The Best Merit-Based Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines in 2025
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Madison Victoria Keith Nursing Scholarship
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie
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Apply to Sallie Mae's monthly merit-based No-Essay Scholarship in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!All students are eligible$2,000Winners:1 monthly winnerLearn MoreHosted by a 3rd partyVerified by Bold.orgSponsored1Sturz Legacy Scholarship
Funded bySturz FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the incredible life of Marian Sturz by supporting students who share her kindness, wonder, and strength.- GPA: 3.5 or greater
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
$4,000Only 30 days left!One Click Apply2Young Women in STEM Scholarship
Funded byStephanie HagopianThis scholarship will support three female, low-income high school seniors or undergraduate students majoring in STEM.- Financial Background: Low-income
- Gender: Female
- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
- Major: STEM
$15,000Deadline:Jun 10, 2025One Click Apply3Overcoming Adversity - Jack Terry Memorial Scholarship
Funded byStrand and Terry FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the remarkable life of Dr. Jack Terry by supporting students who have overcome hardships or adversity in their lives.- Education Level: High school senior
- Financial Status: Low-income
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
$9,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply4Success Beyond Borders
Funded byYouth Always WinsThis scholarship seeks to support students and help them bring their dreams to life by creatively expressing what inspires them to keep moving forward in life.- Education Level: High school senior
- GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
$1,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply5Patriots Path Scholarship
Funded byNavy Yacht Club Long BeachThis scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Involvement: ROTC or JROTC
- GPA: 3
- State: California
$5,000Deadline:Jul 01, 2025One Click Apply6Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship
Funded byCrystal HinshawThis scholarship aims to honor the memory of Brad Hinshaw by supporting students who have been impacted by cancer.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Background: Has lost a parent to cancer
- GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
$600Only 14 days left!One Click Apply7Norman C. Nelson IV Memorial Scholarship
Funded bySolaitaThis scholarship seeks to honor the life of Norman C. Nelson IV by supporting students who are pursuing medical careers.- Education Level: High school senior
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Background: Financial need
- Field of Study: Medicine
$4,000Deadline:May 11, 2025One Click Apply8Rev. Herman A. Martin Memorial Scholarship
Funded byChauncey JonesThis scholarship is open to all high school seniors in Arkansas who want to use their studies to make the world a better place.- Location: Arkanasas
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Education Level: High School Senior
$2,000Only 15 days left!One Click Apply9HBCU STEM Scholarship
Funded byChrispin RainfordThis scholarship seeks to support students who have faced challenges in their life so they have the help necessary to succeed in college.- Identity: FGLI (first-generation and low-income)
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Field of Study: STEM
- Education Level: Undergraduate
- Current College: HBCU
$7,650Deadline:Jun 20, 2025One Click Apply10Ronald and Betty Thomas Educational Scholarship
Funded byThe Thomas Family, Ron & BettyThis scholarship will support high school students in Florida majoring in education.- Background: First-generation college student
- Desired Major: Education
- GPA: 3.0
- Education Level: High school
- State: Florida
$2,000Deadline:Jun 11, 2025One Click Apply11Honorable Shawn Long Memorial Scholarship
Funded byUnited Disabilities Services FoundationThis scholarship will honor Shawn Long by supporting a high school senior in Pennsylvania.- Education Level: High school senior
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- State: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
$5,250Deadline:May 06, 2025One Click Apply12Caliber X Scholarship
Funded byCaliber X LLCThis scholarship aims to support students in NJ who plan to spend their careers navigating the fashion industry.- Education Level: High school junior or senior
- State: New Jersey
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Field of Study: Fashion (design, business, etc.)
