Best Colleges for Merit-Based Scholarships?

I'm looking to apply to colleges that are generous with merit-based scholarships. I have a strong academic track record, so I really want to maximize my chances of getting substantial financial support through these scholarships. Any suggestions on schools to consider?

Sure, there are a number of colleges known to be generous with merit-based scholarships. One important caveat though, be sure to research each school's individual scholarship application process and criteria as they can vary.

Starting with private universities, consider the University of Southern California. Every student who applies by the December deadline is automatically considered for their Merit Scholars Program, which awards amounts from a few thousand dollars to full tuition.

Tulane University also offers merit-based aid. About 20% of admitted students receive merit scholarships at Tulane, and they range from partial to full tuition. Their biggest merit awards are the Deans' Honor Scholarship and the Paul Tulane Award, both of which cover full tuition.

At Boston University, the Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus the University orientation and fees for four years. They consider the rigor of your high school coursework, your academic achievements, and your SAT or ACT scores.

Turning to public schools: University of Alabama gives automatic, full-tuition scholarships to National Merit Scholars, and several other scholarships based on GPA and test scores. University of Arizona offers the Arizona Merit Tuition Scholarship which can cover up to 100% of tuition based on academic performance.

Remember, you typically have to apply early (often in November or December) to be considered for most merit scholarships, and some universities require a separate application or essay. So, keep an eye on those deadlines and details as you decide which schools to apply to. Best of luck!