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Academic Achievement Scholarships Tips
Take PSAT/NMSQT to Qualify for National Merit Scholarship
Each year, more than 10,000 high school students receive prestigious National Merit academic scholarships. The non-profit National Merit Scholarship Corporation has been recognizing outstanding high school students with college scholarships since 1955. Currently, the organization awards more than $50 million in college scholarships to high achieving high school seniors each year.
In order to be considered for the National Merit scholarship program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) by their third year of high school and plan to enroll in college during the fall semester following high school graduation. Students with the 50,000 highest test scores are recognized as commended student or semi-finalists. The field is narrowed to finalists, who are selected for monetary scholarship awards. Finalists may receive scholarships directly from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, corporate-sponsored Merit scholarships, or college-sponsored awards.
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High School Scholarships Aren’t All Academic
There are many different scholarships for high school students who are planning to enroll in college following graduation. While there are a number of scholarship programs reserved for students who demonstrate the highest standards of academic achievement in high school, scholarship awards are not always based on grades or standardized test performance.
Many scholarships for high school students are awarded based on specific skills and abilities, such as musical talent or sports skills. Other scholarship programs are reserved for students who plan to major in certain fields. High school students who plan to enter military service can be eligible for Army ROTC scholarship programs. Some service organizations present scholarships to high school students based on volunteerism and civic activities.
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Competitive Military Academy Scholarships Cover All Expenses
The four United States Military Academies offer college scholarships to the highest achieving high school seniors each year. Awards cover full tuition, books, room, board, a monthly stipend, and medical and dental insurance for four full years of education at West Point, Annapolis, The Air Force Academy, or the CoastGuardAcademy.
These academic excellence scholarships are highly competitive, and are awarded on the basis of high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, athletics, extracurricular activities, community involvement, demonstrated leadership ability, and employment experience. Admission to the military academies is limited to scholarship recipients.
Graduates are required to serve a minimum of five years in the military. Upon graduation, each cadet receives a Bachelor’s degree and is appointed to a leadership position in the branch of service that corresponds with the particular academy attended.
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Academic College Scholarships Awarded on Competitive Basis
Academic college scholarships are awarded to applicants on a competitive basis. Academic scholarships typically have a minimum grade point average requirement and require certain scores on a standardized test such as the ACT and SAT. Some programs require essays and letters of recommendations. Many programs also evaluate extra-curricular activities and civic involvement when determining awards.
If you meet the eligibility requirements for a scholarship program, you should enter the competition. There is no guarantee that you will receive an award just because you meet the minimum standard, but you won’t even have a chance if you don’t bother to apply.
When applying for academic college scholarships, be certain that you follow the application instructions very carefully and that you meet all published deadlines. Late or incomplete applications are generally disqualified from consideration.
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Improve SAT and ACT Scores for Scholarship Eligibility
Grade point average is not the only criterion for academic scholarship eligibility. Most academic college scholarships have a minimum SAT or ACT score requirement that is just as important as grade point average. In order to improve your chances of receiving an academic excellence scholarship, it is a good idea to take steps toward making sure that your test scores are as high as they can be.
There are many different strategies for preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Your local bookstores and libraries are likely to have test preparation books on their shelves that you can purchase or review. There are also a number of online test preparation resources. You may even be able to find local classes designed to help students get ready for college entrance exams.
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Dell Scholars Program Assists Underserved Students
The Dell Scholars program is open to low income and underserved high school seniors who participate in an approved college readiness program for at least two years. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.4 or higher, plan to enroll in a Bachelor’s degree program at an accredited institution in the fall semester following high school graduation, and be able to demonstrate financial need.
Eligible students may apply between November 1 and January 15 of their senior year, and awards are announced in mid-April. The application process involves completing a 6-part application form, submitting high school transcripts, a letter or recommendation, and federal tax forms.
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Academic Excellence Scholarship Programs Are School Specific
Many colleges and universities offer academic excellence scholarship programs. Each institution sets its own criteria for awarding institutional academic excellence scholarships. Typically, these types of scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to those students who exhibit exceptional academic achievement, as exhibited by a combination of grade point average, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities.
The best way to learn about academic excellence scholarship programs at the schools you are interested in attending is to ask your admissions representative or financial aid officer to provide details about the types of scholarships available, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria.
