Merit-Based
What is a merit-based scholarship awarded for?
Academic achievement, leadership, talents, or special skills
This type of federal grant is based on financial need and does not require repayment.
What is the Pell Grant?
You should never pay this to apply for a legitimate scholarship or grant.
What is a fee?
This makes a scholarship "need-based".
What is an award based on financial need?
Before applying for scholarships or fellowships, it’s essential to gather these from mentors.
What are letters of recommendation?
This is a common criterion for earning a merit-based scholarship.
GPA, SAT/ACT scores, leadership, community service, artistic or athletic talent
You must complete this form to be considered for most federal grants.
What is the FAFSA?
True or False: You can’t get scholarships if you’re not a straight-A student.
What is False?
Students must fill out this form to qualify for financial aid.
What is: FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
This personal document explains your goals, background, and why you’re applying.
What is a personal statement or statement of purpose?
What are the common items needed to apply for most merit-based scholarships (4)?
Application, transcripts, essay, & Letters of recommendation
This federal program offers grants in exchange for teaching in high-need fields at low-income schools.
What is the TEACH Grant?
“Guaranteed scholarship” or “you’ve been selected!” are often signs of this.
What is a scholarship scam?
These students are most likely to qualify for need-based scholarships.
What are low-income students?
What is missing deadlines, not following instructions, or submitting incomplete applications?
Besides good grades, this is another factor that can helo students qualify for merit based scholarships?
Extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, special talents, or leadership roles.
The maximum amount you can receive from this federal grant changes annually based on congressional funding.
What is the Pell Grant?
A common myth is that only these types of students win scholarships.
What are athletes or top academic performers?
This is one of the three ways that schools and organizations determine financial need for scholarships.
What is FAFSA data, expected family contributions (EFC), Cost of Attendance (COA)
You should start searching for scholarships by this time in your academic journey.
What is high school junior year or freshman year of college?
These are given to attract high-achieving students to their school.
What are automatically awarded merit-based scholarships?
Some states offer grants through this kind of agency, often with deadlines earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline.
What is a state higher education agency?
If a scholarship asks for your Social Security number up front, it's best to do this.
What is avoid it and report it?
This is a benefit of applying for need-based scholarships early.
What is more funds may be available; What is to allow students to better plan for expenses
Tailoring each application to this makes your materials stand out.
Tailoring each application to this makes your materials stand out.