$750Only 14 days left!One Click Apply13Spaghetti and Butter Scholarship
Funded byMcVeigh FamilyThis scholarship aims to support first-generation students so they can overcome the hurdles they face and achieve their goals.- Education Level: High school senior
- State: North Carolina
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Background: First-generation college student
$500Only 1 day left!One Click Apply14Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship
Funded byWagnerThis scholarship seeks to offer recognition and relief to college-bound students who stand on the shoulders of their hardworking immigrant families.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Background: First-generation
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Experience: Volunteering experience
- Identity: Immigrant or the child of immigrants
- Race/Ethnicity: Caribbean decent
$2,000Only 6 days left!One Click Apply15John Gomez, MD Memorial Scholarship
Funded byGomez Family Charitable FundThis scholarship aims to honor the life of John Gomez by supporting students from Texas who will be pursuing higher education.- GPA: 3.5 or higher
- Education Level: High school senior
- State: Texas
- School Name: Argyle High School or Flower Mound High School
$10,000Only 6 days left!One Click Apply16Iannini Prize
Funded byGeorge IanniniThis scholarship aims to support Marlborough High School students who are preparing to begin their pursuit of higher education.- Background: Academic excellence, participation in sports and clubs, and volunteerism
- School: Marlborough High School
- State: Massachusetts
$25,000Only 6 days left!17New Jersey First Generation Scholarship
Funded byDiaz FamilyThis scholarship seeks to help two first-generation college students from New Jersey pay for college.- GPA: Must be 3.5 or above
- Education Level: Must be a high school senior or undergraduate student
- Background: Must be first generation
$7,500Only 8 days left!One Click Apply18Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship
Funded byJuanita Inman-VannThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Solomon Vann by supporting students in Alabama who have encountered mental illness.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- State: Alabama
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Field of Interest: Business, computers, engineering, music, or psychology
- Background: Indirect and/or direct experience with mental illness
$2,000Only 10 days left!One Click Apply19TTOG Scholarship
Funded byGiles FamilyThis scholarship seeks to honor Terryn, Teagan, and Olivia Giles by supporting students who need financial assistance in order to achieve their educational goals.- Education Level: High school senior
- State: South Carolina
- GPA: 3.5 or higher
- Financial Status: Low or middle-income
$25,000Only 12 days left!One Click Apply20DeJean Legacy Scholarship For Haitian American Students
Funded byDeJeanThis scholarship aims to support Haitian American students who aspire to pursue a college degree so they can achieve all of their goals.- Education Level: High school senior
- Identity: Haitian American
- GPA: 3.2 GPA or higher
$2,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply21Youth Always Wins Scholarship for Chesapeake Public School Students
Funded byYouth Always WinsThis scholarship aims to support students of Chesapeake Public Schools as they prepare to embark on their academic journeys by lowering the financial barriers posed by higher education.- Education Level: High school senior
- GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
- School Name: Deep Creek High School, Grassfield High School, Great Bridge High School, Hickory High School, Indian River High School, or Oscar Smith High School
- State: Virginia
$1,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply22Wendell and Gwendolyn Clement Scholarship
Funded byClementThis scholarship will support Black undergraduate students studying at the Ohio State University who are planning to major in education or business.- Race/Ethnicity: Black/African-American
- GPA: 2.5 or higher
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- University: Ohio State University
$3,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply23Breaking Barriers Scholarship for Women
Funded byCollette MahmoodThis scholarship aims to recognize and celebrate the resilience and courage exhibited by young women from immigrant backgrounds as they pursue higher education and carve out their own paths.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Gender: Female-identifying
- Identity: First-generation immigrant
- GPA: 3.9 or higher
$10,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply24Augustus L. Harper Scholarship
Funded byHarperThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Augustus L. Harper by supporting students majoring in accounting, finance, or business.- Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
- Race: BIPOC
- Major: Accounting, finance, or business
$500Only 14 days left!One Click Apply25Colonial Italian American Organization (CIAO) Donor Scholarship
Funded byColonial Italian American Organization (CIAO)This scholarship seeks to support students who are preparing to pursue college degrees in their fields of choice.- Location: Hampton Roads or Tidewater region of Virginia
- GPA: 3.5 GPA or higher
- Education Level: Graduating high school seniors attending college full time in the ‘25-‘26 academic year
- Background: leadership positions, community involvement, academic/athletic achievement
$4,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply26Burke Brown Scholarship
Funded byJeffrey BrownThis scholarship seeks to support high-achieving students who are preparing to leave high school and pursue their college studies.- Education Level: High school student
- Background: U.S. citizen
- State: Georgia
- GPA: 2.75 or higher
$1,000Only 14 days left!One Click Apply27Leadership in Action Scholarship
Funded byThe 57 FoundationThis scholarship seeks to support students at California State University Fullerton so they can complete their degrees and find professional success.- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- School: California State University Fullerton
- Race: BIPOC
- Background: Student leader, organizer, or activist
$500Only 14 days left!One Click Apply28Chris Ford Scholarship
Funded byChris FordThis scholarship aims to support students who show advanced learning capabilities but have limited resources to afford the cost of higher education.- Education Level: High school senior
- Race: Black
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Field of Interest: Business
$8,000Only 16 days left!One Click Apply29Anthony Bruder Memorial Scholarship
Funded byCourtney VieraThe scholarship aims to support students who, like Anthony, display a dedication to various interests while striving for excellence in sports and academics.- GPA: 3.0
- Extracurriculars: Sports
- Education Level: High school senior
$600Only 17 days left!One Click Apply30
Students are constantly searching for ways to fund their higher education. One popular and effective avenue to consider is applying for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships, awarded based on a student's achievements and potential, can greatly alleviate the financial burden of attending college or university.
We will explore the best merit-based scholarships available, provide guidance on how to apply for them, offer tips to increase your chances of success and answer frequently asked questions regarding these scholarships.
