Section 15-62.5-03 - Scholars program - Ranking and selection of recipients1. The state board of higher education shall rank scholars program applicants by their ACT composite scores or equivalent scores on a nationally recognized standardized test approved by the state board of higher education.2. If two or more applicants have the same scores as determined in subsection 1, they must be ranked by the numeric sum of their four scale scores on the ACT or equivalent scores. If a nationally recognized standardized test approved by the state board of higher education does not calculate scale scores, the equivalent will be zero.3. If two or more applicants have the same scores as determined in subsections 1 and 2, they must be ranked by the numeric sum of their English and mathematics scores. If a nationally recognized standardized test approved by the state board of higher education does not calculate equivalent English and mathematics scores, the equivalent will be zero.4. The state board of higher education may establish additional criteria to rank applicants who have the same scores as determined in subsections 1 through 3.5. Scholarships must be offered to applicants in descending order according to this ranking until available funds have been expended or until the pool of applicants has been exhausted.Amended by S.L. 2023 , ch. 156( HB 1030 ), § 4, eff. 8/1/2023.Amended by S.L. 2021 , ch. 158( SB 2141 ), § 2, eff. 8/1/2021.Added by S.L. 2015 , ch. 3( HB 1003 ), § 18, eff. 7/1/2015.