Chances of Getting a Full Ride Scholarship at ASU?

I'm currently a junior in high school, thinking about applying to Arizona State University. I've been researching different scholarships, and the prospect of getting a full ride scholarship really got me excited. I'm curious about what it actually takes to secure one of these. Do I need to have perfect grades and test scores to be eligible, or do they also consider extracurriculars and leadership roles?

If someone has gone through the process, I'd love to hear more about how competitive it is and any tips you might have for boosting my chances. Also, are there specific programs or criteria I should be aware of before applying?

You should be aware that full ride scholarships are very competitive and demanding. While not all scholarships require perfection, they do tend to favor students who show strong academic potential, enthusiasm for their preferred study area, and demonstrated leadership or community involvement.

Arizona State University offers several scholarships that could potentially cover full tuition, but you'd need to meet certain eligibility criteria. The Obama Scholars Program, for example, is a need-based scholarship for Arizona residents that can cover the full cost of attendance. To qualify, you must demonstrate significant financial need, be an Arizona resident, a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, and be an incoming freshman. This scholarship program prioritizes first-generation college students, underserved racial/ethnic groups, honorably discharged veterans/reservists, wards of the court and students from low-income families.

On the other hand, the Moeur Award is a merit-based scholarship that covers tuition for eight consecutive semesters. This scholarship requires you to have a summa cum laude GPA (or a weighted GPA equals to or greater than 4.0), and you must have completed all coursework in high school (no make-up work done in summer after graduation).

Remember, beyond just impeccable grades, involvement in extracurricular commitment and leadership roles are an advantage. They demonstrate your community involvement, interpersonal skills, and drive - qualities that are highly prized by universities.

Moreover, search for external scholarships as many private organizations, foundations, and companies also offer full-tuition scholarships or significant financial aid amounts to prospective students.

My suggestion would be to start your scholarship search as early as possible. Keep track of all offered scholarships, their requirements, and deadlines. Devote time to crafting compelling applications and tailor each application to the specific scholarship, highlighting characteristics that align with the organization's values. Good luck with your scholarship hunt!