Becoming a Meyerhoff Scholar requires first undergoing a rigorous selection process. Nominations are requested from high school principals and counselors and applications are accepted in the fall of each year.

In order to be eligible, applicants must have a "B" average in high school, both overall and in their mathematics and science course work. They must also have outstanding SAT scores with a math SAT score of at least 600.The most promising students, along with their parents, are invited to campus in the spring for Selection Weekend, which includes an interview, campus tour, and presentations by faculty and staff. Scholarships are awarded in April.

The selection process is very competitive. The program receives over 1,000 nominations a year and will accept fewer than 100 students.