Are you an individual who dedicates themselves entirely to their academic pursuits or hobbies? It’s likely that your enthusiasm has helped you create a stellar resume for scholarship applications. Merit-based scholarships recognize students who demonstrate exceptional performance, regardless of whether they are proficient in the arts, athletics, or academics.
Frequently, scholarship providers award students merit-based scholarships based on their GPA, extracurricular activities, ACT/SAT scores, and leadership or community involvement. The more you emphasize these accomplishments (e.g., in your personal statement or scholarship essay), the more advantageous it is.
There are merit scholarships awarded by the colleges themselves, as well as “outside scholarships” awarded by third parties (such as companies, foundations, or philanthropists) that can be used to pay for tuition at any college.
Merit-based scholarships
1. Scholarship from the National Honor Society
Sum: Up to $13,000
Provider: National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
Requirements: (a) high school senior; (b) GPA of at least 3.00; (c) member of the National Honor Society. (d) two letters of recommendation, (e) transcript.
A high school senior must be a member in good standing of their NHS chapter, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have received nomination from their local chapter in order to be eligible for the National Honor Society Scholarship. Leadership, scholarship, character, and service are the criteria by which each National Honor Society chapter may recommend two applicants. For additional information, please reach out to your local National Honor Society adviser.
2. Steven J. Finkel Service Scholarship
Sum: Up to $10,000
Music Forward Foundation is the provider.
Requirements: Full-time undergraduate student, GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing a career in live entertainment, college acceptance letter, two recommendation letters, resume, and transcript.
The Steven J. Finkel Service Scholarship was created to address the increasing customer service expectations of artists, fans, and employees in the live entertainment sector.
3. Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship
Sum: Up to $10,000
Provider: Mike Beard Memorial
Criteria: High school senior in North Carolina with a GPA of at least 3.80, athletic ability, college acceptance letter, transcript, two recommendation letters, and a signed letter of intent to participate in a sport in college.
At the college level, the Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship was established to provide support to student-athletes who are continuing to participate in sports. The total amount of this scholarship is $10,000, which will be distributed in installments of $2500 over the course of four years. A board will choose finalists, who must interview. Regardless of the college scholarship opportunity, the athlete should be planning to attend college.
4. $500 Merit Scholarship for Academic Excellence
The maximum amount per recipient is $500.
Going Merry is the provider.
High school seniors and above, a transcript, and a recommendation letter are required.
2 deserving full-time students who exhibit both academic achievement and leadership in extracurricular activities will each receive a $500 Merit Scholarship for Academic Achievement. We are seeking depth and passion, rather than breadth. What accomplishments have you made in your particular field of interest or expertise? Have you completed any internships or fellowships in your desired field of work? Have you served as a leader in any of your school clubs?
5. Merit Scholarship Program of the Daniel G. Calugar Foundation
Amount: Each recipient may receive up to $10,000.
Provider: Daniel G. Calugar Foundation
Minimum Qualifications: High school senior, U.S. citizen, SAT score ≥ 1500, essay, SAT score report, college acceptance letter.
The Academic Achievement Scholarship is a program of the Daniel G. Calugar Foundation that is proud to offer the opportunity for ten exceptional freshmen who will be entering college in the upcoming fall semester to receive $10,000 each to be applied to their college tuition. The objective of this scholarship program is to acknowledge academic excellence, motivation, and unambiguous career objectives.
6. The Fulbright-National Geographic Award
Amount: Subject to fluctuations in tuition, fees, housing, and dining.
Provider: U.S. Department of State
Requirements: Senior in undergraduate studies and above, majoring in a STEM field
The National Geographic Society and the Fulbright Program have formed a partnership to offer a distinctive Fulbright opportunity: the Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program. This award provides supplementary funding and resources to improve the Fulbright experience’s reach and impact.
7. Woodcock Family Education Scholarship
Amount: Each recipient may receive up to $40,000.
Provider: Albuquerque Community Foundation
Requirements: High school senior with a GPA of at least 3.80, majoring in STEM, and a residence in Torrance County, Sandoval County, Valencia County, or Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Transcript and recommendation letter required.
In 1993, Albuquerque businessman C.E. (Woody) Woodcock and his wife, Dixie, established the Woodcock Family Education Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate exceptional potential in the fields of science and mathematics.
8. Scholarship for Overcoming Adversity by Kopfler and Hermann
Maximum amount: $1,000 per recipient
Provider: Kopfler & Hermann
Applicants must submit an essay on how they overcame adversity in their lives and have a GPA of at least 3.00 in order to be eligible for the Kopfler & Hermann Overcoming Adversity Scholarship.
9. Seth Okin Good Deeds Scholarship
The maximum amount per recipient is $500.
Provider: Maryland Criminal Lawyer
Criteria: A grade point average of three or higher is required.
The Seth Okin Good Deeds Scholarship is a testament to Mr. Okin’s commitment to the national discourse on community service. The winner will receive a $500 scholarship to fund their pursuit of educational objectives, with the ultimate objective of establishing a life of service to others.
