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Presidential Scholarship Interviews

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You're Invited

Congratulations on your invitation to interview for SLU’s Presidential Scholarship! Your in-person interview will take place during one of two weekends: Feb. 15-17 or Feb. 22-24. Register by Jan. 24. Students living abroad will complete a virtual interview.

Register for Feb. 15-17

Register for Feb. 22-24

Scholarship recipients will be announced in early March. You will receive an email when decisions have been released and can log into your Billiken Gateway portal to view your status. 

Agenda

In addition to your interview, you will have a number of optional opportunities during the weekend to experience life as a Billiken! To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must remain on campus Saturday from 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).

Thursdays, Feb. 15 or Feb. 22

7-8:30 p.m. CST

Attend SLU by Starlight — an evening tour of three residence halls and dessert with current Billikens in the Busch Student Center. This event is only for students.

Fridays, Feb. 16 or Feb. 23

9-11 a.m. CST

Start the morning off with a class visit and panel discussion with current students. Parents can attend a separate, parent-led panel or explore amenities throughout SLU’s Midtown neighborhood.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. CST

Enjoy lunch with current Presidential Scholars, followed by a welcome from the dean of the college to which each candidate is admitted and an academic meeting with a faculty member from each candidate’s major. 

1-5:30 p.m. CST

Explore campus, tour residence halls with parents, meet with an admission counselor to learn next steps or discuss post-SLU employment outcomes with representatives from Career Services. 

5:30-7 p.m. CST

Billiken Hour: Enjoy hors d’oeuvres while you meet current scholars, faculty, staff and the Billiken; residence halls will also be open for tours.

Saturdays, Feb. 17 or Feb. 24

9 a.m.-3 p.m. CST
Scholarship interviews

Hotels and Transportation

Beginning at 8:15 a.m. CST, shuttle buses will be available at three hotels — Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood, Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park, and the Element — to transport candidates to and from campus. Campus parking is complimentary.

These hotels also provide discounted rates to campus visitors.

International Students

Virtual interviews will take place Feb. 26-March 1.  Students living abroad should register by Feb. 19 and will receive more information and a zoom link 48 hours prior to their scheduled interview.

If you would prefer to interview on campus, please contact your admission counselor for an in-person interview. 

Rules and Regulations

To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must remain on campus Saturday from 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. CST.

Family Attendance

Parents/guardians and family members are welcome to attend scholarship interview weekends, but their attendance is not required. They may not attend SLU by Starlight (Thursday), class visits (Friday) or candidate interviews (Saturday); there will be separate, parent-focused opportunities during those times. 

Candidates may invite up to two guests to interview weekends. Guests must be parents, guardians or family members; friends and other high school students will not be permitted to attend. Please note: Interview weekends contain a full schedule of activities and are not suitable for young children.

Itinerary/Additional Requests

We hope these activities provide a first-rate introduction to life at SLU. Because the itinerary is highly customized to each candidate’s individual needs, we cannot schedule additional appointments during your visit. Please be assured you will have ample time to speak with representatives from many University offices and academic departments.

Ineligibility for Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

If you choose to interview for the Presidential Scholarship, you will not be considered for SLU's Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.

Helpful Information

Upon your arrival, you will receive a personalized itinerary that will include your interview schedule and location.

Each candidate will be interviewed twice by two separate groups in 20-minute, back-to-back interviews. Interviewer groups are made up of current students, faculty, staff and/or alumni.  

Have a Conversation

Be prepared to tell stories about your life and leadership experience. Interviewers want to get to know you and what kind of leadership you could offer the SLU community.

Practice Beforehand

Reflect on how to best answer common interview questions, such as:

  • What is your greatest strength/weakness?
  • What are you most proud of in life?
  • How have you made a difference in your school/church/community?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • What is your favorite book, and why?

Prepare Your Own Questions

Have your own questions ready at the end of the interview. Interviewers appreciate this, and it is your chance to learn as much as you can about the University.

Relax, and Be Yourself

SLU’s Presidential Scholars have different backgrounds and personalities. Be yourself, and have fun! You may be asked similar questions during each interview, but both are unique. Interviewers will have a copy of your scholarship application, essay and resume/list of activities. They'll love meeting you and hearing how SLU can help you pursue your passions.

What To Wear

Casual attire is suggested for Thursday and Friday activities for both students and their guests. Candidates should dress in business attire for their interviews. When not interviewing, candidates and their guests will be participating in activities in several locations across campus, so it is highly recommended to wear comfortable shoes and prepare to be outside briefly while walking between buildings. 

Pre-Interview Webinar

SLU hosted two webinars in February to review expectations for the Presidential Scholarship Interviews and answer your questions. Were you unable to attend or need a refresher? Watch a recording of the "Presidential Scholarship Interviews — What to Expect" webinar.

Where to Park On Campus

Saint Louis University is located in the heart of St. Louis and is easily accessible by air, car and train. If you are driving to SLU, our visitor parking garage is located at the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Laclede Avenue at 3642 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63103.

View a map to Laclede Parking Garage

Where to Eat in St. Louis

St. Louis is known for its thriving, unique and diverse food scene. When you're in town for your Presidential Scholarship interview, be sure to try some local favorites. 

Explore restaurants recommended by SLU students

Office of Admission

Questions? We’re happy to help! Reach out to an admission counselor today.