4 answers
Onyeka
Student
Port Harcourt, RV
1
Question
Asked
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I'm taking the SAT this year, and I'm hoping for a good result. My questionis: If I score high (90th percentile) on the SAT, is there the slightest chance that I may win a scholarship? And if so, where are the places I should look at?
I'm looking at a financial aid, because I don't have the necessary funds to pursue my intended choice of study.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
As more and more universities are going test optional standardized test scores are no longer required as part of a complete application. Now you have the chance to decide for yourself if your scores accurately reflect your abilities and potential to excel in college. Even if every school on your college list is test optional, it's still a smart idea to take—and prep for—at least one standardized test. Meaning, “optional” doesn’t mean that colleges won't consider your test scores if you submit them. Without them, greater weight is given to other aspects of your application such as your transcript, essay, extracurricular and letters of recommendation. If you’re happy with your scores, go ahead and include with them your application, as your SAT test scores could qualify you for merit-based financial aid (often a separate application process). Higher test scores can lead to more scholarship dollars, which mean more options for you.
GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIPS
Higher SAT scores can increase your desirability in the eyes of financial aid officers and consequently increase the size of the aid package that your offered. Guaranteed scholarships typically offer certain scholarship amounts for different score ranges. For example, a score of 1200-1290 might get you $3000 a year, while a score of 1500-1600 could get you three times as much at $9000 a year. in fact, standardized test scores (along with GPA and rigor of coursework) may determine who will receive merit scholarships. Some schools even give out guaranteed scholarships to students whose scores meet a minimum threshold. Even if you don’t need test scores for your college application, you will likely need them for most of the scholarship applications you fill out, including those for outside scholarships that are not affiliated with your college but sponsored by community organizations or foundations.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
The National Merit Scholarship is probably the most famous private scholarship based on SAT test scores. While the process is a bit more complicated, in general you need to score in the top 1% in your state on the SAT to qualify. In addition, many colleges offer additional scholarships to National Merit semi-finalists and finalists.
MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
These are a bit more competitive and a bit more work. You’ll be up against other high-achieving students for a limited number of awards. These scholarships often strongly consider GPA, activities, personal attributes, recommendations, and/or essays alongside your SAT scores. However, there are many, many of these scholarships offered by schools themselves and by other organizations. In fact, there are currently over 1.5 MILLION scholarships available for higher education in the United States.
CONCLUSION
There are still several colleges that offer guaranteed scholarships for SAT scores including Florida A&M, Texas Tech, University of Mississippi, and University of Tennessee.
GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIPS
Higher SAT scores can increase your desirability in the eyes of financial aid officers and consequently increase the size of the aid package that your offered. Guaranteed scholarships typically offer certain scholarship amounts for different score ranges. For example, a score of 1200-1290 might get you $3000 a year, while a score of 1500-1600 could get you three times as much at $9000 a year. in fact, standardized test scores (along with GPA and rigor of coursework) may determine who will receive merit scholarships. Some schools even give out guaranteed scholarships to students whose scores meet a minimum threshold. Even if you don’t need test scores for your college application, you will likely need them for most of the scholarship applications you fill out, including those for outside scholarships that are not affiliated with your college but sponsored by community organizations or foundations.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
The National Merit Scholarship is probably the most famous private scholarship based on SAT test scores. While the process is a bit more complicated, in general you need to score in the top 1% in your state on the SAT to qualify. In addition, many colleges offer additional scholarships to National Merit semi-finalists and finalists.
MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
These are a bit more competitive and a bit more work. You’ll be up against other high-achieving students for a limited number of awards. These scholarships often strongly consider GPA, activities, personal attributes, recommendations, and/or essays alongside your SAT scores. However, there are many, many of these scholarships offered by schools themselves and by other organizations. In fact, there are currently over 1.5 MILLION scholarships available for higher education in the United States.
CONCLUSION
There are still several colleges that offer guaranteed scholarships for SAT scores including Florida A&M, Texas Tech, University of Mississippi, and University of Tennessee.
Thank You Michelle. Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.
Doc Frick
Kangana Patel
Student
40
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Kangana’s Answer
Yes! Scoring in the 90th percentile on the SAT (which is around 1300-1350 or higher) can definitely help you qualify for scholarships. Here are some places to look:
1. National & Private Scholarships
National Merit Scholarship Program (if you took the PSAT and scored in the top 1%)
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
Dell Scholars Program
Gates Scholarship (for Pell-eligible minority students)
Horatio Alger Scholarship (for students with financial need)
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for high SAT scores. Check each school's financial aid website for scholarships like:
Presidential Scholarships
Chancellor’s Scholarships
Full-Ride & Full-Tuition Awards (Some schools automatically consider high SAT scorers!)
