Should I bother applying for merit-based scholarships?

I'm considering applying for merit-based scholarships but I'm not sure if my grades are high enough to actually win one. Has anyone gone through this process and have any advice on whether it's worth applying?

Your grades are important in the application process for merit-based scholarships, but they are certainly not the only factor that scholarship committees consider. In fact, many merit-based scholarships also factor in things like demonstrated community service, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and $specific$ skills or talents.

Application essays can carry significant weight as well. Therefore, you shouldn't discount the power of a well-written essay, and the unique perspective that you bring to it. For example, even if other applicants have higher GPAs, your essay might resonate more with the committee because it aligns closely with the spirit of the scholarship or reveals something exceptional about you as a person.

Also, remember that merit scholarships can vary in their selection criteria and degree of competition. National scholarships tend to be highly competitive, but those at the state, local, or even school level can sometimes be easier to earn because you're competing with a smaller pool. So, a strategic approach can improve your chances.

So, my advice is: absolutely go for it! Commit to the application process, put your best bent forward in both showcasing your academic achievements and painting a complete and compelling picture of who you are. And if you don't win one scholarship, don't be discouraged. It's often a numbers game, and many students apply to multiple scholarships before they win one.