Difference between a merit scholar and a merit scholarship

I'm a bit confused about the terms 'merit scholar' and 'merit scholarship.' Are they essentially the same thing, or is there a difference? I'm trying to understand this because I'm exploring scholarship opportunities that might be available based on academic performance. Does being a 'merit scholar' mean something specific, like achieving a certain status or award? Any insights or experiences would help clear up this confusion.

A merit scholar and a merit scholarship are indeed related but distinct terms.

A merit scholarship is financial aid or a reduction in tuition costs awarded based on a student's academic, artistic, athletic, or other types of achievements, hence the term 'merit'. This could include a high GPA, outstanding performance in a specific subject, exceptional art portfolio, or sports proficiency. The specifics of what qualifies for a merit scholarship vary by institution and scholarship provider.

On the other hand, to be classified as a 'merit scholar', usually indicates that a student has won a specific type of merit-based scholarship. The most common example is the National Merit Scholarship Program, where students who achieve top scores on the PSAT/NMSQT are named National Merit Scholars.

Another example is the Presidential Scholars Program, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual, creative, and performing arts. However, not all merit scholarships give their recipients a specific 'scholar' title. For many scholarships, receiving the award simply means the student has been granted financial assistance, without a change in their official title or designation.

So, while both terms imply some form of academic recognition, being a merit scholar often refers to achieving a specific award or recognition, while a merit scholarship refers to the financial aid itself.