If you're a high school or college student, you've likely heard about merit-based scholarships. But what exactly are they? From recognizing academic excellence to celebrating diverse talents and leadership qualities, these scholarships offer more than just financial support - they validate your educational choices and pave the way for your academic success. Join us as we explore everything you need to know about merit-based scholarships!
Pinsky Law supports, and provides its services to, entrepreneurs and startup companies. This is the reason we developed and maintain the legal resources for startups section on this website. We know that establishing and operating a new venture is challenging and requires commitment of substantial financial resources. Founders of a new venture must be personally and financially committed to their startup business. Many entrepreneurs mortgage their homes, cash RRSP, and use credit cards to finance the initial operations of the new venture. Access to these sources of capital may be critical to the startup, but these resources come at a high emotional and financial cost. To assist driven, up-and-coming, entrepreneurs who are committed to building their startup businesses, we have set up the New Venture Development Scholarship. To apply for the New Venture Development Scholarship please send us, in confidence, in PDF format, a copy of a business plan for your existing or prospective business, along with the information outlined in the scholarship criteria below. Pinsky Law is a business, taxation, and intellectual property law firm, and therefore we require the applicants to include in their business plan a section outlining taxation and intellectual property strategy for their business.
Now more than ever, our nation needs skilled public servants. By contributing to the greater good, public servants have the ability to effect change and improve the lives of others through their work. We understand that the current job market may be encouraging you to pursue high-compensation digital jobs, but we want to remind you of the importance of public service careers. Public service careers offer the opportunity to serve your community, make a meaningful impact, and find fulfillment in your work. They also provide job security and stability, with diverse opportunities in various fields.
Students interested in careers such as teaching, law enforcement, and public health are not only badly needed, but represent the true American spirit of contribution to their fellow citizens. This line of work requires meticulous study, sacrifice, and altruism to create meaningful change. It is essential that talented, interested students understand the importance of public service and the role they can play in shaping our nation’s future.
As a way to help encourage the next generation of public servants throughout the nation, our law firm is proud to announce a scholarship opportunity open to eligible students nationwide.
This scholarship aims to incentivize students to enter public service careers and make the difference that is needed. Our hope is the 2025 American Public Service Scholarship’s financial assistance can help kickstart that process and encourage students to brainstorm their potential career pathways in public service.
This $1,000 scholarship award will be granted to two students who best exemplify what it means to be a public servant and answer the essay prompt to demonstrate their commitment to helping others. Be sure to outline your career aspirations, motivations, and how you will contribute as a public servant.
With our longstanding relationship with the College of the Desert, California State University Bakersfield, and the University of California Riverside, we want to encourage students from these universities to apply.
We can’t wait to read these applications!
The Free Career Fit Test™, along with the premium report and Bonus CFT Career Mastery Program, is your key to discovering your ideal career and life purpose. This comprehensive career test guides you to work you love – a true calling, not just a job.
Start with the free career test today to uncover your ideal career and purpose. The Career Fit Test™ features a career skills assessment, aptitude test, and personality quiz.
We are trusted by universities, career coaches and companies around the world, and have helped hundreds of students find direction in choosing a well-fitting career path.
We understand the overwhelming number of career opportunities available to students and how difficult this can be to navigate. CareerFitter has tailored its career assessment tool to examine multiple factors of the person to ensure a range of considerations is made to find an appropriate career.
For the 2025 award, we have doubled the value to $1000 to further our support of students and their education. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply. A specific major is not required for this award, but the applicant should have above a 2.4 Grade Point Average.
We look forward to your application!
The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert is steadfastly committed to giving back to the community. We continue to stand by this commitment through different artistic, civic, academic, and philanthropic causes.
One of the fundamental ways we give back is by helping young people achieve their full academic potential so they can then have a positive impact within their community and those around them. To promote this idea we have created the Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship.
U.S. incoming freshmen with a 3.0 grade point average and an ACT score of 25 or higher or an SAT score of 1200 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must attend Bellarmine University in Kentucky.
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are planning to attend Marist College. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement in the high school and/or college courses they have completed.
The Injured Individual Scholarship gives students a chance to examine the ripple effect of personal injuries and explain the importance of supporting injured victims. The scholarship winner will be awarded $1,000 for their education. For more information about this opportunity, please visit our scholarship page.
As part of our commitment to supporting educational advancement and career development, we are excited to offer a $500 scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates a passion for their field of study and a clear vision for their future career. This scholarship provides financial support for your education and recognizes and rewards your dedication to your field of study and career goals.
