For the 2004-2005 competition, the Foundation received over 800 nominations from secondary schools participating in the regional competitions. Regional selection committees—comprised of alumni and friends of the University—review transcripts, extracurriculars, essays, and teacher recommendations before conducting one or more rounds of interviews. 

Of these regional nominees, 85 finalists were chosen to come to Charlottesville to compete at the National Selection Weekend. Additionally, with the cooperation of the University's Office of Admission, all applicants to the University who attended secondary schools outside the geographical regions, applicants to the Schools of Nursing and Architecture, and all international applicants were screened as potential Jefferson Scholar candidates. In 2004-2005 the Jefferson Scholars Foundation invited eleven of these additional candidates to the national competition.

In March, all 96 finalists arrived on Grounds for the four-day National Selection Weekend. Activities included participation in seminars led by University professors, a written exercise, a math/logic exam, and personal interviews. At the competition’s conclusion, the National Selection Committee offered Jefferson Scholarships to 44 of the finalists.

No one may apply for a Jefferson Scholarship. For the regional competitions, a prospective Jefferson Scholar must be nominated by his/her school (eligible schools may nominate one student per year from the senior class). A total of 2,100 secondary schools were eligible to participate in the regional competitions in 2004-2005. To be considered in the at-large and international screening processes, students must have applied to the University and returned their completed application to the Office of Admission by January 1. Additionally, at-large and international candidates must request that the Educational Testing Service forward their SAT results directly to the University.