How can I find schools that offer the most merit-based scholarships?

I'm a high school junior starting to look into colleges, and I'm really interested in finding schools that have a ton of merit-based scholarships. Does anyone have suggestions on where to start my search or know of any schools known for this?

One way to start your search for schools that offer numerous merit-based scholarships is by using online platforms that aggregate this type of information. College data platforms like CollegeVine, College Board's BigFuture, and Appily can help. These platforms allow you to search for schools based on different factors, including available merit aid.

Moreover, certain universities are known for their generous merit scholarships. For instance, the University of Miami, Vanderbilt, and the University of Southern California are known to provide significant merit-based scholarships. However, these scholarships are highly competitive and often require separate applications, so you'll want to make sure you stay on top of deadlines and requirements.

Smaller liberal arts colleges and private colleges often have substantial endowments and can offer a significant amount of merit aid for students who are well above their average admitted profile to try and attract them to their university.

Remember, merit scholarships aren't only based on academics – they can also be awarded for talents, unique personal characteristics, leadership, and community service. Be sure to highlight all aspects of your profile in your application to make the best case for yourself.

Always consider the net price as more important than merely the sticker price of a school. Even if a college has a high list price, they may offer more generous aid packages that make them more affordable than schools with lower sticker prices but less aid.

One last thing: make sure you're applying to a range of schools – safeties, targets, and reaches. That way, you're likely to have a few acceptances and aid packages to compare and choose from. Good luck with your search!