I'm a high school junior with a strong academic record, and I'm interested in Mount Saint Mary College. What do I need to qualify for their merit scholarships based on academic performance?
To potentially qualify for a merit scholarship at Mount Saint Mary College, there are a number of steps and qualifications you should meet. It's important to note that the counseling center at Mount St. Mary's stated that academic performance is the primary consideration, and the scholarships are predominantly determined based on a student's high school GPA and, to a lesser extent, extracurricular activities.
Specifically, for academic merit scholarships, you will need to have a strong GPA. While the specific GPA threshold varies from year to year, a GPA of 3.0 or higher provides a good baseline for most scholarships. More competitive scholarships might require a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
In addition to your GPA, your extracurricular involvement and leadership roles can play a significant role. Being highly-involved in a few extracurriculars and demonstrating significant accomplishment or leadership within them could make you more competitive.
Your course rigor could also be a factor. Advanced coursework, such as AP or IB classes, can demonstrate your readiness for college-level work.
Please note that many merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on your application materials. Therefore, it is also important to submit a well-rounded application.
To maximize your chances of receiving a merit scholarship, you should apply for the November 1st Early Action deadline to hear back by December 15th.
Lastly, make sure to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. The FAFSA opens on October 1st and is important for all types of aid, not just need-based.
In order to get the most accurate and specific information, you should reach out to Mount Saint Mary College's financial aid office. They can give you the most up-to-date information on their scholarship policies and amounts.
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