FAQ

A scholarship is a financial award given to students to help them pay for their education. Scholarships can be awarded based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, athletic or artistic ability, community service, and more. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid and are essentially "free money" that can help reduce the cost of tuition and other educational expenses. Scholarships may be offered by colleges and universities, private organizations, corporations, and government agencies. They can range in value from a few hundred dollars to full tuition coverage and often have specific requirements or conditions that must be met in order to receive the award.

Grants are typically need-based, meaning they are awarded based on the financial need of the student and their family. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid and are considered "free money." Student grants can come from a variety of sources, including federal and state governments, colleges and universities, private organizations, and philanthropic foundations. The amount of grant funding awarded to a student can vary depending on factors such as financial need, academic merit, and other criteria set by the organization or institution providing the grant. Student grants can be used to cover tuition costs, room and board expenses, textbooks and supplies, and other educational expenses.

No, you do not need to pay back a scholarship. Scholarships are like free money for students. Some scholarships require you to meet ongoing criteria in order to qualify for continued distributions. Even if the criteria is not met, you will not be required to repay your previously awarded amount.

Yes, it can. But it depends on the scholarship. Scholarships can vary in the amount of money as well as how the money can be spent. By applying for multiple scholarships you can increase your chance of covering the full cost of college and maybe eve make some money.

Some scholarship programs may allow students to keep any unused funds, while others may require that unspent funds be returned or used for other educational expenses. It is important for students to carefully review the terms and conditions of their scholarships and understand what expenses are covered before accepting any award.

A National Merit Scholar is a student who has been recognized for their exceptional academic achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual competition that awards scholarships to high school students based on their performance on this test. Students who score in the top 1% are designated as National Merit Semifinalists, and those who advance to become Finalists are eligible for scholarship awards from various sources, including colleges, corporations, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Being named a National Merit Scholar is a prestigious honor and can open up many opportunities for students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.

A National Merit Commended Student is a student who takes the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and scores in the top 3-4% of test takers, but does not meet the requirements to become a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist. While Commended Students do not continue on in the National Merit Scholarship competition, they are recognized for their academic achievement and may be eligible for other scholarships and awards from colleges and universities. Being named a National Merit Commended Student is still considered a significant academic honor and can be included on college applications as an achievement.

A National Merit Semifinalist is a student who takes the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and scores in the top 1% of test takers in their state. These students are then identified by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as Semifinalists and are eligible to continue on in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. To become a Finalist, Semifinalists must submit an application that includes academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and an essay. From there, approximately 7,500 Finalists are selected to receive scholarship awards from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or corporate sponsors. Being named a National Merit Semifinalist is a significant academic achievement and can be included on college applications as an honor.

A National Merit Finalist is a student who has advanced from the Semifinalist stage of the National Merit Scholarship competition and has been selected to receive a scholarship award from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or corporate sponsors. To become a Finalist, Semifinalists must submit an application that includes academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and an essay. Approximately 7,500 Finalists are selected each year based on their academic achievements, test scores, and other accomplishments. Being named a National Merit Finalist is a prestigious honor and can open many doors for college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

A "good" SAT score can vary depending on the college or university you are applying to. Generally, a score of 1200 or above (out of 1600) is considered competitive and may qualify you for admission to many colleges and universities. However, some highly selective schools may require higher scores, often in the range of 1400-1500 or more. It's important to research the average SAT scores for the schools you are interested in applying to and aim for a score that meets or exceeds their requirements. Keep in mind that SAT scores are just one factor that colleges consider when making admissions decisions, so it's important to focus on all aspects of your application and highlight your strengths in other areas as well.

Similar to the SAT, a "good" ACT score can vary depending on the college or university you are applying to. Generally, a composite score of 24 or above (out of 36) is considered competitive and may qualify you for admission to many colleges and universities. However, some highly selective schools may require higher scores, often in the range of 30-34 or more. It's important to research the average ACT scores for the schools you are interested in applying to and aim for a score that meets or exceeds their requirements. Keep in mind that ACT scores are just one factor that colleges consider when making admissions decisions, so it's important to focus on all aspects of your application and highlight your strengths in other areas as well.

A "good" PSAT score can vary depending on a few factors, including your grade level and the state you live in. For juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT (the version of the test that qualifies students for National Merit Scholarships), a score of 1400 or above (out of 1520) is generally considered competitive for National Merit recognition. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cutoff scores for National Merit vary by state and can change from year to year. For sophomores taking the PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9, a good score would be one that shows improvement over their previous scores and puts them on track to achieve their college goals. It's always a good idea to research the average PSAT scores for students in your grade level and aim to score at or above those averages.

There is no set limit to the number of scholarships you can use for college. However, it's important to keep in mind that many scholarships have restrictions on how they can be used and may only cover certain expenses or apply to specific schools or programs. Additionally, some colleges have policies that limit the total amount of aid (including scholarships) that a student can receive.