Here at Bold.org, you can apply for exclusive scholarships. Sign up here and check which scholarships you are eligible to apply for right now.
Best Merit-Based Scholarships
When it comes to merit-based scholarships, there are many different types of merit scholarships that seek to help talented, hardworking students afford the costs of a college education. The amount varies for each merit award, ranging from $500 to $75,000, but even small awards can make a difference and are worth considering.
Many merit-based scholarships are rewarded based on demonstrated academic excellence. Academic achievement can be demonstrated in several ways, including your grade point average or your test scores.
Scholarships Based on GPA
One way you can demonstrate academic excellence is through your GPA. For high school students who haven't yet taken any standardized test scores, leveraging an impressive GPA can be critical in earning merit scholarships.
There are many scholarship opportunities with GPA requirements on Bold.org, some with more competitive requirements, such as 3.5 or higher.
Scholarships Based on SAT
On Bold.org, you have the option of reporting your standardized test scores. You can make these scores private or public based on your privacy needs. The SAT is scored on a range of 400-1600 with an average score is 1068. High scores can be useful to include on your profile as they can catch the eyes of donors and make your application stand out.
In addition to scholarships available on Bold.org, there are other resources that students with impressive test scores should check out.
The National Merit Scholarship Program rewards students with outstanding PSAT and SAT scores. The process is competitive and has many tiers, including commended students, semifinalists, finalists, and finally, scholars.
Only those who are deemed scholars receive National Merit Scholarships, but commended students and finalists still benefit by reporting their status on college applications. You can find out more about the process here!
Scholarships Based on ACT
The ACT is a standardized test similar to the ACT, with a perfect score of 36. The test is made up of multiple sections related to different subjects and the national average score in 2020 was 20.6.
If your score is higher than average, it will not only help you get into top colleges but can also help you win scholarships and merit-based aid. You can take the ACT multiple times, so don't worry if your first score wasn't as high as you hoped.
The Rhodes Scholarship
Founded in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most renowned international scholarship programs. Each year, this scholarship selects exceptional students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. Offering full funding for two to three years of study, the Rhodes Scholarship provides not only financial support but also an unparalleled academic experience.
According to recent statistics, the acceptance rate for the Rhodes Scholarship is less than 1%. However, don't let this discourage you. If you have a strong academic record, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact in your field, you may have a chance of being awarded this prestigious scholarship.
The Gates Scholarship
Created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship aims to enable outstanding minority students to pursue a college education without financial obstacles. This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and transportation.
It is worth noting that the Gates Scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 300 scholarships awarded annually out of thousands of applicants. Nevertheless, with a rigorous selection process focusing on academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement, this scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for deserving students striving to make a difference.
Scholarships for High School Seniors
Whether you excel in academics, sports, the arts, or community service, our Merit Scholarships are designed to honor your hard work and dedication. Apply now and take the first step towards a bright and successful future.
Scholarships for Nursing Students
Whether you are just beginning your nursing journey or are already enrolled in a nursing program, nursing scholarships can help you achieve your professional goals and make a significant impact in the healthcare field. Apply now to invest in your future and the future of healthcare.
Law School Scholarships
Whether you have a strong academic record, leadership experience, or a dedication to community service, law scholarships can help you achieve your legal career goals. Apply now and take the first step toward making a lasting impact in law.
Graduate Student Scholarships
Whether you excel in science, humanities, business, or any other discipline, graduate scholarships are here to help you achieve your advanced degree and make a significant impact in your career. Apply now to invest in your future and reach new heights in your academic journey.
What Is the Difference Between Merit-Based Scholarships and Need-Based Scholarships?
While merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and other factors unrelated to financial need, need-based scholarships are specifically provided to students with demonstrated financial need.
How Do I Get a Merit Scholarship?
High school seniors and undergraduate students, including out-of-state students, can leverage merit-based scholarships to access their university undergraduate program, reducing the financial burden of their education.
Not all merit scholarships are the same, and due to a high demand for financial aid, scholarships can be competitive. Luckily, there are many different merit scholarships offered on Bold.org, giving you lots of opportunities to win one.
To stand out and catch the donor's interest, make sure you're submitting a unique application. Whether the scholarship requires an essay, a video of you, or a portfolio, make sure that you put time into your submission and make it special and detailed.
You can also utilize your profile to your advantage by adding detail to your bio, making sure you have relevant experience added, and ensuring that your profile reflects your interests and background.
How Do I Use Merit Aid?
Merit-based scholarships will be sent to the financial aid office at your college to help cover your tuition or other costs. If you win a scholarship while still in high school, don't worry! We'll hold your award money for you until you enroll in a college.
Certain scholarships are also open to recent graduates who have student debt. If you win one of these scholarships, you'll be able to apply the money directly to your loans.
