Merit Scholarships

Every funding has the purpose of solving a particular problem. You have to demonstrate the requisite knowledge and experience to solve that problem. Always present yourself well.

Some of the more competitive college scholarships are merit scholarships or academic scholarships. Merit scholarships are typically related to academic performance, but an applicant who is demonstrating artistic or athletic excellence, or a combination of both can also be awarded merit scholarships. There are many other merit scholarships that focus on community service, professional or business experience, or leadership skills. The students who stand out in several different areas eventually get the most prestigious scholarships. It is quite common for colleges to look at your academic background, past rankings, scores of international examinations, and your overall academic track record before qualifying for a grant.

It is true to say that all academic scholarships are merit scholarships, but not all merit scholarships are academic scholarships. The two major sources to find the merit scholarships are private organizations and universities or colleges themselves.

Eligibility Criteria To Apply For Merit Scholarships

• You must have received excellence in academic success in high school.

• You must be required to excel in extracurricular activities.

• You must be able to provide proof of financial documents, stating the financial condition of the family.

• Merit scholarships also consider the ACT or SAT scores.

• It also considers the scores of common entrance examinations such as GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE.

Basic Steps to Get a Merit Scholarship

Step 1: Research for all possible scholarships available

Start with the college or university you want to apply for. You can also look for a scholarship in places like foundations, government education departments, etc.

Step 2: Read the requirements for scholarships carefully

Universities may have specific requirements for the applicant, that’s why it is important for you to get a clue what are the exact expectations from an applicant.

Step 3: Don't be too much late   

Remember that the merit scholarships are highly competitive. Many students are eager to get a full ride. That's why do not wait too long before applying.

Step 4: Work on yourself

A merit scholarship is awarded to someone who has strong credentials, the one who can demonstrate some specific activities, and that one who has unique abilities.

Step 5: Write a strong statement of purpose

Nobody can explain better than you why you need so much that scholarship. Put in your statement of purpose your heart and mind. The integral component of your application is a statement of purpose. Make it powerful and relevant. Find and explain your ambitions and goals in life.

Some Examples of Merit Scholarships

ABA Academic Merit Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000

• Deadline: April 02, 2021

• Scholarship Description: The American Bus Association Academic Merit Scholarship is open to both ABA and non-ABA Members. To be eligible, candidates will have completed, at a minimum, their first year of an accredited university (4-year university/college or junior college); must have a declared major or course of study relevant to the transportation, travel and tourism industry; must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher.

Flinn Scholars

• Amount: Varies

• Deadline: Varies     

• Scholarship Description: The Flinn Scholarship Program provides an unparalleled package for undergraduate study at an Arizona public university for 20 of Arizona's highest-achieving high school seniors each year. Flinn Scholars, who can attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona, also benefit from working with top faculty and researchers, meeting business and civic leaders in their field, and forming their own community and alumni network. As a general rule, Flinn Scholarship applicants should: score a minimum 29 on the ACT (composite score) or 1300 on the SAT I (critical reading and math); attain at least a 3.5 grade-point average; rank in the top 5 percent of their graduating class (if the school reports class rank); and, participate and demonstrate leadership in a variety of extracurricular activities. Must be a US citizen. 

National Eagle Scout Association Merit Scholarships

• Amount: $5,000

• Deadline: October 31, 2020

• Scholarship Description: NESA merit scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts based on Scouting participation, character, and community service. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or undergraduate college students no later than the completion of their junior year. NESA scholarships are not available to students attending community colleges or any of the U.S. military academies because, at these academies, expenses covered by the NESA scholarships are already paid by the U.S. government. 

You can find various other merit scholarships in the following table:

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Application Deadline
Augustana College Family Tuition Grant	$2,000	Varies
Baylor University Baptist Scholarships	Varies	Varies
Cameron Impact Scholarship	$50,000	September 11, 2020
Curtis Institute of Music/Tuition Scholarships	Varies	March 01, 2021
Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts Tuition Support Fund	$40,800	February 01, 2021
L. Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest	$5,000	Varies
NDS Merton Sowerby Junior Merit Scholarship	$1,500	April 15, 2021