What Are Merit-Based Scholarships?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the Top 10 Merit-Based Scholarships for High-Achieving Students. These scholarships are specifically for students who have shown exceptional performance in areas like their GPA, standardized test scores, or community service.
There are generally two main types of college scholarships: need-based scholarships and merit-based scholarships. Need-based scholarships are pretty much exactly what they sound like. They’re awarded to students who need financial help to pay for college.
Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, will not look at the student’s financial status. Instead, they accept candidates based on:
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Academic achievements
Academic performance is probably the most common factor when it comes to merit-based scholarships. Your academic record—like your GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores—plays a huge role in determining your eligibility. If you’ve been acing your classes and scoring well on tests, you’re more likely to be considered for scholarships that reward academic excellence.
Talent
Got a special skill or talent? It could be your ticket to a merit-based scholarship. Whether you’re an athlete, musician, or artist or have some other talent, many schools and organizations offer scholarships to recognize and reward those abilities.
Specific abilities
Merit-based scholarships also reward specific achievements. If you’ve shown leadership in extracurriculars, excelled in STEM subjects, or volunteered, you could qualify for scholarships that recognize these abilities. Some scholarships even focus on unique skills, like language proficiency or winning a competition.
One of the best things about scholarships for high-achieving students is that they come with a sense of prestige. Schools, organizations, and corporations offer them as a way to reward high achievers and often to promote the academic excellence of their institutions. Some of these scholarships cover full tuition, while others might offer a more modest stipend. Either way, they can make a big difference in paying for college.
How to Qualify for Merit-Based Scholarships
The eligibility criteria for merit-based scholarships can vary depending on the scholarship itself, but there are a few things you can generally count on.
Here’s what you’ll want to know:
1. GPA Requirements
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is probably the first thing committees of academic excellence scholarships will look at. Many merit scholarships set a minimum GPA requirement, and that number can range from 3.0 to 4.0 (depending on how competitive the scholarship is).
So, if you’re a straight-A student, you’re in a great position, but even if you have a GPA that’s just above average, it’s still worth applying to some scholarships.
2. Standardized Test Scores
In today’s world, some scholarships will ask for SAT or ACT scores to help determine eligibility. If you have aced those tests, you could land some of the bigger, more prestigious scholarships.
3. Leadership Roles & Extracurricular Activities
Being involved in school clubs, sports, or community organizations is a big help. Many merit-based scholarships look for well-rounded students. Leadership scholarships want to see that you’re not just sitting in the classroom all day but also contributing to your community and showing leadership skills.
If you’ve ever become a part of a student council, participated in debates, or even organized volunteer work, you can apply for several merit-based scholarships.
4. Essays, Recommendation Letters, and Interviews
Some merit scholarships require essays where you can highlight your achievements and goals. You may also need recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who can vouch for you. In some cases, interviews are part of the process to help show why you’re a great fit.
5. Other Factors
Each scholarship will have its unique requirements, so don’t be surprised if additional factors are involved. For example, some merit scholarships for college
students might be open only to those studying specific subjects or planning to pursue certain career paths. There are also scholarships for students from specific regions, countries, or demographics.
Top Merit-Based Scholarships for High-Achieving Students
Ready to see some of the top merit-based scholarships? Here’s a list of some major ones that you should definitely know about:
National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarships are one of the most well-known and prestigious merit scholarships in the U.S. It’s based on your PSAT score, so if you’re a junior in high school, this could be your chance to shine.
To qualify, you need to score in the top percentile of all students taking the PSAT, which is no small feat! But, if you make the cut, you will receive $2,500.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is among the top scholarships for students with leadership and service experience. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $84 million in educational support to more than 6,900 students. Each year, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected to receive a $20,000 scholarship to help further their education.
Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, last-dollar scholarship designed for outstanding low-income minority high school seniors. As one of the best scholarships for high school students, it covers the full cost of attendance that isn’t already covered by other financial aid or the Student Aid Index, as determined by the FAFSA or the college’s methodology. The ideal candidate should:
- Be in the top 10% of their graduating class.
- Show strong leadership through community service or extracurricular activities.
- Possess qualities like emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
If you’re a high-achieving student with a low family income, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship might be the perfect fit. It’s one of the largest scholarships for high-achieving, low-income students in the country.