3. State & Local Scholarships
State-Based Merit Scholarships (Check if your state offers programs like the Bright Futures Scholarship in Florida or the HOPE Scholarship in Georgia)
Community Foundations – Local businesses and organizations often offer scholarships for high-achieving students in your area.
4. External Search Engines
Use these scholarship databases to find more opportunities:
Fastweb (fastweb.com)
Scholarships.com
College Board's BigFuture (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)
Going Merry (goingmerry.com)
Since you mentioned financial need, also fill out the FAFSA (studentaid.gov) to see if you qualify for grants and additional aid.
Would you like help identifying scholarships based on your specific major or background?
1. National & Private Scholarships
National Merit Scholarship Program (if you took the PSAT and scored in the top 1%)
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
Dell Scholars Program
Gates Scholarship (for Pell-eligible minority students)
Horatio Alger Scholarship (for students with financial need)
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for high SAT scores. Check each school's financial aid website for scholarships like:
Presidential Scholarships
Chancellor’s Scholarships
Full-Ride & Full-Tuition Awards (Some schools automatically consider high SAT scorers!)
3. State & Local Scholarships
State-Based Merit Scholarships (Check if your state offers programs like the Bright Futures Scholarship in Florida or the HOPE Scholarship in Georgia)
Community Foundations – Local businesses and organizations often offer scholarships for high-achieving students in your area.
4. External Search Engines
Use these scholarship databases to find more opportunities:
Fastweb (fastweb.com)
Scholarships.com
College Board's BigFuture (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)
Going Merry (goingmerry.com)
Since you mentioned financial need, also fill out the FAFSA (studentaid.gov) to see if you qualify for grants and additional aid.
Would you like help identifying scholarships based on your specific major or background?
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
This should help .
Yes, scoring in the 90th percentile on the SAT can increase your chances of receiving scholarships, especially merit-based ones. Here are places to look for financial aid:
1. **University Scholarships**: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for high SAT scores. Check the specific universities you’re applying to for their scholarship opportunities.
2. **National Scholarship Programs**: Look into programs like **National Merit Scholarships**, **Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation**, and **Gates Millennium Scholars Program**.
3. **Private Organizations**: Websites like **Scholarships.com**, **Fastweb**, and **Cappex** list numerous scholarships based on SAT scores.
4. **Local Scholarships**: Many local organizations, businesses, and foundations offer scholarships, so check with your high school, community, and regional resources.
5. **Financial Aid**: Don’t forget to fill out the **FAFSA** (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for need-based financial aid.
With your SAT score, you should definitely be able to find opportunities to help cover costs.
Yes, scoring in the 90th percentile on the SAT can increase your chances of receiving scholarships, especially merit-based ones. Here are places to look for financial aid:
1. **University Scholarships**: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for high SAT scores. Check the specific universities you’re applying to for their scholarship opportunities.
2. **National Scholarship Programs**: Look into programs like **National Merit Scholarships**, **Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation**, and **Gates Millennium Scholars Program**.
3. **Private Organizations**: Websites like **Scholarships.com**, **Fastweb**, and **Cappex** list numerous scholarships based on SAT scores.
4. **Local Scholarships**: Many local organizations, businesses, and foundations offer scholarships, so check with your high school, community, and regional resources.
5. **Financial Aid**: Don’t forget to fill out the **FAFSA** (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for need-based financial aid.
With your SAT score, you should definitely be able to find opportunities to help cover costs.
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
82
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
Great! You are off to a good start.
Many Public/private universities offer merit-based scholarships with strong SAT scores. But keep in mind that other factors like extra curriculum/ essays and GPA are also highly considerable.
With 90 or higher (1300+ out of 1600) percentiles of the SAT scores you have a very good chance to run the competition for a good scholarship.
Apply to as many scholarships as possible and tailor your application.
Here are a variety of websites to search for scholarships.
Scholarships.com
Niche
Fast web
Many Public/private universities offer merit-based scholarships with strong SAT scores. But keep in mind that other factors like extra curriculum/ essays and GPA are also highly considerable.
With 90 or higher (1300+ out of 1600) percentiles of the SAT scores you have a very good chance to run the competition for a good scholarship.
Apply to as many scholarships as possible and tailor your application.
Here are a variety of websites to search for scholarships.
Scholarships.com
Niche
Fast web