What’s Covered
- A Word About The National Merit Scholarship
- Opportunity Scholarships From the PSAT/NMSQT
- Automatic College Scholarships Awarded Based on SAT/ACT Scores
- How Does Your SAT/ACT Score Impact Your Chances of Acceptance?
Merit scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence or excellence in other areas, can go a long way in reducing your college attendance costs. While many outside scholarships require you to submit essays or other materials to be considered for an award, some offer them automatically based on factors such as your GPA or SAT/ACT scores.
Here’s a list of colleges that offer scholarships automatically based on test scores. (Note: These scholarships are generally awarded based on SAT or ACT scores, but many also require a certain minimum GPA. Also, many schools are considering students for academic scholarships without test scores for the 2022-2023 school year due to the pandemic).
A Word About the National Merit Scholarship
Top 1% scorers on the PSAT by state are given National Merit Semifinalist status, and can compete for finalist status and scholarships of $2,500. In addition to the $2,500 awards the roughly 7,500 National Merit Scholarship winners receive, some colleges grant additional scholarships if you list them as your first choice on your National Merit materials.
For example, Iowa State offers full tuition, while Michigan State offers a full ride to these individuals. Some colleges, such as Washington State, even offer additional scholarships to National Merit finalists and semifinalists.
For more information about National Merit, see our post: What is National Merit? How do I Qualify?
Opportunity Scholarships From the PSAT/NMSQT
Junior and senior high schoolers living in the U.S. and its territories may also qualify for College Board Opportunity Scholarships. Comprised of six steps, this scholarship is designed to help students plan, prepare, and pay for school. Students may earn multiple chances to enter, and the organization gives out awards through monthly drawings. Below are the steps for earning money toward college:
- Build Your College List: $500
- Practice for the SAT: $1,000
- Improve Your Score: $2,000
- Strengthen Your College List: $500
- Complete the FAFSA: $1,000
- Apply to Colleges: $1,000
- Complete Your Journey: $40,000
Automatic College Scholarships Awarded Based on SAT/ACT Scores
1. Alabama State University
Presidential Academic Scholarship: Full Ride
Requirements: 3.76 GPA and 26 ACT or 1240 SAT
Academic Excellence Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus (tuition plus additional fees and books)
Requirements: 3.51 GPA and 22 ACT or 1190 SAT
Academic Incentive Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus (tuition plus $500 for books)
Requirements: 3.00 GPA and 20 ACT or 1020 SAT
2. Baylor University
President’s Gold Scholarship: $20,000-22,000
Provost’s Gold Scholarship: $17,000-19,000
Dean’s Gold Scholarship: $15,000-16,000
Founder’s Gold Scholarship: $8,000-13,000
Requirements for all: Varies; estimate using this calculator.
3. Clemson University
Trustee Scholarship (in-state residents): $1,000
Requirements: Top 10% of class and 1270 SAT or 27 ACT
Trustee Scholarship (out-of-state residents): $7,500
Requirements: Top 10% and 1360 SAT or 29 ACT
(higher amounts available for higher scores; renewable)
4. Colorado State University
Residents: $1,000 to $4,000
Requirements: 3.6 to 4.0 GPA and 1260 to 1450 SAT
Non-Residents: $5,000 to $10,000
Requirements: 3.20 to 4.0 GPA and 1130 to 1330 SAT
5. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
George W. Gore: Amount varies
Requirements: 1330 SAT or 29 ACT (including a 650 on the SAT math section or 29 on the ACT Math subject area)
Presidential Special Scholarship: Amount varies
Requirements: 1220 SAT or 27 ACT (including a 600 on the SAT math section or 27 on the ACT Math subject area)
6. Florida Gulf Coast University
President’s Gold: $5,000
Requirements: 3.9 GPA and 1320 SAT
President’s Silver: $3,000
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1220 SAT
Blue and Green Scholars (non-residents): $15,000
Requirements: 3.9 GPA and 1320 SAT
Blue and Green Directors (non-residents): $10,000
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1220 SAT
7. Georgia State University
Presidential Scholarship: Up to $28,303 per year
Second Century: $3,000 per year
1913 Founders: $2,000 per year
GSU Excellence: $1,000 per year
GSU Achievement: $1,000 one time
GSU Foundation: $500 one time
Eligibility requirements are not available. However, the school offers several automatic scholarships based on academic excellence on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. Howard University
HU Presidential Scholarship
HU Founders Scholarship
HU Capstone Scholarship
Eligibility requirements and award amounts are not available. However, Howard University’s merit-based awards are determined based on students’ SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA.
