Does the ACT offer scholarships for international students?

I'm an international student planning to take the ACT. Are there any scholarships available based on ACT scores for international students? Trying to figure out if this might help with college expenses.

While it's great that you're looking for ways to offset college expenses, it's important to clarify that the ACT itself does not offer scholarships based on test scores. Instead, colleges and universities, as well as some private organizations, may award scholarships for high-scoring ACT students.

However, as an international student, the availability of these scholarships can vary significantly. Keep in mind that some scholarships are strictly for U.S students, while others might be available to international students. You may need to contact individual schools or organizations to get specific information about their scholarship programs and eligibility criteria.

Remember too, financial aid packages offered by universities usually take into account a variety of factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, family financial situation, and sometimes test scores, rather than only ACT scores. So, while higher test scores can certainly enhance your overall application profile, they aren't the sole determinant for scholarship opportunities.

For example, some universities have automatic scholarships for certain ACT score thresholds (along with GPA requirements), but the specifics of these programs can change from year to year - including whether they're open to international students. An example would be the University of Alabama which has offered scholarships based on a combination of ACT scores and GPA.

Lastly, don't hesitate to contact the financial aid offices of universities you're interested in to explore all potential scholarship opportunities. It’s always good to ask the financial aid office directly about your eligibility as an international student for merit-based or need-based scholarships. Good luck with your college application journey!