Which are the most prestigious scholarships for high academic achievement?

I'm looking into scholarships for top academic performance as I prepare for college applications. What are some of the most prestigious awards out there, and what do they typically require in terms of qualifications?

One of the most prestigious scholarships for top academic performance is the Rhodes Scholarship, which provides full financial support for students to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Oxford in the UK. The Rhodes Scholarship selects students based not only on academic achievement but also on character, leadership, and a commitment to the common good.

Another significant scholarship is the Truman Scholarship, a highly competitive federal scholarship granted to U.S. college juniors for demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to public service.

The Fulbright Program is an international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs.

On a more regional scale, the Morehead-Cain Scholars program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the U.S., granting a full ride and additional summer enrichment opportunities.

If you are involved in science research, there's the Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly Intel STS) which is one of the most esteemed science competitions for high school students, providing significant scholarship money to finalists and semi-finalists.

Most of these scholarships require extraordinary academic achievements, with many expecting GPA's near the top of your class along with strong SAT or ACT scores. Leadership potential, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and commitment to service are often important components as well. As deadlines, requirements, and formats can vary, it's crucial to research each scholarship thoroughly to know its specifics.