Selection Process

Selections Timeline updated as of 08-26-2026

  • September 14, 2026 - Nomination Period Opens
  • October 13, 2026 - 5:00pm Pacific Deadline for Nominations
  • October 26, 2026 - Invitation to Apply Emailed to all Eligible Nominees
  • December 1, 2026 - 5:00pm Pacific Online Submission Deadline for Applications and all Application Materials
  • Spring 2027 - All applicants notified of their application status
  • Summer 2027 - 2027 Scholars publicly announced

Selection Criteria

With the help of college counselors and other educators at high schools in Los Angeles County, New York City, Washington D.C., and select counties in Maryland and Virginia, the Milken Scholars Program identifies outstanding students who will graduate by June of 2027. These students are nominated for the Program based on the following criteria:

  • Active participation in community service activities and a record of leadership
  • Demonstrated ability to overcome multiple or one severe obstacle (e.g. socioeconomic, academic, social, financial, health, etc.)
  • Spirit of innovation and determination to improve the world around them 
  • United States Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program
  • Admission to a highly selective four-year college or university prior to final selection
  • Minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.60 or 90 percent
  • SAT superscore minimum of 1350 OR ACT Composite superscore minimum of 29 OR AP exam(s) with minimum score(s) of 3 OR on track to earn IB Diploma OR on track to earn Associate degree by high school graduation
    • Although we follow a test-flexible policy, we are not test-blind. A student may apply with more than one of these, but please note that they will be ineligible if submitted scores don’t meet the thresholds mentioned above.
  • For Maryland and Virginia, eligible counties include Montgomery County, MD; Prince George County, MD; Arlington, VA; Alexandria, VA; Falls Church, VA; and Fairfax County, VA.

Students nominated by their college advisors to participate in the Program must complete a rigorous selection process that includes completion of a detailed application, as well as submission of letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, test score reports (if applicable), and a financial aid profile. Finalists are then selected and invited to interview.

Program Resources

Milken Scholars are eligible to receive a range of resources that includes:

  • An annual monetary recognition award of $2,000 for each of their four years of college
  • A $2,000 fund to assist them as they prepare to enter the workforce or pursue graduate school
  • Ongoing academic and career-related advising, including for graduate work and fellowships

Milken Scholars must commit to maintaining a 3.0 grade point average throughout their undergraduate career and attend all annual program activities (expenses paid), including an annual Summit each summer. Scholars are also encouraged to to stay in close contact with Staff by participating in in-person campus visits and regular check-ins as college students and Alumni of the Program.

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