Program Overview

Introduction to the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program

The Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program is a prestigious merit-based scholarship program at Boston College. This program is designed to attract and support outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, applicants must submit their application by the priority scholarship deadline of November 1. There is no separate application required, and all applicants who apply by the deadline are automatically considered for the scholarship.

• Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision applicants are eligible.
• International students are also eligible for the scholarship.
• The program is open to undergraduate, incoming freshmen only.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program is highly competitive. The criteria for selection include:

• Outstanding academic records
• Leadership roles in school
• Commitment to and demonstrated interest in community service
• Typically, selected students are in the top 1-2 percent of the national pool of freshman applicants

Program Details

• Number of Scholars: Approximately 18 students are selected each year to become Presidential Scholars.
• Duration: Once admitted to BC as Presidential Scholars, students remain in the program for their 4 years at BC, provided they maintain a 3.6 GPA and remain model citizens of the BC community.
• Current Enrollment: There are currently 67 Scholars in the program.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full Tuition: Presidential Scholars receive a merit scholarship that covers full tuition at BC, regardless of financial need.
• Additional Aid: If the merit award does not meet their financial aid requirements, Scholars receive additional grant and aid resources sufficient to meet full need.
• Summer Programs: The cost of summer programs is covered by a separate award.

Academic and Co-Curricular Activities

• Housing: Freshman Scholars are placed throughout campus and are fully integrated with all other freshmen. After freshman year, Scholars select their roommates; often Scholars do become roommates. Presidential Scholars receive 4 years of guaranteed on-campus housing.
• Study Abroad: Scholars are encouraged to study abroad. Boston College has a well-established study abroad program with over 40 partnerships worldwide. Scholars who participate in a Boston College administered study abroad program will remain eligible for all their BC financial aid and any state and federal financial aid that they normally receive.
• Annual Retreat: At the beginning of each academic year, all the Scholars come together for an overnight retreat held in Dover, MA.
• Social Consciousness Projects: Sophomore Scholars announce a social consciousness project they want to unfold throughout the coming year for the entire university.
• Weekly Meetings: Scholars meet on a weekly basis to discuss their academic disciplines, career discernment, or to attend a cultural event in Boston or in one of the surrounding communities.

Summer Programs

• After Freshman Year: Scholars explore problems of hunger, homelessness, and educational inequality in the Boston area through participation in a program modeled after PULSE, Boston College's nationally acclaimed course of study and service.
• After Sophomore Year: Scholars concentrate on language competencies in a language of their choice, often immersing themselves in another language and culture.
• After Junior Year: Scholars work as interns in high-level professional settings, designed to introduce them to the inner workings of organizations that shape society.