Merit scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance, abilities, or other educational criteria. These scholarships can assist reduce the cost of tuition and other educational expenditures.

But with so many scholarship possibilities available, how can you decide which ones are right for you? In this article, we will identify the top merit scholarships available, as well as provide application recommendations.

What is a merit-based scholarship?

Merit-based scholarships are offered to students that succeed in academics, sports, or other professions such as art. Merit scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate extraordinary abilities, achievements, or traits.

Academic performance, extracurricular activities, unusual abilities, personal statements or essays, and letters of recommendation from students’ mentors, educators, or local authorities are examples of merit-based criteria.

Most merit-based scholarships are based on class rank, GPA, SAT and ACT scores, club membership, athletic participation, community service, leadership positions, and other notable achievements. Merit Scholarships can also be offered based on artistic or musical aptitude, writing prowess, or other special skills.

Benefits of merit scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are extremely beneficial in providing financial assistance for a student’s educational expenses. Depending on the type of merit-based scholarship you select, they may assist you:

• Some merit-based scholarships cover the entire tuition charge for a four-year college degree.
• pay college degree costs: Merit-based scholarships may also pay all college-related expenses, including tuition, meals, and books.
• Cover one academic year’s attendance costs: Some merit-based scholarship programs can also assist you cover the expense of attending college or university for a year.
• Provide a prize amount: There are merit scholarships that provide you with a certain amount of money to cover your study expenditures. also see Coca Cola Scholarship 2025

Top merit-based scholarships for High School students

A student can get a scholarship based on merit from his/her school directly. Or they can search for merit-based scholarships at colleges or universities from online resources based on their skills and field of interest.

Here’s a list of top merit scholarships for high school students:

1). QuestBridge Match Scholarship

Award Sum

A scholarship worth $200,000 will be awarded for a complete 4-year period.

Qualifications

• You ought to be a student in high school.
• Your eligibility is based on your academic performance. Test results, writing proficiency, and financial necessity class rank are taken into account.
• Last Day
• September’s final week.

2). The Scholars Program at Burger King

Award Sum

From $1000 to $60000.

Qualification

• You have to be a resident of the United States or a citizen of Canada.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required of the students in order to be eligible for a scholarship. Work experience, community service, and other abilities are also taken into account.
• Last Day In the middle of December

3). Scholarship from the GE-Reagan Foundation

Amount granted

A three-year scholarship worth $10,000 is awarded. (Total: $40,000).

Qualifications

• A 3.0 GPA and US citizenship are requirements.
• Must possess leadership abilities as well.
• Must be devoted to participating in civic life.
• Must be a 2024 high school graduate.
• Last Day: the beginning of January.

4). Fellowships for Davidson Institution Fellows

Amount granted

Awards of $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 are given to students who have done well academically.

Qualifications

• Either permanent residency or U.S. citizenship is required.
• There is no minimum age to be eligible.
• There must be a minimum of two nominations for the application procedure.
• Last Day: February 14th

5). The Scholarship from Gates

Award Sum

total cost of attendance, which includes travel expenses in addition to the tuition.

Qualifications

• A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required for enrollment for any American Indian, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, or Pacific Islander American.
• The grant is available to high school students who place in the top 10% of their graduating class.
• Last Day: September 15th.

6). The Most Valuable Student Scholarship from the Elks National Foundation

Award Sum

Over the course of his academic career, the student will receive a prize of $1,000–$4,000 annually. Weekend interviews are arranged for students who can participate and get a chance to get a prize of $5,000 to $12,500 per year.

Qualifications

• You have to be an American citizen. Submit an essay and financial data with your application.
• You are qualified based on academic achievements, financial needs, community services, and leadership skills.
• Last day: 15th November.

7). Cameron Impact Scholarship

Award Sum

A four-year merit scholarship is given to the student. It pays the entire cost of the books, fees, and tuition at the college or colleges they are attending.

Qualifications

• A GPA of at least 3.7 is necessary. To make an impact on the world society, you need to possess certain attributes. You need to make a difference both during and after college.
• Last Day: Applications for classes in 2025 open on February 1st, 2024.

8). The Equitable Excellence Scholarship

The AXA Achievement Scholarship has been replaced by this merit-based scholarship program.

Award sum:

Up to $750,000 in new awards may be made; 100 renewable awards of $5,000 each; 100 one-time awards of $2,500 each; The top 100 applicants will receive renewable awards for up to four years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned; the next 100 applicants will receive non-renewable awards; each recipient will receive a $500 gift card to be used at their preferred teacher;

Qualification:

• High school seniors in the 50 US states, Washington, DC, or Puerto Rico are encouraged to enroll in an accredited college or university for the upcoming academic year. They must also exhibit ambition and self-drive; have a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and have a $500 gift card.
• They must also provide photographs for program promotion and information.
• Last day: Fall 2024

9). The Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Award Sum

A $ 7,500 scholarship is awarded to college students and juniors.

Qualification

• You must be a U.S. citizen with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
• Your goal must be to graduate in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering. A
• Goldwater Campus representative must nominate you for the scholarship.
• You also have to submit transcripts and recommendation letters with research essays.
• Last day: The last Friday of January each year is the deadline for application.

10). National Merit and Achievement Scholarships at American University

Award Sum

between $6,000 and $22,000.

Qualifications

• You have to prove that you are an exceptional student and place in the top 10 to 15 percent of applicants to AU.
• Attend a college connected to AU as a freshman.
• Last Day: Notifications are given to freshmen upon admission.

How to apply for merit scholarships?

Once you’ve made the decision to pursue a merit scholarship, the following advice may help you succeed even more:

1. Apply as soon as possible: Due to the competitive nature of many prizes, applying for them takes time. You may need to obtain transcripts, documentation, and recommendation letters. Many also require you to submit a well-written essay that outlines your goals. Allow enough time to finish these tasks so that you appear focused and organized.
2. Raise your GPA: Check your eligibility for rewards based on your skill sets, grades, and test results. Generally speaking, focus on raising your GPA.
3. Show Courage: To be proactive, you could find it useful to arrange regular meetings with your professors, coaches, and guidance counselor. This builds a network of possible references and aids in staying on path.
4. Create an A+ ACT/SAT strategy. Anxiety on test day combined with a lack of a study plan leaves many students performing below expectations. For the SAT and ACT, prepare and rehearse like an expert. To do this, you must be aware of the material, the amount of time you should spend studying, and the best study strategies for the day.