The Career Fit Test™ Scholarship is an annual one-time award of $500, which can be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses.
The Harvard MBA is one of the world’s leading business programmes, taught at one of the world’s most prestigious Universities.
The Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is granted once every two years for a two year course at Harvard Business School.
The Scholarship offers the following:
• Financial aid amounting to 75% of the tuition fees
• Travel and accommodation expenses related to the internship.
The next Scholarship will be awarded for the class commencing Autumn 2025.
This scholarship is available for international students who are planning to attend Arcadia University in Pennsylvania as freshmen. Applicants must plan to enroll full time.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Students seeking merit scholarships should be focused primarily on their GPA and test scores. If you already have a good or great GPA, congratulations and keep up the hard work! But adding a few more 'plusses' to those A's will not move the needle very much. The most realistic short-term strategy to increase your chances of merit scholarships is to increase your SAT or ACT scores. Free practice tests from the test makers are the best place to start.
-Dave Moniz (BA)
Are you a college-bound student eager to offset tuition costs? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you opportunities tailored to recognize your hard work, leadership skills, and extracurricular achievements. From prestigious university awards to those offered by private organizations, these scholarships not only lighten the financial burden of higher education but also validate your dedication to academic excellence. Join us as we explore merit-based scholarships!
What Is a Merit-Based Scholarship?
Merit-based scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to students based on their academic performance, achievements, talents, and leadership qualities. Unlike need-based scholarships, which consider a student’s financial situation, merit-based scholarships focus solely on the individual’s accomplishments and potential. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, community service, and other areas, providing opportunities for talented students to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive student loan debt.
Merit-based scholarships serve as incentives for students to excel academically and to actively participate in their communities. They not only acknowledge past achievements but also encourage ongoing academic and personal growth. By offering financial support, these scholarships aim to foster a culture of achievement and success, empowering students to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
Who Qualifies for a Merit-Based Scholarship?
Merit-based scholarships are typically awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities. To qualify for these scholarships, you usually need to meet certain criteria such as maintaining a high grade point average (GPA), achieving impressive scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, and actively participating in community service or holding leadership positions in school or community organizations.
Additionally, many merit-based scholarships may take into account other factors such as socioeconomic background, first-generation college status, or belonging to underrepresented minority groups. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward students who have overcome challenges or barriers to academic success and who show promise for continued achievement in higher education.
Overall, the qualifications for merit-based scholarships can vary widely depending on the specific scholarship program and the priorities of the scholarship provider.
What GPA, SAT, and ACT Scores Do You Need?
Determining the GPA, SAT, and ACT scores required for merit-based scholarships can vary depending on the specific scholarship program and the competitiveness of applicants. Generally, scholarship committees look for students with strong academic records, typically requiring a high GPA, often 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
In addition to GPA, many scholarships also consider standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. While specific score requirements can vary widely, competitive scholarship programs often seek applicants with scores well above average. This typically translates to SAT scores in the range of 1200 or higher (out of 1600) and ACT composite scores of 24 or above (out of 36).
However, it’s essential to remember that these are just general guidelines, and some scholarships may have higher or lower score requirements.
How Do You Get a Merit-Based Scholarship?
Once you set your sights on a merit scholarship, you could boost your success with these tips.
Apply Early
Many awards are competitive and applying for them takes time. You’ll often have to gather transcripts, records, and letters of reference. Plus, many ask you to write a detailed and clear essay about your goals. Leave time for these steps so you come off as organized and focused.
Keep Your Grades Up
Look for awards you qualify for based on your skill sets, grades, and test scores. As a rule, focus on getting your grades in their best shape. Also keep in mind, that getting a merit award is only half the battle. You win really big if you get an award to use at the schools you want to get into.
Take Active Steps
Being a high achiever, volunteer, athlete or artist takes steady effort. And it’s that consistency that many providers look for. Any time you fall short of your goals, you can tackle these issues before they snowball. To take active measures, it may be useful to meet teachers, coaches, and your guidance counselor regularly. Not only can this ensure you stay on track, but it also builds a network of possible references.
Plan to Ace the ACT/SAT
Standardized test scores and grades may hold the key to a merit scholarship. Many students don’t do as well as they hoped because of test day jitters and a lack of a prep plan. Learn and prep (a lot) for the ACT and SAT tests. To do this, you must understand the material, how long to study, and solid practices for the day itself.
Find Good Matches
Even if you meet the criteria, not all merit scholarships you see are ideal fits. To search with more purpose, you might use the Scholarship match quiz. It uses an algorithm to match you with the perfect scholarships based on your interests and goals. Once you have your list, send in a complete application and necessary documents on or by the due date.
