Hey guys, currently chasing the dream of a full ride merit scholarship. Does anyone have good resources/info on these? Or maybe share their own experiences with merit scholarships? It'd be really helpful to hear!
Absolutely, happy to provide some insight. Seeking merit scholarships is a great way to bring your college costs down.
First and foremost, you should understand that full ride merit scholarships vary greatly from school to school. Some colleges are known to offer more merit aid, while others prefer to put their resources into need-based aid. For instance, Vanderbilt University provides merit scholarships that cover full tuition and even offer a summer stipend for research or study abroad. You might want to draw up a list of such colleges with generous merit-based aid to target your applications accordingly.
A second point to keep in mind is the competitiveness of these scholarships. Full ride merit scholarships are highly sought after and hence academically competitive. You'll ideally need to have an outstanding academic record, often including a high GPA and excellent standardized test scores (where applicable), along with notable extracurricular achievements. Taking challenging courses in high school, such as AP or IB courses, can stand you in good stead for these scholarships.
You might also want to start early with your search and apply to as many as possible. Some universities might require you to submit additional essays or meet separate earlier deadlines to be considered for their merit scholarships, so make sure to check every college's financial aid website for this information.
Remember, merit scholarships aren't just offered by universities; you should also pursue independent scholarships. Talk to your school counselor, if you're in high school, about independent scholarships you could qualify for. Websites and databases can help find scholarships based on your profile and interests.
Lastly, consider applying Early Action or Early Decision. In some schools, EA/ED applicants are considered first for merit aid, which could boost your chances of earning scholarships.
Remember, earning a full ride scholarship does take a lot of effort, but the rewards are great. I wish you the best in your pursuit!
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