Colleges that Offer Merit Scholarships
University of Vermont Scholarships
The University of Vermont offers merit scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship for first-year undergrads.
Cooper Union Scholarships
Cooper Union offers merit scholarships, including a half-tuition scholarship for all admitted full-time undergrads.
Other Colleges with Merit-Based Aid
Many public and private colleges offer merit-based scholarships to high school and college students.
How to Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships
Applying for merit-based scholarships requires careful planning, attention to detail, and showcasing your best qualities. Here are the steps you should follow:
Research
Begin by researching the different scholarships available that match your profile, interests, and academic goals. Many scholarships target specific fields of study, demographics, or regions, so make sure to tailor your search accordingly. Take note of eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and any supporting documents needed.
When conducting your research, don't limit yourself to just online resources. Reach out to your school's guidance counselor, who can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Additionally, consider attending scholarship fairs or information sessions where you can interact with scholarship providers and ask questions directly. By going the extra mile in your research, you may discover hidden gems that align perfectly with your aspirations.
Prepare your application materials
Once you have identified the scholarships that resonate with you, start gathering the necessary application materials. These typically include your academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement or essay, and any additional documentation required by the scholarship provider.
When preparing your application materials, pay attention to the details. Ensure that your transcripts are up to date and accurately reflect your academic achievements. Request letters of recommendation well in advance, giving your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and compelling letters.
Craft a personal statement or essay that showcases your unique experiences, motivations, and goals. Remember, the more effort you put into preparing your application materials, the stronger your chances of standing out among the competition.
Make Your Application Stand Out
Now that you have your application materials ready, it's time to make your application shine. Tailor your personal statement or essay to each scholarship application, highlighting your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will enable you to reach your full potential. Demonstrate your passion, dedication, and leadership skills in a compelling and authentic manner.
One way to make your application stand out is by showcasing your involvement in extracurricular activities. Highlight any leadership roles, community service initiatives, or projects that you have undertaken. Scholarship providers are often looking for well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also contribute positively to their communities.
Remember, the competition for merit-based scholarships is high, so ensure that every aspect of your application exudes excellence. Proofread your application to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.
Seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or family members who can provide fresh perspectives on your application. By continuously refining and improving your application, you increase your chances of securing the scholarship that will help you achieve your educational dreams.
Tips for Applying for Merit-Based Scholarships
Applying for merit-based scholarships can be a time-consuming task, but you can enhance your chances of success by following these helpful tips:
Start Early
Don't wait until the last minute to begin your scholarship application process. Start researching scholarships and gathering application materials well in advance. By doing so, you can ensure that you have enough time to create a strong application and meet all deadlines.
Starting early also allows you the opportunity to tailor your applications to each scholarship, showcasing how your unique skills and experiences align with the specific criteria of each award. This personalized approach can significantly increase your chances of standing out among the pool of applicants.
Showcase Your Uniqueness
Highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. Emphasize your unique experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Scholarship providers are looking for individuals who demonstrate exceptional qualities and have the potential to make a positive impact on society.
Consider incorporating anecdotes or personal stories that illustrate your journey and the challenges you have overcome. Providing concrete examples of how you have made a difference in your community or excelled in academic pursuits can leave a lasting impression on scholarship committees.
Seek Recommendation Letters Wisely
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your abilities, strengths, and potential. Provide them with any relevant information that will help them write personalized and impactful letters of recommendation. Remember to ask for recommendations well in advance to give your recommenders enough time to craft thoughtful letters.
When selecting recommenders, opt for individuals who can speak to different facets of your character and accomplishments. A diverse set of perspectives can offer a comprehensive view of your capabilities and further strengthen your application.
Additionally, consider providing your recommenders with a copy of your resume or a list of key achievements to ensure they have all the necessary information to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Stay Organized
Keep track of application deadlines, documents needed, and any other requirements specific to each scholarship. Create a calendar or spreadsheet to stay organized and ensure that you submit your applications accurately and on time.
Utilize technology tools such as reminder apps or online calendars to set alerts for important deadlines and submission dates. Breaking down the application process into smaller, manageable tasks can help you stay on top of requirements and prevent last-minute scrambles. By maintaining a systematic approach, you can present polished, well-prepared applications that reflect your dedication and attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merit-based scholarships are a form of financial aid for students who excel in a certain field, such as athletics or academics. Other types of merit awards include scholarships for students who play instruments or students who are involved in leadership.
Not all merit scholarships require the same thing. Many students think that merit-based aid is only available to students with impressive standardized test scores or other forms of academic achievement. However, students with all kinds of different skills can qualify for merit-based opportunities.
There are merit scholarships for both high school and college students. High school merit scholarships include opportunities like the Robert H. Wagner Jr. Memorial Music Scholarship for high school seniors who play music. You can find even more scholarships for high school students by filtering by education level.