Where to Find Merit-Based Scholarships for College?

So, I've started looking for scholarships to help fund my college education and was advised to search for merit-based scholarships. Can anyone recommend some good sources or specific scholarships that are based on academic achievement, skills or talents?

Searching for merit-based scholarships is a smart move, as they can provide significant financial assistance for college based on your academic and extracurricular achievements. Here are a few sources and specific scholarships to explore:

1. College-specific scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer their own merit-based scholarships. These may be automatically awarded to you based on your application or may require a separate application. Visit the college's financial aid or scholarship page to find out about the opportunities they offer.

2. Local organizations and businesses: Check with organizations and businesses in your community, as they often offer scholarships to local students. Your high school guidance counselor can be a good resource in this regard, as they may be aware of opportunities within your area.

3. National and international organizations: Many prominent organizations award merit-based scholarships on a national or international scale. Some examples include the National Merit Scholarship Program, which is based on PSAT/NMSQT scores, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which rewards students for their leadership and community service achievements.

4. Professional associations and foundations: Some professional associations and foundations offer merit scholarships for students pursuing specific fields of study or career paths. For example, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers scholarships for female students pursuing engineering, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers scholarships for accounting students.

5. Scholarship search engines: Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can help you find an extensive list of merit-based scholarships by analyzing your personalized profile and matching you with appropriate opportunities.

When searching for merit-based scholarships, make sure to research the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application details for each opportunity. It's important to stay organized and track the scholarships you're interested in, so you don't miss any deadlines - creating a spreadsheet can be a good idea. And remember, the more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of receiving financial aid.

Good luck in your search!