9. Idaho State University
Presidential: $7,872 per year
Requirements: 3.90+ GPA and 32 ACT or 1420 SAT
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per year. The merit-based scholarships at Idaho State University are for in-state students only.
10. Louisiana Tech University
Many scholarships are available starting at $2,000 for 23-24 ACT and 3.0-3.749 GPA. The highest scholarships available is the:
Presidential: $9,000 or $9,500
Requirements: 33+ ACT or 1450-1600 SAT with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.749 GPA for $9,000 or 3.75 to 4.0 for $9,500
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
11. Michigan Technological University
Presidential Scholars Program: $1,000 to $5,500 per year
Eligibility requirements are not available. However, the school automatically awards students based on a combination of their high school academic record, including cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT score. You can estimate your scholarship amount here.
12. Ohio State University
Maximus, Provost, and Trustees Scholarships: $1,000 to $3,000 per year
National Buckeye Scholarship (out-of-state): $13,500 per year
Eligibility requirements are not available. However, the school evaluates highly competitive students, as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank, the rigor of high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores.
13. Texas State University
President’s Honor Scholarship: $48,000
Requirements: 1420+ SAT or 32+ ACT and top 25% of graduating class or IB diploma or AP Capstone Diploma
Renewable pending:
3.25 Cumulative Texas State GPA
Complete 28 passing Texas State hours/year (fall/spring)
Undergraduate status
Texas Achievement Scholarship: $24,000 to $32,000
Requirements: 1330 to 1410 SAT or 29 to 31 ACT and top 25% of graduating class or IB diploma or AP Capstone Diploma
(Renewable pending same criteria as above)
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
14. Texas Tech University
Presidential Scholarships: These awards are automatic and are guaranteed for applicants who apply by December 1 and are admitted by April 15.
Requirements: 1100+ SAT for students in the top 20% of their class; required class rank drops as SAT score goes up.
15. Tuskegee University
Distinguished Presidential: Full tuition, room/board, and $800 books
Requirements: 3.7 GPA and 1300-1420+ SAT or 28-32+ ACT
University Merit: Full tuition and $800 books
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1200-1290 SAT or 25-27 ACT
Additional scholarships are available for up to 2.8 GPA and 1030 SAT or 20 ACT.
16. University of Alabama – Huntsville
UAH Presidential (in-state): $9,730
Requirements: 4.0+ GPA and 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
UAH Presidential (out-of-state): $22,126
Requirements: 4.0+ GPA and 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
Additional scholarships are available for GPAs starting at 3.00 and 25 ACT or 1200 SAT.
17. University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
Presidential Scholar: Full Tuition/$25,000 for out-of-state residents
Requirements: 3.5 GPA, 32-36 ACT or 1420-1600 SAT
Presidential Elite Scholar: Full Tuition plus 1-year housing, $1k stipend-4 years,$2k summer research/study abroad, $500/yr books
Requirements: 4.0 GPA, 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
18. University of Arizona
Resident Wildcat Awards: $750 to $12,500
Requirements: The highest awards go to students with 4.0+ GPA and 1420+ SAT scores.
Non-Resident Arizona Awards: $1,000-$35,000
Requirements: The highest awards go to students with 4.0+ GPA and 1420+ SAT scores.
