There are many scholarships available to prospective college students. There are many forms of scholarships available such as merit-based scholarships. These forms of scholarships are awarded based on merit. In order to qualify for a merit-based scholarship, students will have to earn a certain GPA. Students do not have to pay back Merit-based scholarships. These are considered prestigious awards and therefore your skill sets and qualities will be assessed when being considered for this award. Students who can lead, debate, and serve the community are the ones that likely to be chosen for this award. To qualify you must have good test scores. These terms and conditions are set in place to narrow the competition. There are also merit based scholarships given to specific groups of students such as Eagle scout or based on your ACT score. Many grantors also take into consideration your financial need. The level of need will vary based on your FAFSA application Family contribution amount.

Students who want to be considered for a prestigious award would have to have an above average GPA, strong SAT and ACT scores to qualify. The average college GPA is 3.15 or a B average. This grade average may qualify you for the scholarship. However, merit-based scholarships are more for students with a higher average. Many grantors look for students with higher averages. Averages that are well above a 3.5 GPA. This is an A grade. There are some scholarships that prefer students with 3.7 GPA. This signals to the grantor that most of your grades achieved were A’s.

HOW DO YOU WIN A MERIT BASED SCHOLARSHIP?

The following tips will come handy if you have your mind set on getting a merit-based scholarship.

1.  Once you find a merit-based scholarship you are eligible for; you should apply early. The application process is tedious and applying for them takes time.  Most of the time, you will need to provide transcripts, records and letters of reference. You will also have to apply written skills by writing a detailed and clear essay about your goals. This will show the grantors that you are organized and focused.

2.  Work hard in school so you can earn above average grades. As stated above, your application will be looked over if you do not have at least a 3.15 GPA. When you look for awards, look for ones that you qualify based on your skill sets, grades, and test scores.

3.  You would need to get actively involved in your community. We also advice you to not only volunteer but to involve yourself in extracurricular activities as well. Volunteering on a consistent basis will get you noticed amongst the competition. This will also ensure you build a network of possible references.

4.  Scoring high on standardized test will also get you noticed amongst your competition. Getting yourself prepared for standardized tests such as studying, and prepping will help you place high on the test. You should get a good understanding of the test material and how long you should study before taking the test, so you are well prepared.

5.  Choose a scholarship that will be worth your time and effort. You may find a scholarship that meets your criteria; however, it may not be your ideal fit. We suggest you search for scholarships with a purpose. There is a scholarship match quiz that uses an algorithm to match you with the perfect scholarships based on your interest and goals.

10 Merit Awards for College

Here are 10 merit-based awards you should apply for now.

1.  National Eagle Scout Association STEM Scholarship

2.  American University National Achievement and National Merit Scholarship

3.  AXA Achievement Scholarship

4.  UNCF STEM Scholarship

5.  CIRI Special Excellence Award

6.  Coca Cola Scholarship Program

7.  CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

8.  Women Tec makers Scholars Program

9.  Straight A Scholarship

10. SHPE Chevron Scholarship

If you meet the criteria, you can apply for a merit scholarship. Rules about who is eligible vary. So, our team put together a list of different types of merit awards to get you started.

ACT SCHOLARSHIPS

Many colleges award scholarships based on your ACT scores.  The ACT is a college admissions test. It tests your skills and knowledge of four areas. Math, science, English and reading. Adding the scores of each section gives a scaled score of from 1 to 36. As a rule, more selective providers look for high scores.

One example is the CIA Undergraduate Scholarship. You may be eligible if you have a 21 ACT score or higher and meet other rules. If selected, you get up to $18,000 per year for tuition. Or, if you are a STEM major, up to $25,000 per year. The awards also come with a contract to work for the CIA on summer breaks. You need to work 1.5 times the length of your scholarship to keep the funds.

COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS

If you volunteer, you may qualify for a community service scholarship. Community service is about giving back through unpaid efforts. They are most often available through nonprofits. 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. A main provider of these awards is the Boy Scouts of America. BSA offers three types of Eagle Scout Scholarships. Academic, merit and field study. Amounts range from $2,000 to $50,000. To qualify, you need a mix of good grades, active Scouting, and service. You must be a member of the National Eagle Scouts of America.

FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Are you the first in your family to go to college? As a first scholar, you may qualify for scholarships. Some of the places to look for first gen scholarships are colleges. Saint Mary’s First Generation Scholars program is an example. You might also find them through businesses and nonprofits. To qualify, many look at unmet financial need.

GPA SCHOLARSHIPS

Your grade point average (GPA) may help you qualify for 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. It is available through the Anthony Munoz Foundation and awards up to $5,000.

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS

If you lead a sports team or even act as a mentor, you may qualify for scholarships. Leadership scholarships value efforts that help people and communities. So, a good place to look for them are nonprofits. 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.

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 advances on to become finalists. Every finalist competes for a National Merit $2,500 scholarship. There may also be corporate and college sponsored awards.

You can also try government agencies involved in education, such as state education offices. The U.S. Department of Labor offers a free scholarship search tool that includes grants, fellowships, and other financial aid awards.