Tips for Getting the Most Merit Scholarship Money?

I'm aiming to earn a lot of merit scholarship money for college. Does anyone have any advice on which aspects of my application to focus on? Strong academics, essays, extracurriculars?

Let’s talk about a few ways to position yourself to earn significant merit scholarship money.

First off, emphasis on academic achievement is key. Many merit scholarships are based on GPA and standardized test scores. For scholarships that require an SAT or ACT score, aim for a score at or above the college's 75th percentile range to be a competitive applicant. Even though some schools are test-optional, they may still offer merit scholarships that consider test scores, so check the scholarship requirements individually. Remember, GPA is crucial as well, so maintaining a high GPA throughout high school will give you the best shot. Advanced coursework like AP or IB classes, or dual enrollment classes can further emphasize your academic prowess.

Second, outstanding essays can be a tiebreaker when decisions are made about merit scholarships. So, it's worth putting a significant amount of time and effort into crafting compelling essays. You want to be able to tell a unique story about yourself and your achievements. Avoid cliche topics and try to pick an angle that reflects your personal growth or your commitment to a specific passion or cause.

Thirdly, impressive extracurricular involvement can help set you apart. Here's where we talk about quality over quantity—rather than dipping into many activities, focus on a few areas where you shine. Doing so will not only shape your "spike," or area of specialization, but it will also rank higher on the Tiers of Extracurriculars, putting you in a better position for scholarships. This could mean leadership positions, significant achievements, or extensive community service.

Fourth, consider applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) if these options are available. Some schools have separate scholarship programs for early applicants or may allocate a larger portion of their scholarship funds to these students. Do your research on a school-by-school basis to see what's available.

Lastly, don’t forget about outside scholarships. Many organizations, companies, and foundations offer scholarships to high school students, and these can stack up quickly. Use websites like Appily to help find relevant opportunities.

Remember, earning scholarships often comes down to using your high school years to build a strong academic and extracurricular profile, and then effectively narrating your story in your application. It takes time, and isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible.