What are all the facts about merit-based scholarships?

Question

I am pretty sure that I won't qualify for financial aid, but I'm ranked 2nd in my class, I take all APs, and I did pretty well on both my SAT and ACT. I wanted to know, how much can you usually get if you have stats like me?

For the schools I'm interested in, I'm automatically applying for merit-based scholarships. So I'm not looking to apply for specific ones.

Answer 1

The amount varies from school to school on the amount. It can range from a couple hundred dollars to a full ride scholarship. Sometimes it is an automatic process, but with some colleges, it might require another application. I have included some readings below on merrit scholarships. I also have listed some other places to locate scholarships.

First, fill out the FAFSA form. It will help tap into need based financial aid from the state and federal governments along with the college itself. I still recommend applying for it even if you do not think you will qualify for it. The form became available on January 1 for the fall semester or quarter. It will also enable an individual to get involved with the work study program which will bring both experience and money.

Second, the high school guidance office can provide a list of local scholarships to apply for consideration to current high school students. Also, have your high school guidance counselor to check into any state programs for students with a certain GPA or SAT/ACT test scores.

Third, the college's financial aid office and website has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major's website will list scholarships, too.

Fourth, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web.

Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for a variety of things including ethnicity, clubs, hobbies, and even wearing duct tape to the high school prom. Most are updated on a regular basis. Most offer a customized search based on information entered onto a form on the website.

Good luck!

Answer 2

there is not one universal set of criteria for merit-based scholarships.

different schools have different criteria for merit-based scholarships. sometimes there are more than one level of scholarship too. the way it works at my school - once you apply youare automatically considered for all the merit scholarships we offer.

the admission offices of the schools you are applying to will let you know what scholarships you have been awarded. if you just have to know, though, you should check out the admission office websites. it's the only way to see the different scholarships and the criteria.

Answer 3

Depends on the scholarship that you apply for. Look at what the school is offering. and the criteria for the scholarship. Some scholarships offer full rides while some only pay for books.