10 Merit-Based Scholarships You Should Apply For in 2024
Here are 10 merit scholarships you should apply for now.
National National Eagle Scout Association STEM Scholarship
American University National Achievement and National Merit Scholarship
AXA Achievement Scholarship
UNCF STEM Scholarship
CIRI Special Excellence Award
Coca-Cola Scholarship Program
CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The University of Washington Google Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Munoz Foundation Straight A Scholarship
SHPE Chevron Scholarship
What Types of Merit-Based Scholarships Can You Apply To?
There are several different types of merit scholarships. Here are just a few we’re going to cover: ACT scholarships, community service, Eagle Scouts, first generation, GPA, leadership, and National Merit. As long as you meet the criteria, you can apply for any of these scholarships. Our team put together a list of different types of merit awards to get you started. Let’s take a look!
ACT Scholarships
Many scholarships consider standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT. While specific score requirements can vary widely, competitive scholarship programs often seek applicants with scores that are well above average. This typically translates to SAT scores in the range of 1200 or higher (out of 1600) and ACT composite scores of 25 or above (out of 36).
The ACT is a college admissions test that evaluates your skills and knowledge in four areas: Math, Science, English, and Reading. Your scores on each section are added together to give a scaled score ranging from 1 to 36. Generally, more selective scholarship providers seek high ACT scores.
While some universities are now “test-optional” – meaning you don’t need to submit scores to attend the institution – you can still benefit from high test scores by earning ACT scholarships.
Community Service Scholarships
Community service scholarships recognize students who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work and civic engagement. These scholarships aim to reward students for their dedication to serving others and making a positive impact on society.
Qualifications for these scholarships may vary, but typically, they look for students with a strong commitment to community service and active involvement in volunteer activities. These scholarships can come from colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and community foundations. One example is DoSomething.org. Their award programs foster more awareness about issues such as voter registration or stress management.
Eagle Scouts Scholarships
As an Eagle Scout, you have the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, and this may qualify you for scholarships. According to the National Eagle Scout Association, “Scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who have shown active participation in school, Scouting activities, and community service, and who demonstrate they understand the fundamentals of service to the community, service to Scouting and their character.”
Amounts range from $3,500-$48,000. You must be a member of the National Eagle Scouts of America and currently enrolled in or accepted by an accredited educational institution as a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours) in a program leading to an academic degree (including associate degrees) or a skilled trade program to earn Eagle Scout Scholarships.
First Generation Scholarships
Are you the first in your family to go to college? As a first scholar, you may qualify for scholarships. First-generation scholarships are designed to support students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. These scholarships aim to remove financial barriers and provide opportunities for students who may face unique challenges in navigating the college application and enrollment process.
Qualifications for first-generation scholarships vary, but they often require applicants to be the first in their immediate family to attend college. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular activities or community service.
First-generation scholarships can be offered by colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Saint Mary’s First Generation Scholars program is an example. These scholarships may cover tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending college, helping first-generation students achieve their academic and career goals.
GPA Scholarships
Your grade point average (GPA) may help you qualify for GPA scholarships. Many providers use the GPA as a metric for merit. They then set an acceptable range on the 4.0 scale. As mentioned, many merit awards go to students with a 3.5 to 4.0 GPA. But there are others for students with a 3.0 or lower. One to check out is the Straight A Scholarship, available through the Anthony Munoz Foundation; it awards up to $5,000.
Leadership Scholarships
Leadership scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities in their schools, communities, or extracurricular activities. These scholarships aim to reward students for their initiative, vision, and impact on others, both inside and outside the classroom.
Qualifications for leadership scholarships may vary, but typically, scholarship committees look for students who have held leadership positions in student government, clubs, sports teams, or community organizations. Applicants may need to demonstrate their leadership skills through essays, letters of recommendation, or interviews.
Leadership scholarships can be offered by colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and corporations.
One example is the CIRI Foundation. Their goal is to foster self-sufficiency among Alaska Natives. Each year, they offer merit scholarships. The awards value civic activities, grades, and people who help out.
National Merit Scholarships
The National Merit Scholars Program is a well-known national competition. About 1.6 million high school students enter it each year. To be eligible, there are a series of requirements in order to qualify.
High school students must take the PSAT/NMSQT tests. About 50,000 students with high scores qualify for the program. Some become commended students and semifinalists. From here, about 15,000 advance on to become finalists. Every finalist competes for a National Merit $2,500 scholarship. There may also be corporate and college-sponsored awards.
