Applicants must be legally blind. Visual requirements include a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees in the better eye and be in one of three categories: college-bound high school student, undergraduate college student or graduate student. They must also be U.S. citizens and residents and attend an accredited college or university in the U.S. or its territories. Selection is based on academic and personal achievements.