By Laura Whitmore
Many colleges have adopted a test-optional approach, meaning you can choose whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores during the application process. But even if you're applying to test-optional schools, a commendable SAT or ACT score can open doors to numerous scholarship opportunities, including full rides to four-year schools! This article lists several scholarships that prioritize strong SAT scores, and we've included details on those that are automatic based on your credentials.
For a full and comprehensive list of schools who offer automatic scholarships for strong scores, go here : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18jwQnKr5ztkFOdMWDShJvgR6PL_Tlc31UWyppcrNx1s/edit?usp=sharing
I. Large Scholarships Open to All Students
These scholarships, available to both national and international students, are highly competitive, but with great rewards:
1. Davidson Fellows Scholarship by College Board
Requirements: 1500 SAT, 3.5 GPA, and a significant accomplishment.
Reward: $10,000; $25,000; and $50,000 scholarships.
Deadline: Mid-February
This scholarship rewards those with outstanding achievements in STEM, literature, music, philosophy, and innovative thinking.
2. Stamps Scholarship Program
Requirements: 1300 SAT, 3.5 GPA, and a personal statement.
Reward: Awards ranging from $21,600 - $300,000 over four years.
Deadline: Varies per partner school.
3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
Requirements: 1350 SAT and a 3.5 GPA.
Reward: Up to $160,000 across four years.
Deadline: November 16th
4. QuestBridge National College Match Program
Requirements: SAT between 1290-1460, top 10% of class, and an annual household income below $65,000.
Reward: Comprehensive four-year scholarship.
Deadline: September 26th
5. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Requirements: 1280 SAT, 3.0 GPA
Reward: $20,000
Deadline: October 31st
II. Regional Scholarships
You only qualify for these scholarships if you live in a certain region. If you do not see your region on this list, you may still have regional merit scholarships available. Check with your guidance counselor.
1. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship:
For Delaware residents studying full-time at the University of Delaware.
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 1290 SAT or equivalent ACT.
Reward: Full tuition, room, board, fees, and books for four years.
Deadline: December to February.
2. Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship:
For Western Washington high school seniors.
Requirements: Minimum 1200 SAT or 26 ACT.
Reward: Up to $5,000.
Application opens: January 2023.
3. University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship:
Requirements: 3.9 GPA (non-weighted), 1460 SAT or 33 ACT.
Reward: Varies based on residency status.
Access here
4. Mizzou Scholars Award:
For Missouri residents.
Requirements: 1450-1600 SAT or 33–36 ACT.
Reward: Up to $44,000.
Apply here
Deadline: December 1st.
III. Automatic Scholarships
If you apply to these schools, you will automatically receive a scholarship if you meet the requirements:
1. Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
Eligibility: First-year applicants must have attended high school in Mississippi, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and either a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1350, or be named a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Students must enroll at an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi.
Deadline: September 15
Reward: Varies, up to $2,500 per year
2. University of Missouri
Eligibility: Various automatic scholarships based on scores. Residents need a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060, while nonresidents need a minimum ACT score of 23 or SAT score of 1130.
Reward: $1,000 up to full tuition and fees
3. University of Tennessee Knoxville
Eligibility: Minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1300.
Reward: $3,000-$9,000 for in-state students and $10,000-$18,000 for out-of-state students
4. Texas Tech
Eligibility: Merit scholarships based on class rank and SAT or ACT scores. Minimum required SAT or ACT scores are 1000 and 19, respectively.
Reward: $1,000 up to the full federally approved cost of attendance
5. The University of Mississippi
Eligibility: GPA of 3.0 or above. In-state applicants need a minimum ACT score of 23 or SAT score of 1130, while out-of-state students require an ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1200.
Reward: $1,000-$13,072 for in-state students and $1,500-$26,292 for out-of-state students
6. University of Texas Arlington
Eligibility: Top 50% of class rank, GPA of 3.5 or over, and an SAT score of 1100 or an ACT score of 22.
Reward: $1,000-$12,000 per year
7. Utah State University
Eligibility: Awards vary based on state residence. Minimum ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 960 and a GPA of 2.7.
Reward: $600 per year up to full tuition and fees
8. Florida Gulf Coast University
Eligibility: GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1220.
Reward: $500 up to the full cost of attendance after other financial aid
9. Middle Tennessee State University
Eligibility: GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 23 or an SAT score of 1130.
Reward: Varies by year
10. The University of Oklahoma
Eligibility: GPA of 3.25 and an ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1160.
Reward: $8,000-$69,100
11. Louisiana Tech University
Eligibility: GPA of 3.0 and an ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1030.
Reward: $1,000-$9,500, renewed annually
IV. Quirky Scholarships
Studying the ordinary is, well, ordinary. Why not take the quirkier route? Here are some offbeat scholarships that add a twist to the typical (please note that these do not require an SAT score):
1. $2,000 Minecraft Scholarship
Deadline: End of July
Award: $2,000
How to apply: Minecraft Scholarship Application
Details: For the block-building champions of high school and college! If you’re a U.S. resident, with a GPA of 3.0 or more and can craft a 500-word essay about Minecraft's influence on education and career, this is your pickaxe to success. Worried about your SAT score? Don’t be. They understand that zombies and Creepers might have kept you up a few nights.
2. Frozen Dessert Supplies 15 Second Video Scholarship
Deadline: August
Award: $500
Details: Hey, dessert fanatics! Shoot a 15-second video that's either amusing, motivational, intriguing, or artistic involving a frozen treat or coffee. Prove that you can be short and sweet!
3. Race to Inspire Essay Contest
Deadline: August
Award: $500
Details: Laced up your running shoes lately? This one's for those who've raced – be it a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or a full marathon. Pen down a 1000-2000 word essay about your running journey – the highs, the lows, and every step in between.
4. RealtyHop Scholarship
Deadline: End of August
Award: $1,000
Details: Fast forward a decade and imagine your dream life post-college. Find a listing on RealtyHop that aligns with this vision, pick your favorite room or feature, and write a 500-word piece on why it's significant to your imagined future.
5. Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest
Deadline: March
Award: $10,000
Details: To all the budding artists and designers aged 14 or above, here's your canvas! Create an authentic design for a greeting card, be it for Christmas, a birthday, or any occasion. Just ensure it's your masterpiece!
Conclusion
Strong SAT scores can be your ticket to numerous scholarship opportunities. While many universities have adopted test-optional policies, if you have an impressive SAT score, showcasing it can still be beneficial. If you're considering prepping for the SAT, our team of expert instructors is here to assist.
Request a Consultation and take the first step towards securing your dream college and scholarship!
