Where can I find guaranteed scholarships for college students?

I'm looking for scholarships that are basically guaranteed if you meet certain criteria. Are there certain colleges known for offering these, or should I look for organizations that provide them?

Sure, such scholarships do exist, often referred to as "Merit-based Scholarships." These scholarships are usually awarded by universities to students who meet a specific set of criteria, which can include academic achievement, leadership skills, or a unique talent. Here are a few examples:

1. The University of Nevada, Reno offers the Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to residents of Nevada with at least a 3.7 unweighted GPA and qualifying test scores (31 ACT or 1390 SAT).

2. The Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is another merit-based program that provides opportunities for students in the fields of engineering, math, and science.

3. The University of Alabama has several merit-based scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship which covers full-tuition for in-state and out-of-state students who meet certain academic thresholds.

Remember that even though these scholarships may seem "guaranteed" if you meet the criteria, they are often very competitive due to the large number of students who may also meet the qualifications.

Other than universities, certain organizations also offer merit-based scholarships. For example, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards 150 scholarships every year to exceptional high school students.

While these are not exhaustive, they give you a sense of the kind of scholarships available out there. It's recommended to research thoroughly, maybe use tools like Appily, and check multiple sources to gather information about more such scholarships. Remember to pay close attention to the qualification criteria and deadlines.