As you probably know, a scholarship is a form of financial support provided to students to help cover the costs of their education. Scholarships come in various forms, but one of the most rewarding types is the merit-based scholarship. The word “merit” signifies excellence and means that these awards are granted to students based on their achievements, skills, and qualities rather than financial need.
Merit-Based Scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment in different areas. Whether you’ve maintained a strong GPA, achieved significant accomplishments in athletics, or shown leadership in community service, there are scholarships designed to reward your efforts.
If you’re wondering how your persistence, academic achievements, athletic abilities, or community service contributions can help you fund your education, we’ve written this guide (with a list of scholarships to help you navigate merit-based aid. You’ll find a selection of some of the best opportunities available, tips on how to strengthen your application, and advice on standing out as a candidate. There are many opportunities waiting for students just like you who are ready to take the next step in their academic journey.
Exceeding with a great GPA, athletic skills, or community service leadership? Start applying for Scholarships today! Each application is a step closer to funding your educational goals.
What is a Merit Scholarship?
Merit awards are a type of financial aid awarded to students based on academic achievement, talent, or other achievements. Merit scholarships are not need-based and focus on grades, extracurriculars, skills, and other factors. Merit scholarships can be given directly by the school or by a separate for-profit or nonprofit organization.
Types of Merit Scholarships
Academic Merit Scholarships
Academic scholarships are given to students who have excellent grades or high test scores. These scholarships often have a minimum GPA requirement, require letters of recommendation, and require an essay that proves their academic achievements.
Talent-Based Merit Scholarships
Talent-based merit scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional talent in a particular area, such as music, art, or athletics. These scholarships require a different process to achieve them, such as auditions, portfolios, or other demonstrations.
Best Merit-Based Scholarships to Help You Fund Your Education
From digital platforms (e.g., Bold.org), a national merit scholarship program, local nonprofits, or award scholarships that are linked to your school, the opportunities are endless.
The most important aspect to keep in mind is who you are. Start by asking yourself questions such as: What is my particular strength? Am I great at a particular sport? Art? Math? How are my grades compared to my classmates? This kind of question will help you find what merit scholarships align best not only with your excellence but also with your circumstances.
Whether you are part of the community of international students earning a U.S. degree, an undergraduate student at universities or community colleges, or achieving your master’s degree, there is an option for your excellence.
For exceptional students, merit-based scholarships are already a step away from your bank account. You have already excelled in a particular subject; the hard work has already been done. All you need now is to do a little research, prepare your application depending on the particular scholarship, and make sure that everything you need is turned in before the deadline.
Once you have submitted your application, we highly recommend you let it go and forget about it. If it’s meant for you, it will be, and the important thing is that your excellence is being applied to find the necessary resources to pay for your education.
How to Apply For a Merit-Based Scholarship
Research and Preparation
- Research the different types of merit scholarships available and their eligibility requirements before applying for them.
- Prepare your application materials (these may include transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation).
- Start the application process early to ensure you meet deadlines, and if you have to write an essay, give it to someone else to proofread it or give you constructive feedback.
If you’re a high school student, check out our guide to scoring scholarships as a high schooler.
Tips for Winning a Merit-Based Scholarship
Application Process
The application process for merit scholarships usually involves submitting an application, transcripts, and test scores. Some merit scholarships may require additional steps, such as essays or interviews that require some preparation. Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required materials.
Maximizing Your Chances
Start Early
Start researching and applying for merit scholarships as soon as you can (you could start right now) to increase your chances of receiving an award. Many merit scholarships have limited funding, so applying early in your academic journey could be a strategy to help you secure an award. I recommend creating a calendar or spreadsheet to keep track of deadlines and requirements and maximize your time and efficiency.
Showcase Your Uniqueness
Highlight what differentiates you from other applicants, such as unique experiences, heritage, achievements, or talents. Use your personal statement or essay to showcase who you are, including your passions, goals, and motivations. You can also demonstrate your leadership skills, community service, or other achievements that make you stand out.
Understanding Merit Aid and Financial Aid Office
Merit aid is a type of financial aid awarded based on academic excellence or a specific talent. Financial aid is a broader term that includes need-based aid, such as grants and loans. Understand the difference between merit aid and need-based aid to maximize your financial aid package and use all the possibilities available to help you pay for your education.
Other Merit Scholarship Opportunities
Community Organizations
Community organizations, such as Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs, offer only merit scholarships to local college students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, such as residency or community service experience. Start by researching local organizations that offer merit scholarships to increase your chances of receiving an award and learn about their mission.
Honors Colleges
Honors colleges at state schools often give academic scholarships to students. These scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, such as grade point average requirements or test scores. Research honors colleges that offer merit scholarships to increase your chances of receiving an award. Sometimes, these merit-based scholarships are not announced to students unless you specifically ask your academic advisor.
Maintaining Merit Aid
Merit aid can be renewable or non-renewable, depending on the scholarship program. Ask about the terms of your merit aid award, including any GPA or course requirements, and understand what you have to do to maintain your scholarship. For undergraduate students, sometimes, maintaining good academic standing and meeting the requirements to renew your merit aid award is enough to maintain merit awards.
In other cases, students can aim to become national merit scholars if they’re high school juniors, as most juniors are going to take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in October during their 3rd year (junior year) of high school.
As a high school student, you could become one of the gifted national merit finalists, have leadership potential, and gain momentum from a young age to a successful life and career. If you are still a high school student and want to learn more and strive for excellence from a young age, you can start doing your own research and find out more about national merit scholarships and what it takes to win one. You can go and check out the official page of the National Merit Scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merit-Based Scholarships
1. Can Merit-Based Scholarships Be Combined With Other Types of Aid?
Some colleges might adjust or even reduce the need-based aid they may offer you if you receive a merit-based scholarship. So, it’s important to understand how the two interact and research how your scholarship will be awarded (directly to your school or you). Always check with your financial aid office to know how merit aid impacts your overall financial assistance package. Still, combining different types of aid can maximize the total support you receive.
2. What Happens If My GPA Drops After Receiving a Merit Scholarship?
If you are already one of the exceptional students who got a merit-based scholarship, don’t freak out if your GPA drops. Although merit scholarships can have requirements for maintaining eligibility, you may not necessarily risk losing the scholarship if your GPA drops below the required level (however, you may lose it for the following semester). Also, some scholarships may offer a probation period or give you time to raise your GPA before revoking the aid. It’s crucial to know the specific terms of your scholarship, including the GPA requirement and any conditions for renewal, so you can plan to meet them throughout your academic career. Always contact your scholarship provider if you have questions and concerns or need clarification on these terms.
3. Where Can I Find More Scholarships Beyond the Ones Mentioned?
You can find additional scholarships through several online platforms and resources such as scholarship search engines, your school’s financial aid office, community organizations, the National Merit Scholarship Program, or your State’s education department.
Check out our blog for more information about scholarships and application tips.
Ari Moriah
Ari's passion for education and student support forms the foundation of her contributions to Scholarship Institute, where she writes about finding scholarships and funding opportunities. With a strong commitment to helping students, Ari leverages her academic expertise in history and philosophy to guide them in finding resources for their education. She earned a B.A. from Pacific University, where she focused on Early American History and Late Antiquity/Early Medieval Greco-Roman Europe, complemented by a minor in Philosophy. As a writer, Ari draws on her research and educational background to inspire and assist students in achieving academic success.
