Schools with Most Merit-Based Scholarships?

I'm looking for colleges that are known for giving out a lot of merit-based scholarships. Which schools are most generous with these scholarships? Are there specific ones that come to mind, especially if you're a high-achieving student with strong extracurriculars?

Several colleges are well-known for their robust merit-based scholarship programs. These awards mainly recognize academic achievement, although many also consider leadership roles and unique talents. Here are a few institutions that typically offer generous merit-based scholarships:

1. University of Alabama: This university has a variety of merit scholarships based on a combination of GPA and standardized test scores, some of which cover full tuition for out-of-state students.

2. Tulane University: Tulane offers both partial and full-tuition merit scholarships. Some of its top merit awards include the Dean's Honor Scholarship and the Paul Tulane Award.

3. University of Southern California (USC): USC offers the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition. There's also the Presidential Scholarship covering half tuition, among others.

4. Boston University: BU provides the Trustee Scholarship that covers full undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years. A separate application essay is required.

5. Duke University: While Duke is a need-based financial aid school, it does have the prestigious Robertson Scholars Leadership Program which is a full merit scholarship that covers four years of undergraduate education and includes a summer enrichment program.

These are only a few examples, and many other colleges offer significant merit scholarships. However, keep in mind that these scholarships are often quite competitive, aligning with the colleges' selectivity. You would typically need very strong academic records and outstanding extracurriculars to be considered.

One last thing to remember is that while merit scholarships can dramatically reduce your college costs, you should also consider a college's fit — academically, socially, and geographically — to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and interests. A generous scholarship at a school that's not the right fit for you may not result in the best college experience.