What is:  Merit-Based Scholarships[1]

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are another source of financial assistance given to students to attend any type of postsecondary education.  The merit-based component means that the student has earned the scholarship based on talent or performance in a variety of areas including academics, athletics, extracurricular involvement, leadership, volunteer work, art, theater, music and more.  A need-based component may or may not be attached to a merit-based scholarship.  Merit-based scholarships come from a variety of sources: federal and state governments, individual colleges and universities, faith-based organizations; community organizations; extracurricular organizations; and parents' and students' employers, to name a few.  Merit-based scholarships typically do not have to be repaid. 

Criteria and Application Process

The criteria and application process are as varied as the types of merit-based scholarships available.  Most scholarships list specific criteria.  These criteria include some combination of, but are not limited to: grades; SAT/ACT scores; extracurricular activities; volunteer work; special talents; probable major; alumni ties; and background.

Scholarships can be for one year or  renewable.  Most merit-based scholarships are for high school seniors only. 

Students should be encouraged to know their own ScholarshipsScholarshipsstrengths, talents and abilities, as these may lead to potential scholarships.

Prep4CollegeNow

Andrea K. Frimmer, M. Ed.

The "Get Your Kid into College" Lady

760.877.7200

andi@Prep4CollegeNo

www.Prep4CollegeNow.com