Merit-Based Scholarships for College Students
Merit-based scholarships are here to help you as you navigate the financial challenges of college. These scholarships consider factors like your grades, leadership experience, and involvement in extracurricular activities, rather than just your financial situation.
They come from various places, like colleges, universities, private organizations, and government agencies, and they’re available to students like you who are looking for support to pursue their educational dreams without worrying too much about money.
Merit-based scholarships mean a lot more than just money. They can cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and sometimes even living expenses, which can really ease the financial burden of college. Plus, they allow you to focus on your studies and personal growth without stressing too much about finances.
To make the most of merit-based scholarships, it’s important to do your research. Take advantage of our scholarship portal to find opportunities that match your achievements and interests. Whether it’s a scholarship from your dream university or one offered by a local organization, there are plenty of options out there for you.
Merit-Based Scholarships for High School Seniors
Are you a high school senior gearing up for college? Merit-based scholarships are your ticket to easing the financial burden of higher education. These scholarships, awarded based on your academic achievements, leadership skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities, offer valuable financial assistance as you embark on your college journey.
Merit-based scholarships cover tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses, making college more affordable and accessible. With the right scholarships, you can focus on your studies and personal growth without worrying about finances.
To make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to do your research and identify scholarships that match your strengths and interests. Explore scholarships offered by colleges, universities, private organizations, and government agencies, and don’t hesitate to apply to as many as possible. Also, keep in mind that some scholarships are four-year scholarships; applying now can help you get through college with ease!
Which Colleges Offer Merit-Based Scholarships?
When it comes to merit-based scholarships, many colleges and universities across the country offer opportunities for students to receive financial assistance based on their academic achievements and other merits. These scholarships can vary in terms of eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes.
Some colleges offer automatic merit scholarships to students based on their academic record, without requiring a separate application. Others may require students to submit additional materials, such as essays or letters of recommendation, to be considered for merit-based aid.
It’s essential for you to research the merit-based scholarship opportunities available at the colleges you’re interested in attending. College websites often provide detailed information about the types of scholarships available, their eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
In addition to colleges and universities, students may also find merit-based scholarship opportunities through private organizations, community foundations, and government agencies. By exploring a variety of sources, students can increase their chances of receiving financial assistance to help fund their college education.
Why Is It Beneficial to Apply for Scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are generally a better option than taking out a student loan. With no strings attached, scholarships can help you pay for your college education – which may otherwise be a financial burden. You should consider these benefits of applying for a scholarship:
If you don’t qualify for need-based aid according to your family’s income level, you might qualify for merit aid.
You might attract scholarships if you apply to schools where you rank in the top 25% of your class.
Merit awards may cover your entire tuition for four years or be a one-time award for one year.
A merit award may add value to your resume or CV.
Whether you’re a high school freshman or already in college, check out our scholarship portal where you can take a scholarship quiz that matches you with relevant merit-based scholarships!
List of Merit-Based Scholarships for 2024
Check out our list of 682,903 Merit-Based Scholarships for 2024 worth $3B.
Higher ACT scores may improve your chances of getting a scholarship. ACT scholarships are merit-based. This means they often go to students who have above average grades. And scores on standardized tests like the ACT.
Scholarships are available for students who are active in community service. Some will require volunteer work at specific locations and charitable organizations, while others recognize students who have contributed to their communities in any way. Browse our complete list of community service scholarships to see which ones you're eligible for and apply today!
Scouting can teach you about the outdoors, community, and it can even help you earn scholarships for college! A variety of schools and organizations provide scholarships just for students who have reached the rank of Eagle Scouts - and we've collected some of them here. Browse and apply today!
GPA scholarships require applicants to have a certain grade point average to be eligible to apply. But that doesn't mean they are just for straight A students! Some scholarships specifically aim to support students who have more average grades, but a strong record of participation and community involvement. Search and apply for scholarships based on GPA.
Are you a leader, not a follower? Are you captain of a school team or president of the student body? Did you lead a group of volunteers on a project? If so, you may be qualified for free money for school with these leadership scholarships. Take the lead and browse our list of awards.
You've worked hard to earn excellent grades and you've studied long hours to ensure the best SAT and ACT scores. The providers of these scholarships want you to know that your work is recognized and they know that an investment in your educational future is likely to be one with high returns for society. If your grades are high and your standardized test scores are at the top of the chart, these merit-based scholarships, grants, and fellowships are for you!
Written by McKenna Deen
✔️
Edited by Dave Moniz
