College can be incredibly expensive, with many students paying tuition, room and board, textbooks, and more. Students can stay ahead of high college costs by applyingScholarships and grants.
Scholarships are usually awarded on the basis of academic merit and sometimes based on your ACT or SAT scores. StrongACToSAT DOWNThe scores can make you a competitive scholarship candidate.
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What is a good SAT or ACT score for scholarships?
Generally speaking, the higher your SAT orACTscore, you are more likely to get a scholarship.
While the standard for agood score on the SATvaries, you should aim for 1200 or higher.
Agood ACT scoreyou are above the 75th percentile for any school you applied to. This means you are in the top four of the scores and are more likely to be considered for a scholarship.
10 Scholarships for High Scores on the SAT/ACT
Here are some scholarships for students with high SAT or ACT scores.
Bolsa Memorial Bradford Barnes
Who is eligible:The B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship is available to Delawareans enrolled full-time at the University of Delaware with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an SAT score of 1290 or higher, or an equivalent ACT score.
Deadline for application:Applications open in December and close in February.
Scholarship value:Full tuition, accommodation, food, fees and books, renewable for four years
Point the Way Foundation Scholarship
Who is eligible:Point the Way Foundation offers scholarships to students with a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT of 22. They must also have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Deadline for application:mobile term
Scholarship value:Varia
University of Troy Scholar Award
Who is eligible:The Troy University Scholars Award provides full tuition for students with an ACT score of at least 30-32 or an rSAT score of at least 1360-1440 and a GPA of at least 3.7.
Deadline for application:Varia
Scholarship value:Classes and housing in the state
James J. Kaminski Scholarship Donation
Who is eligible:The James J. Kaminski Scholarship is awarded to SUNY Fredonia freshmen with a major in chemistry or biochemistry. Students need an SAT score of 1250 or an ACT score of 28. To renew, students must maintain a 3.25 GPA.
Deadline for application:Students automatically apply for scholarships with college application
Scholarship value:$8,000, renewable for up to three years
Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship
Who is eligible:The Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation Scholarships are available to Western Washington high school students pursuing a college education at a private university. Students must have an SAT score of at least 1200 or an ACT score of 26 or higher.
Deadline for application:The app opens in January 2023
Scholarship value:Varies, up to $5,000
Oprah Winfrey Scholarship Program
Who is eligible:The Oprah Winfrey Scholarship Program awards scholarships to Morehouse College students with financial need who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to leadership. Applicants need an SAT score of at least 1200 or an ACT score of 26 or higher.
Deadline for application:Qualified candidates can apply each spring.
Scholarship value:Varia
Colorado Mesa University Distinguished Scholar
Who is eligible:Eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.75, ranking in the top 5% of your graduating class, and a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1340.
Deadline for application:Students automatically apply for scholarships along with their college applications.
Scholarship value:Full tuition for in-state students and $6,000 for out-of-state applicants
US Air Force ROTC High Performance Scholarship
Who is eligible:Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum ACT score of 26 or a minimum SAT score of 1240. They must also commit to four years of active service upon graduation and pass all aptitude requirements physical.
Deadline for application:December 31, 2022
Scholarship value:Varies, up to full enrollment
Gown of Eminent Mississippi Scholars
Who is eligible:Freshman applicants must have a high school education in Mississippi, a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1350, or be named a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Students must enroll in an approved post-secondary institution in Mississippi.
Deadline for application:September 15th
Scholarship value:Varies, up to $2,500 per year
Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Who is eligible:The Engebretson Foundation annually awards a scholarship to a high-achieving US high school student. To apply, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 or be in the top 5% of their class and have an ACT composite score of 28 or higher or a SAT score of 1240 or higher.
Deadline for application:Applications are open from January to March 2023
Scholarship value:$ 10.000
10 automatic scholarships for high SAT or ACT scores
Manyuniversities are optional tests, which means you can decide whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores in your application. You may still want to take a standardized test even if you apply to schools with optional testing. A good score can even increase your chances of admission or a scholarship.
University of Missouri
Who is eligible:The University of Missouri offers several automatic scholarships, with higher value scholarships for students with higher grades. Residents need a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060, while non-residents need a minimum ACT score of 23 or SAT score of 1130.
Scholarship value:$1,000 up to full tuition and fees
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Who is eligible:UT Knoxville awards scholarships to high-achieving freshmen. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1300 to be eligible for merit-based scholarships.
Scholarship value:Annual awards from $3,000 to $9,000 for in-state students and $10,000 to $18,000 for out-of-state students
texas tech
Who is eligible:Texas Tech automatically awards merit scholarships based on class ranking and SAT or ACT scores. Exact scholarship amounts and requirements vary by rank and score, but the lowest required SAT or ACT scores are 1000 and 19, respectively.
Scholarship value:$1,000 up to full federally approved cost
the university of mississippi
Who is eligible:The University of Mississippi offers automatic scholarships to students who enter with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prize amounts vary based on ACT or SAT scores. In-state applicants require 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.
Scholarship value:Annual awards from $1,000 to $13,072 for in-state students and $1,500 to $26,292 for out-of-state students
University of Texas Arlington
Who is eligible:UT Arlington offers automatic scholarships that vary based on test scores, GPA, and class ranking. Minimum requirements to receive a scholarship are to be in the top 50% of your class, a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and an SAT score of 1100 or an ACT score of 22.
Scholarship value:US$ 1.000 a US$ 12.000 por ano
Utah State University
Who is eligible:Premiums vary by state of residence. At a minimum, recipients must have an ACT score of 18 or an SAT score of 960 and a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Scholarship value:$600 per year up to full tuition and fees
Florida Gulf Coast University
Who is eligible:Florida Gulf Coast University automatic scholarships are based on both GPA and standardized test scores. The minimum requirements for a scholarship are a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 25 or an SAT score of 1220.