19. University of Louisiana – Monroe
President’s Distinguished: $10,000 + Study Abroad + iPad
Requirements: GPA 3.7 and 33-36 ACT
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
20. University of Mississippi
Residents: $1,000 to $8,934
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 1130 to 1450+ SAT
Non-Residents: $1,000 to $8,934 plus up to $16,272 towards non-resident fee
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 1200 to 1450+ SAT
21. University of Missouri
Mizzou Scholars Award: $10,000
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1450 SAT
Chancellor’s Award: $6,500
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1390 SAT
Curators Award: $4,500
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1300 SAT
Excellence Award: $3,000
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1200 SAT
Mark Twain Scholarship: $7,000 to $15,000
Requirements: For non-residents with a 1260-1360 SAT
Black & Gold Scholarship: $7,919 to $15,838
Requirements: For non-residents with a 1200-1260 SAT
Border State Scholars: $2,500
Requirements: Must have 1200-1350 SAT and live in a state bordering Missouri
22. University of Oregon
Summit: $24,000 ($40,00 for out-of-state)
Requirements: 3.90 GPA
Apex: $12,000 ($30,000 for out-of-state)
Requirements: 3.70 GPA
23. Utah State University
Residents: From $3,000 per year for two years to 100% Resident Tuition & Student Fees for four years
Requirements: Awards granted based on academic stats, from a 3.0 GPA and 900 SAT to 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT
Non-Residents: From $15,000 for one year to 100% Tuition & Student Fees for four years
Requirements: Awards granted based on academic stats, from a 3.4 GPA and 900 SAT to 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT
24. University of Nevada at Las Vegas
President’s Award: $11,000
Requirements: 1130 SAT or 23 ACT and a 3.75 GPA
Provost’s Award: $9,000
Requirements: 1130 SAT or 23 ACT and a 3.5 GPA
Dean’s Award: $7,000
Requirements: 1130 SAT or 23 ACT and a 3.25 GPA
25. University of Tennessee
Residents: $9,000
Requirements: 1490 SAT or 34 ACT, plus a 3.8 GPA
Non-Residents: $18,000
Requirements: 1490 SAT or 34 ACT, plus a 3.0 GPA
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
26. University of Texas – Arlington
Presidential Honors Scholarship: $12,000
Requirements: 1450 SAT or 33 ACT and in the top 10% of high school class
Presidential Scholarship: $10,000
Requirements: 1350 SAT or 29 ACT and in the top 20% of high school class
Maverik Academic Scholarship: $2,000 to $8,000
Requirements: 1100 SAT or 23 ACT and in the top 50% of high school class
27. University of Kentucky
Provost Scholarship (in-state): $2,500 to $5,000
Requirements: 3.30 GPA and 26 ACT or 1230 SAT for $2,500 or 3.30 GPA and 28 ACT or 1300 SAT for $5,000
Bluegrass Spirit (out-of-state): $8,000 to $12,500
Requirements: 3.00 GPA and 25 ACT/1200 SAT for $8,000, 3.50 GPA and 25 ACT/1200 SAT for $10,000, or 3.50 GPA and 30 ACT/1360 SAT for $12,500
28. University of Wyoming
The Cowboy Commitment: $6,500 per year
Requirements: Ranges from 3.4 to 4.0 GPA, 1390+ SAT and 31+ ACT. See this sliding scale to determine where your combination of GPA and test scores fall.
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations, ranging from $500 to $3,500 per year. The Cowboy Commitment is for in-state students only. Non-resident students will receive the Brown and Gold Commitment, ranging from $2,500 to $12,240.
How Does Your SAT/ACT Score Impact Your Chances of Acceptance?
Colleges measure the strength of your academic profile using the Academic Index. The Academic Index measures your GPA and standardized test scores, including the SAT and ACT. Many selective schools will reject applicants who don’t have a high enough Academic Index before even looking at their application (though this has changed somewhat with test-optional policies).
In light of this, it’s critical to have a competitive ACT or SAT score to receive merit-based scholarships and earn acceptance into top-rated schools. To see how your test scores impact your admissions chances, you can use CollegeVine’s free Admissions Calculator. This tool considers your GPA, extracurriculars, test scores, and more to determine your personal chances at your dream school. Plus, it will offer you tips on how you can improve your profile to increase your chances of acceptance!
FAQs
Which Colleges Award Automatic Scholarships Based On SAT Scores? ›
Scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit— and they sometimes consider your ACT or SAT scores. Strong ACT or SAT scores can make you a competitive scholarship applicant.
