[Page 5] Top Merit-Based Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Merit scholarships are financial aid awards given to students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Unlike the application process for need-based scholarships, merit scholarships don't necessarily ask for proof of a certain financial status. On the other hand, merit scholarships will likely ask for test scores, GPAs, or transcripts.

A GPA of 3.5 or higher is usually competitive enough to qualify for most merit scholarships. However, the exact requirement can vary. Some highly competitive programs may look for GPAs closer to 3.8 or above, while other scholarship providers may also consider additional factors like test scores, extracurriculars, or essays.

Merit scholarships can be competitive, especially at the national level or when large amounts of money are involved. That said, many scholarships are available at the local, state, and institutional levels that may have fewer applicants. Students who consistently perform well academically and stay involved in extracurricular activities can improve their chances significantly.