What Is A Merit Aid?
Merit aid refers to financial assistance or scholarships awarded to students based on their academic or other achievements rather than their financial needs. This type of aid is usually given to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, such as high grades and test scores, or other achievements, such as athletic or artistic talent.
Merit aid can take many forms, including full or partial tuition scholarships, grants, or stipends. Merit-based scholarships can be awarded by schools, universities, private organizations, and government agencies. Some schools offer automatic merit scholarships to students who meet certain academic criteria, while others require students to submit an application and go through a selection process.
Merit aid is different from need-based aid, which is awarded to students based on their financial needs. Need-based aid takes into account factors such as family income, assets, and other financial obligations. However, some scholarships and financial aid programs may consider both merits and need when making award decisions.
Which colleges give the most merit aid?
Most schools in the US give merit aid. However, there are some colleges and universities that give the most merit aid packages to eligible students. Here are some examples of colleges and universities that are known to offer significant amounts of merit aid:
- University of Central Florida – UCF offers a wide range of merit scholarships to high-achieving students, including the Provost Scholarship and the Pegasus Scholarship.
- University of Alabama – UA offers a range of merit-based scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship, the Capstone Scholarship, and the Crimson Scholarship.
- University of Kentucky – UK offers several merit scholarships to students, including the Presidential Scholarship, the Singletary Scholarship, and the Otis A. Singletary Scholarship.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – UNC offers several merit-based scholarships, including the Carolina Scholarship, the Morehead-Cain Scholarship, and the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
- Texas A&M University – Texas A&M offers a range of merit-based scholarships, including the President’s Endowed Scholarship and the Lechner Scholarship.
- Arizona State University – ASU offers a range of merit-based scholarships, including the New American University Scholarship and the President’s Scholarship.
- University of Southern California – USC offers several merit-based scholarships, including the Trustee Scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship, and the Mork Family Scholarship.
It’s important to note that the availability and amount of merit aid offered can vary from year to year and can depend on factors such as the applicant pool and available funding. Students should research the specific merit aid opportunities available at the colleges and universities they are interested in and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving a merit scholarship.
How to get merit aid for college?
Let’s discuss how you can get merit aid for college. Here are some steps you can take:
Research colleges and universities: Look for schools that offer merit-based scholarships or grants that match your academic achievements or talents. You can research this information on the school’s website or by contacting the financial aid office.
Meet eligibility requirements: Each merit-based scholarship has different eligibility requirements, such as minimum GPA, test scores, or other achievements. Make sure you meet these requirements before applying.
Apply for admission: You must be admitted to the school before you can be considered for merit-based scholarships. Follow the application deadlines and submit a strong application that highlights your achievements and talents.
Complete the FAFSA: Even if you’re applying for merit-based scholarships, it’s important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some schools require it, and it can also help you qualify for need-based aid.
Apply for merit-based scholarships: Once you’ve been accepted to the school, apply for the merit-based scholarships you’re eligible for. Some scholarships require additional applications, essays, or letters of recommendation, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
Follow up: After you’ve applied for scholarships, follow up with the financial aid office to make sure your application has been received and is being considered.
Overall, the key to getting merit aid for college is to research your options, meet the eligibility requirements, and apply early. It’s also important to continue to perform well academically and pursue other achievements that may make you eligible for additional merit-based scholarships in the future.
How to appeal for more merit aid?
Another thing you should know is how to appeal for more merit aid. If you’ve received this type of aid offer from a college or university, but it’s not as much as you were hoping for, you may be able to appeal for more merit aid. Here are some steps you can take to appeal for more merit aid:
Understand the process: Check the school’s website or contact the financial aid office to understand the process for appealing a merit aid offer. Some schools may have specific forms or procedures for submitting an appeal.
Gather supporting documentation: Make a case for why you deserve more merit by gathering documentation that supports your appeal. This could include additional test scores, grades, or awards since you applied or documentation of special circumstances, such as financial hardship or a medical issue.
Write a letter: Write a clear and concise letter explaining why you are appealing for more merit aid. Be specific about the additional information you’re providing and how it demonstrates your qualifications for more aid. Keep your tone polite and professional.
Submit your appeal: Submit your letter and supporting documentation to the financial aid office, following any specific instructions or deadlines. You may also want to follow up with a phone call or email to confirm that your appeal has been received and is being considered.
Consider other options: While you’re waiting to hear back about your appeal, consider other options for financing your education, such as scholarships, grants, or loans. You may also want to consider other colleges or universities that offer more generous merit aid packages.
It’s important to note that not all appeals for more merit aid are successful, and each school has its own policies and procedures for considering appeals. However, if you have strong supporting documentation and make a compelling case for why you deserve more merit aid, it’s worth trying to appeal the offer.
How AdmissionSight can help you in admissions and merit aids
AdmissionSight assists with college admissions and financial aid. We have assisted students with their college applications, financial aid, and merit scholarships for more than ten years.
Our professional consultants help students with college applications and financial aid. We can help you find colleges with generous merit aid packages and advise you on how to apply for merit aid.
We can assist you in writing compelling essays about your achievements. This can assist schools and institutions in recognizing you and awarding you merit aid.
AdmissionSight also offers SAT, ACT, and other exam preparation services. Increasing your exam results can increase your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships.
Your college application can be evaluated and improved by AdmissionSight. You can increase your chances of receiving merit assistance by emphasizing your accomplishments.
If merit aid is insufficient, we can also assist you in negotiating it. This could mean looking over your appeal letter or giving the financial aid office advice.
With a high success rate of over 75%, we have sent thousands of students to their dream schools. Book an initial consultation today, free of charge!