10. Scholarships for Chi Am Circle High School
Sum: $1,000 to $5,000
Provider: Chi Am Circle
ACT Score Report, FAFSA, SAR, 2 recommendation letters, SAT Score Report, transcript: High school senior of Asian ethnicity, GPA ≥ 3.30, residential address in Santa Clara County, California.
The organization grants the Chi Am High School Scholarships to high school seniors of Asian descent in Santa Clara County who exhibit academic excellence and noteworthy extracurricular activities, including community service, performing arts, work, and athletics. Merit-based scholarships will take into account all students.
11. Pre-Dental Scholarship “Crack the DAT”
Sum: $1,000 or more
Provider: Crack DAT
Requirements: To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be at least a junior in college and be pursuing a career in dentistry. They must also submit a resume or CV, a photo, a transcript, a DAT score report, and a video clip introducing themselves.
In an effort to motivate pre-dental students to pursue a career in dentistry, the “Crack the DAT” Pre-Dental Scholarship evaluates academic merit, community service, and financial need.
12. ETS Presidential Scholarship for Students at HBCUs
Amount: Full tuition-only need/merit scholarship
Provider: ETS and TMCF
Requirements: The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a current grade point average of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate leadership abilities, demonstrate a financial need, and submit a letter of recommendation, transcript, essay, and video essay.
13. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Sum: $5,000 or more
Provider: Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Requirements: (a) Must be of Hispanic heritage; (b) Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; and a minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for undergraduate and graduate students. (c) Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, not-for-profit, four-year university or graduate school in the United States for the 2020-2021 academic year. (d) Must be a US citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA, or eligible non-citizen (as defined by FAFSA). For additional details, please consult the scholarship website.
For students of Hispanic descent, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance for college education. These are scholarships that are merit-based and offer a range of $500 to $5,000. The focus is on STEM majors.
14. Scholarship Program of the PMAHCC Foundation
Sum: Up to $2,500
Provider: Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Requirements: Must be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, or vocational, technical, or trade school in the United States or its territories, have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry (at least one grandparent must be Hispanic), reside in or plan to reside in one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Westmoreland, or Washington County, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Students receive grants from the PMAHCC Foundation Scholarship Program, which range from $1,000 to $5,000.00. Individual merit or need is the basis for determining grant amounts for each applicant.
15. Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship
Sum: Up to $30,000
Provider: Scarlett Family Foundation
Qualifications: A GPA of 2.5 or higher, financial need as evidenced by a 1040 tax return, and graduation from high school or college as a freshman, sophomore, or junior.
The Scarlett Family Foundation’s objective is to ensure that each student receives an exceptional education that enables them to realize their full potential and achieve self-sufficiency. Joe and Dorothy Scarlett are fervent advocates for the transformative potential of education. They implemented this conviction by establishing the Scarlett Family Foundation in 2005 to offer the Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship to Middle Tennessee students who are pursuing business degrees with the assistance of their children.
FAQs
Q: What are the key qualities that merit-based scholarships look for in applicants?
A: Merit-based scholarships typically evaluate qualities such as a demonstrated commitment to community service, leadership skills, high test scores, strong academic performance, and extracurricular involvement. Each scholarship has different requirements, so it’s important to check them all.
Q: Can I apply for multiple merit-based scholarships at the same time?
A: It is possible to submit applications for numerous merit-based scholarships. In reality, the likelihood of obtaining a scholarship is directly proportional to the number of applications you submit. Ensure that you submit high-quality applications for each opportunity and manage your time effectively.
Q: How can I improve my chances of winning a merit-based scholarship?
A: To enhance your chances of success, concentrate on securing strong letters of recommendation, preparing a compelling personal statement or essay, maintaining a strong academic record, and emphasizing your extracurricular accomplishments. It is also essential to ensure that your application is well-organized and complete, and to customize it to meet the specific criteria of each scholarship.
Q: Are there any common mistakes to avoid when applying for merit-based scholarships?
A: Common errors include the submission of incomplete or inaccurate information, the failure to adhere to application instructions, the writing of generic essays, and the missing of deadlines. Ensure that you avoid these traps by meticulously reviewing the specifications of each application and submitting customized, polished materials.
Q: What should I do if I am not selected for a scholarship?
A: Do not be disheartened if you are not chosen. Utilize the experience to enhance your strategies and application materials for future opportunities. If feasible, solicit feedback and continue to submit applications for additional scholarships. Success necessitates perseverance and ongoing enhancement.
Conclusion,
A strategic application, meticulous preparation, and thorough research are all necessary for securing merit-based scholarships. It is possible to increase your likelihood of obtaining financial assistance for your education by comprehending the various scholarship categories, composing compelling application materials, and maintaining a well-organized process. Please bear in mind that merit-based scholarships not only offer financial support but also acknowledge and reward your accomplishments and diligence. Leverage the resources and strategies outlined in this guide to maximize your luck and approach the process with confidence.