Can you get scholarships based on SAT scores? ›Scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit— and they sometimes consider your ACT or SAT scores. Strong ACT or SAT scores can make you a competitive scholarship applicant.
What SAT score is required for full scholarship? ›So you're probably wondering, What's a good SAT score for scholarships, and how can I find them? The short answer is that you should aim for an SAT score between 1200 and 1600 if you want to secure some scholarships based on merit–and the higher within that range you score the more money you're looking at.
Will 1500 SAT get scholarships? ›With a 1500 SAT score, you should have no restrictions on applying for any merit-based scholarships. You might find a scholarship requiring a 1600 SAT, but those will be very few and very far between.
Can you get a scholarship with 1100 SAT score? ›Scholarships for a 1100 SAT Score
Scholarships that require a certain ACT or SAT score, or GPA, are referred to as “merit” scholarships. With an 1100 SAT score, you'll likely be eligible for some merit aid, but you'll also want to search for scholarships based on your extracurriculars, life circumstances, and passions!
Scholarships for a 1400 SAT Score
This score makes you eligible to apply to the majority of scholarships with standardized score requirements, so start applying now! Even scholarships with small monetary awards can be helpful in offsetting the cost of tuition.
Scholarships that require a certain SAT score, or ACT score or GPA, are referred to as “merit scholarships.” A 1000 SAT likely won't make you eligible for much merit aid, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for scholarships! There are those that award money for extracurriculars, life circumstances, and passions.
Can I get a full-ride with 1300 SAT? ›This really depends on the scholarship you're applying for, but yes, it is possible to get a full-ride scholarship with a 1251-1300 SAT score, provided that you apply for the right scholarships! These opportunities are quite competitive, and you might need more than your 1251-1300 SAT score to stand the competition.
Can I get full-ride scholarship with 1450 SAT? ›With a 1450 SAT score, you're eligible to apply for most (if not all) merit-based scholarships. Earning 1450 puts in an excellent position for all of your college applications, so begin applying for scholarships early to help offset the cost of college tuition.
Will a 1600 SAT get you a scholarship? ›With a 1600 SAT score, you're eligible for most (if not all) scholarships based on merit.
Can I get into Harvard with 1500 SAT? ›
There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.
Is 1500 SAT good enough for Ivy League? ›As you can see, your score of 1500 is an average or slightly below-average score for most Ivy League universities. Your score is slightly above-average at Cornell and Brown. However, admissions experts say that students applying to Ivy League universities should aim for a minimum score of 1470.
Can I get into Stanford with a 1500 SAT? ›Stanford University is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 4%. Students that get into Stanford University have an SAT score between 1500–1570 or an ACT score of 33–35. Regular applications are due January 5.
Can I get into an Ivy League with a 1100 SAT? ›It is unlikely to get accepted into an Ivy League school with a 1100 SAT score, but it is not impossible. Ivy League schools do not have any requirements for SAT scores. However, because Ivy League schools are so competitive, you need an exceptional SAT score to get accepted.
What college accepts 1200 SAT score? ›What colleges can I get into with a 1200 SAT score? Among the wide variety of colleges and universities you can apply to, you can consider Michigan State University, San Diego State University, and Howard University, which all have an average SAT score acceptance around 1200.
Can I get full scholarship with 1200 SAT score? ›Having an SAT score of 1200 or an ACT score of 25 allows students to be eligible for low-level college scholarships. More competitive and prestigious scholarships offer students with higher SAT or ACT scores $10,000 or more.
Can I get into Duke with a 1400 SAT? ›Students that get into Duke University have an SAT score between 1510–1560 or an ACT score of 34–35.
What SAT score is required for Harvard? ›Harvard University's SAT scores for admitted students range from 1480 - 1580, with an average score of 1530. Although SAT scores are optional, we recommend that students aim for a good SAT score of at least 1530 to be competitive in the admissions process at Harvard University.
When should a student athlete take the SAT? ›And just so you know, students can take these tests as many times as needed in order to acquire the score they want. For that reason it can be advised to start studying and taking these exams a few years before graduating high school such as in Grade 10/Sophomore year or Grade 11/Junior year.
