What are the typical requirements for full college scholarships?

I'm really aiming to secure a full scholarship for college, but I'm not sure what the typical requirements are. Is it mainly about grades, or do extracurriculars and leadership roles play a big part too?

Securing a full college scholarship typically involves a combination of factors, and the specific requirements can vary depending on the type of scholarship.

Academic Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are often based on high GPAs and standardized test scores. For instance, to be competitive, students often need a GPA well above 3.5 out of 4.0 and high percentile SAT or ACT scores. But remember, the actual cutoffs can vary considerably from scholarship to scholarship.

Leadership or Service Scholarships: These scholarships often require demonstration of significant involvement in community service, leadership roles, or other extracurricular activities. For example, a student who has served as a class or club president, or who has launched a non-profit organization, may be a strong contender for leadership scholarships.

Athletic Scholarships: These scholarships are for students who have excelled in high school athletics and have been recruited to play a sport at a college, usually at the D1 level. It's also worth noting you have to meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements to be considered for these.

Talent or Special Interest Scholarships: These are geared towards students who have shown exceptional skill in a particular area, such as music, theater, art, or even a specific academic subject. These usually require a portfolio or audition.

For many of these scholarships, a strong essay detailing why you're deserving of the scholarship is often required. Some scholarships also require letters of recommendation, so it's good to maintain strong relationships with your teachers and mentors. Also, financial need may or may not be a factor for these scholarships, depending on the scholarship program.

Finally, remember that while grades, standardized test scores, leadership roles, and extracurriculars are all important, they're part of a larger holistic look at who you are. Demonstrating character, perseverance, and passion can also play a big role in scholarship decisions.