Introduction
High School Scholarships Based on Merit (GPA, Test Scores) (2024-2025) – High-achieving students who excel academically often seek scholarships to help fund their college education. Merit-based scholarships, awarded based on high GPA and standardized test scores, provide significant financial support to students demonstrating exceptional academic excellence. This guide highlights some of the top merit-based scholarships available for high school students in the US for the 2024-2025 academic year.
1. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships, recognizing students with outstanding PSAT/NMSQT scores.
- Eligibility Requirements: Students must achieve high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Application Deadlines: Early October.
- Award Amounts: $2,500 one-time award.
- Additional Information: The selection process includes semifinalist and finalist stages. Students should focus on excelling in the PSAT/NMSQT and follow the application process diligently.
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards scholarships to high-achieving students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
- Eligibility Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrated leadership, U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Application Deadlines: End of October.
- Award Amounts: $20,000 scholarship.
- Additional Information: The application process is competitive, so students should carefully craft their essays and provide strong recommendations.
3. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation offers scholarships to students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership and financial need.
- Eligibility Requirements: High academic achievement, U.S. citizens, leadership and financial need.
- Application Deadlines: Late November.
- Award Amounts: Ranges from $1,000 to $12,500 per year.
- Additional Information: The selection process includes both local and national levels. Students should highlight their leadership roles and academic accomplishments.
4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards students who have completed extraordinary academic projects in various fields.
- Eligibility Requirements: Extraordinary achievement in academics, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, under 18.
- Application Deadlines: Early February.
- Award Amounts: $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 scholarships.
- Additional Information: Examples of qualifying projects include significant contributions in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. The application process requires detailed project documentation and recommendations.
5. AXA Achievement Scholarship
The AXA Achievement Scholarship rewards students who achieve academically and demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities.
- Eligibility Requirements: High academic achievement, U.S. citizens or legal residents, involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Application Deadlines: Mid-December.
- Award Amounts: $2,500 to $25,000 scholarships.
- Additional Information: Applicants should focus on their personal achievements and how they have overcome challenges. The scholarship emphasizes resilience and leadership.
6. Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program recognizes students with high academic achievement, leadership, and service to their communities.
- Eligibility Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0, U.S. citizens, demonstrated leadership and service.
- Application Deadlines: Early January.
- Award Amounts: $10,000 scholarship.
- Additional Information: The program places a strong emphasis on leadership and community service. Applicants should highlight their leadership roles and service projects.
Conclusion
Merit-based scholarships provide high-achieving students with the financial support they need to pursue higher education. By meeting the eligibility criteria and applying early, students can increase their chances of receiving these prestigious awards. Additionally, students should explore other resources to find more merit-based scholarships that match their academic achievements and career goals.