What SAT score should I not retake? ›Never Retake a 1530+
A student's percentile represents the percentage of students whose score is equal to or lower than his or her score. So if you scored a 1520, 99% of the students scored the same or lower. Therefore, the top 1% scored at least a 1530.
Is 1150 a bad SAT score? ›
The average national SAT score is between 1050 and 1100 every year (on purpose), putting an 1150 at an above-average 67th percentile — that's a score to be proud of! It means that you scored higher than 67% of all other test takers.
Can I get into Texas A&M with a 1000 SAT score? ›Students that get into Texas A&M University have an SAT score between 1160–1380 or an ACT score of 25–31.
Can you get a 1600 on the SAT without getting everything right? ›As you can see with the above SAT scoring chart, it's possible to get some questions wrong and still earn the max SAT score. Generally speaking, you can miss 1-2 questions on each section and still get a perfect 1600.
How many can you get wrong on the SAT to get a 1500? ›So, start answering the questions which you find easy. To get 1500 SAT, you need to get at least 48 right out of 52 in the Reading section. 41 right out of 44 in the Language section and 55 right out of 58 in the Maths section.
Do Ivy Leagues accept 1300 SAT score? ›It depends. For the Ivy League, competitive scores range between 1500-1550. For other highly competitive schools, it's above 1400. 1300 and above will make you a competitive applicant for most other public universities and private universities.
Can I get into MIT with a 1450? ›MIT SAT Requirements
You must at least have an SAT score of 1500 to have a chance of being considered for admission to MIT.
For example, if students aim to get into Ivy League Schools, they must have SAT scores around 1470 to 1490. In addition, the average SAT of MIT is nearly 1500. Similarly, Harvard University accepts students with an SAT score of above 1500.
Can I get into Stanford with a 1450 SAT? ›The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1440, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1550. In other words, a 1440 places you below average, while a 1550 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute SAT requirement at Stanford, but they really want to see at least a 1440 to have a chance at being considered.
How many students score 1590 on SAT? ›1590 SAT Score Standings
Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 2235 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1498 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 0 schools with this score.
Approximately 0.07% of students (7 in 10,000) who take the SAT achieve a perfect score. Since roughly 1.7 million people take the test each year, that comes out to around 1,000 people who score a perfect 1600.
Can I get a full ride scholarship with a 3.5 GPA? ›
With a 3.5 GPA, you might be eligible for a full-ride scholarship. However, it's important to note that there is no such thing as a free lunch. If you receive a full-ride scholarship, that means you'll need to maintain your GPA in order to keep receiving funding.
What is the minimum SAT for Ivy League? ›Ideal ACT/SAT Scores for Ivy League School Applications
The minimum SAT score to get into an Ivy League school ranges from 690 to 730 for the reading section and from 700 to 730 for the math section. Getting 700 or 710 (or higher) on both of these sections will give you an advantage at most Ivy League universities.
| School | SAT Middle 50% Scores | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | 1450-1540 | 8.7% |
| Dartmouth College | 1440-1560* | 6.2% |
| Harvard University | 1460-1580* | 5.0% |
| Princeton University | 1450-1570 | 4.4% |
GPA Requirements
Yale University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9.
A good SAT score will not only open doors to college acceptance, but also to merit aid at a vast majority of colleges and universities. A good score is in the range of 1300 to 1500 (Math: 650 to 750, Reading/Writing: 650 to 750).
Can you get a scholarship with a 1250 SAT score? ›With a 1250 SAT score, you're eligible for merit aid as well as other types of scholarships, including ones for extracurricular activities, life circumstances, and more. Make sure to start applying to scholarships as early as possible so you can build a nest egg and offset the cost of tuition.
Does 1600 SAT guarantee Harvard? ›There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.
Can a 1450 SAT get you a scholarship? ›With a 1450 SAT score, you're eligible to apply for most (if not all) merit-based scholarships. Earning 1450 puts in an excellent position for all of your college applications, so begin applying for scholarships early to help offset the cost of college tuition.