Qualified students are recommended by their college deans to their respective school presidents. The school head in turn evaluate the student based on the following criteria: superior academic performance; responsible leadership and/or active participation in worthwhile extra-curricular activities, a deep sense of community awareness and involvement; personal values anchored on a living faith in God; sensitivity towards the needs of others and a sincere determination of help; firm moral convictions & integrity; a pleasing personality & ability to express oneself effectively.

Nominees from several schools, joined by the regional and national program, will be deliberated over by a National Screening Committee divided into eight (8) related fields. These are: (a) Medicine/Health Related; (b) Science & Math/Agriculture; (c) Information Technology/Engineering/Architect & Maritime; (d) Humanities/Communication; (e) Social Sciences; (f) Teacher Education; (g) Criminology & Law/Business/Economics/Industry & Entrepreneurship from Various; (h) Business/Economics/Industry & Entrepreneurship from Accountancy only. A total of thirty (30) finalists will be chosen among the Science-based fields and the non-Science-based fields. Ten winners will be selected by the National Board of Judges.

Every year the RFM Foundation convenes a distinguished National Screening Committee that will carefully choose the thirty finalists from the different fields of Specialization. Regional Screening Committees are also tasked with endorsing their respective local candidates to the national search. The chosen thirty are then assembled in Manila to be interviewed by the Board of Judges.