borup and Greg Atherton have been selected as candidates in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Only 2,600 students are invited to be candidates each year; students are not allowed to apply for candidacy, nor can schools nominate anyone. The invitations are extended on the basis of students' SAT or ACT scores.

The highly selective program was established in 1964. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, it does not award scholarships; instead, it is a recognition program that honors top high school seniors for their achievements.

According to the program's Web site, approximately 20 females and 20 males are selected as candidates from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad.

Candidates who accept the invitation then complete and submit materials for the next round in the selection process, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. A review committee of secondary and postsecondary educators assesses the candidates based on their essays, academic accomplishments, personal characteristics, and leadership/service activities.

Both Atherton and Borup have accepted their invitations, according to college counselor Lisa Micele.

In mid-April, 500 semifinalists will be chosen and their applications sent to the Commission on Presidential Scholars for closer review. In May, 141 Presidential Scholars will be named.

The winners are treated to an expense-paid week in Washington, D.C., during which they meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and others accomplished in their fields. They may also invite a teacher who has had great influence on them.

During their time in the nation's capital, the winners visit museums and monuments, and they attend recitals, receptions, and ceremonies. The highlight of the week is a White House ceremony at which they receive their Presidential Scholars medallion. The invited teachers are honored at a special ceremony as well.

The last Uni student to be named a Presidential Scholar was Amy Chew, who graduated in 1999. She invited now-retired Latin teacher Frances Newman to make the trip.

Seven years later, Katie Carmody ('06) went on to become a semifinalist.

The Presidential Scholars Program has given its top honor to fewer than 6,000 students during its four-decade history, making it one of the most prestigious awards a high school senior can receive.