What are merit scholarships and how can I qualify?

I've been hearing a lot about merit scholarships, and I'm trying to figure out how they work. From what I understand, these scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement or other talents, but I'm not entirely sure what qualifications they usually require.

Could someone explain the typical criteria used to award merit scholarships? I'm curious about how competitive they are and how to strengthen my application. Are there specific grades, test scores, or extracurricular activities that are commonly considered? Any insights or tips from those who have applied or received merit scholarships would be greatly appreciated!

Certainly! Merit scholarships are financial awards extended to students based on their academic performance, talents, or other non-financial eligibility criteria, independent of financial need. They're commonly provided by colleges, federal and state governments, private organizations, and different groups within the community. This type of scholarship is particularly attractive to many students because they reduce educational cost, and they are also a form of recognition for students' hard work and talents.

Typically, merit scholarships are extremely competitive due to the sheer number of students who apply. To improve your chances, a few things are generally important to highlight:

1. High Academic Performance: This generally includes high GPA and strong SAT or ACT scores (if the scholarship considers them). However, keep in mind that the SAT has been discontinued in some colleges for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

2. Impressive Extracurricular Activities: The more engaged you are in your community, school, or other programs, the better. The 'Tiers of Extracurriculars' categorizes activities into different tiers based on their impact; the higher the tier, the stronger the activity.

3. Leadership Roles: Positions that demonstrate leadership, such as being a club president or team captain, showcase your ability to take initiative and are often viewed favorably.

4. Unique Skills or Achievements: This includes awards at state, national, or international levels, unique skills, or significant accomplishments that provide you a 'spike' in your profile.

As far as strengthening your application is concerned, your unique selling point would be your achievements, your academic track record, and your contributions to your community. It's worth noting that many scholarships have a particular focus like stem, arts, community service, etc. Tailoring your application to align with the values or aims of the scholarship can improve your chances.

Also, applying for less competitive, smaller scholarships, often referred locally as "local scholarships," can increase your chances of receiving scholarship money because fewer students apply for these.

Lastly, be early in your application, keen on details, and make compelling cases in your essays, if required. Good luck!