It offers up to $40,000 per year to cover tuition, fees, and even living costs. The scholarship is open to students who are excelling academically but need financial support to attend a college or university.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Young students under 18 can receive $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 from the Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards. Applicants must have completed significant work in areas like science, technology, literature, and more. Experts must recognize the work as meaningful and impactful. Scholars are honored each year in Washington, D.C.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
This is among the best but most competitive academic, leadership, and extracurricular achievement scholarships. This scholarship is open to any high school senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. It will award 500 four-year scholarships in the 2025 competition, with male and female students competing separately. The Most Valuable Student scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) offers scholarships to students who have shown academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to their communities. The RMHC scholarship program is unique because it also considers financial need, so even if you don’t qualify for a need-based scholarship, you may still be eligible.
The scholarships vary in amount. There are three tiers:
- Tier 1: awards up to $10,000
- Tier 2: awards $20,000 or $10,000
- Tier 3: awards $5,000
Sturz Legacy Scholarship
If you’re interested or are already in the field of exploring diverse cultures and their artifacts, you should consider the Sturz Legacy Scholarship. This is also among the most competitive college scholarships for academic achievement.
Candidates must have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and proof of their commitment to the field. They must also demonstrate strong moral character and integrity through community service or leadership experience.
Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
Another one of the most competitive college scholarships is the Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship accepts students based on their GPA. If your GPA is 3.0 or higher and is involved in community/volunteer work, you can qualify.
In addition to the GPA requirement, you should also write an essay on how to prevent in-person and online bullying. The winner will receive $7,000.
Cameron Impact Scholarship
Last but not least on the list is the Cameron Impact Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at those who want to work in the nonprofit, government, education, and military sectors. As one of the best full-ride merit scholarships, the competition can be intense. Here are the eligibility criteria:
- A minimum, cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.7 on a scale of 4.0.
- Demonstrate excellence in extracurricular activities and possess strong leadership skills.
If none of the above sounds quite right for you, there are tons of other merit scholarships available, especially if you start looking at local and niche options. Some examples include:
- The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program (for students pursuing a degree in engineering, technology, or business)
- The Dell Scholars Program (for low-income students who have overcome challenges to excel in school)
- The Horatio Alger Scholarship (for students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity)
How to Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships Successfully
Now that you have read the list, it’s time to discuss how to win a merit scholarship in detail.
Step 1: Find scholarships.
Start by researching scholarships. You can use reliable scholarship search engines, talk to your school’s guidance, or ask your local community.
Step 2: Read the requirements.
You do not want to waste time and effort on a scholarship you were not qualified for in the first place. Before applying, you should read and understand the eligibility requirements and check if you fit the description. Double-check your GPA, test scores, and application deadlines.
Step 3: Prepare your materials.
The necessary materials depend on what type of scholarship you’re applying for. For instance, high GPA scholarships will require you to submit your transcript. The general required materials that you need to prepare, however, include:
- recommendation letters
- personal statements
- essay
- proof of extracurricular involvement
Make sure everything is organized and ready to go.
Step 4: Write strong essays.
During the application process, you’ll compete with students of the same caliber as you—or even higher. You’ll have high GPAs and/or strong community involvement. However, one thing that can make you stand out is having a strong essay.
The essay is often your chance to shine and show why you’re the perfect candidate. Take your time, be authentic, and proofread multiple times. Don’t be afraid to ask someone else to read your essay and provide feedback.
Step 5: Submit on time.
Some scholarships have strict deadlines. To avoid any last-minute stress, submit your application and requirements well in advance.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Merit Scholarship Opportunities
Here are a few extra strategies to keep in mind as you pursue merit scholarships:
- Keep your grades up. The more you excel academically, the better your chances of winning scholarships based on test scores and GPA. So, stay focused and keep excelling in your coursework.
- Take on leadership roles. Colleges love seeing students who take the initiative. If you haven’t already, consider running for leadership positions in clubs or sports.
- Apply to multiple scholarships. The more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you have to win. So, don’t limit yourself to just one or two applications!
- Search for local scholarships. Many local businesses, foundations, and community organizations offer merit-based scholarships that might not be widely advertised.
Conclusion: Take the Next Steps Toward Earning a Merit-Based Scholarship
The process of applying for merit-based scholarships is challenging and overwhelming. With tuition fees increasing, more and more students are applying for them, which means more competition. With the right strategy and advanced planning, you can land one to help you finance your studies.
Start early, be organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. For more information on specific scholarships, check out the official websites for each program—many resources are available to help you.