Scholarship value:$500 up to full cost of participation after other financial aid
Middle Tennessee State University
Who is eligible:Middle Tennessee State University students automatically receive financial aid based on their standardized test scores. Minimum scores to qualify are a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 23 or an SAT score of 1130.
Scholarship value:Varies by year
the university of oklahoma
Who is eligible:University of Oklahoma freshman merit scholarships consider GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Minimum requirements are a GPA of 3.25 and an ACT score of 24 or an SAT score of 1160.
Scholarship value:US$ 8.000 a US$ 69.100
Louisiana Technological University
Who is eligible:Louisiana Tech freshmen are evaluated for scholarships based on their GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Minimum requirements are a 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 22 or an SAT score of 1030.
Scholarship value:$1,000-$9,500, renewed annually
FAQs
20 Scholarships for High ACT and SAT Scores | best colleges? ›
No matter what your ACT score is, you may be able to find scholarships that fit your score range. You can find scholarships for scores as low as 10 or for scores higher than 30. Students worried about qualifying for scholarships because of their ACT score can look for those that have low or no ACT score requirements.
Can I get a scholarship with a 20 ACT score? ›No matter what your ACT score is, you may be able to find scholarships that fit your score range. You can find scholarships for scores as low as 10 or for scores higher than 30. Students worried about qualifying for scholarships because of their ACT score can look for those that have low or no ACT score requirements.
What SAT score can get you a full ride scholarship? ›Shoot for at least a 28 on the ACT or above 1300 on the SAT. Some scholarships allow for flexibility, so check the particular scholarship, but these numbers generally give you the most options. Encourage your student to also pursue a high GPA or even 4.0, especially their senior year.
Can a high ACT score get you a scholarship? ›ACT test scores are a big factor in merit scholarships and awards, meaning awards based on academic achievement. On average, students who take the test more than once increase their score and can take advantage of superscoring - the average of your best scores from each subject from multiple test attempts.
Can you get scholarships with a 21 ACT score? ›If your ACT score falls between 21 and 25, you may qualify for one of several different types of college help. For instance, you could be eligible for a grant, a scholarship, or a loan. Students can supplement their financial aid at some universities by working part-time through a work-study program.
Do colleges accept a 20 on the ACT? ›An ACT score of 20 makes you eligible to apply to an okay number of schools, but doesn't quite make you competitive since it falls below the national average of 20.8.
What GPA is a 20 ACT? ›At a minimum, an ACT score of 25 should qualify you for lower-level scholarship money. However, as the amount increases, scholarships become more competitive and the score ranges increase. Again, the barest minimum to shoot for is the 20-25 score range.
What ACT score is needed for scholarship money? ›The minimum requirements to receive a scholarship are a rank in the top 50% of your class, a GPA of 3.5 or over, and an SAT score of 1100 or an ACT score of 22.
Is 20 a good ACT score? ›A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score. That said, a 20 won't cut it at many competitive colleges.
What is the highest ACT score ever recorded? ›
What is the Highest ACT Score Possible? The highest ACT score possible is 36 with the national average score being 12. Typically, a good ACT composite test score is considered to be anything over 27.
Can you get into Harvard with a 21 ACT? ›Average ACT: 34
The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. In other words, a 33 places you below average, while a 35 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 33 to have a chance at being considered.
Admissions Summary
Harvard College is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 4%. Students that get into Harvard College have an ACT score of 34–36. Regular applications are due January 1.
Most students earn full ride scholarships because of their academic history, athletic prowess, leadership or merit. But other types of these scholarships can be offered by schools for different reasons, and they can be offered by the school, state or federal government or by private organizations.
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 1000 SAT score? ›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.
What can a 20 ACT score get you? ›Having the ACT score of 20 means that the candidate lies in the 49th percentile. With this, the candidates can apply for around 300 colleges nationwide but do miss out on 1196 institutes of higher learning.
What is a 20 on the ACT equivalent to on the SAT? ›| SAT Composite Score | ACT Composite Score |
|---|---|
| 1030-1050 | 20 |
| 990-1020 | 19 |
| 960-980 | 18 |
| 920-950 | 17 |
Do you need to retake the ACT with a 20 score or lower? Yes, you should definitely retake the exam if you received a 20 ACT score or lower. This is a relatively weak score that will preclude you from getting into many colleges and universities in the country.
What is the lowest ACT score Harvard accepted? ›The average ACT score of Harvard-accepted students is 33. Although Harvard claims there is no minimum ACT score, if you apply with a 29 or lower, you'll have difficulty getting in. So, to get into Harvard, it is important to note the different Harvard University requirements for test scores.
What is the lowest ACT score colleges will accept? ›
Colleges That Accept Average ACT Score. In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools.
Can I get into Penn State with a 20 ACT score? ›Penn State does not have a minimum GPA or standardized test score used for admission.
Can I get a scholarship with a 19 ACT score? ›A 19 ACT score likely won't earn you many merit scholarships, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships, including ones for passions, extracurriculars, and life circumstances.
How much scholarship money can I get with a 25 ACT? ›The student has a top 10% class rank and a 3.9 unweighted GPA. Here, you can see that a student with a 21 ACT score gets zero merit money. A 25 gets the student $8,000 per year or $32,000 over four years. An increase from 25 to 29 would increase the scholarship by $22,000 over 4 years.
What is the lowest ACT score acceptable to receive the HOPE scholarship? ›Meet the following criteria:
A minimum composite score of 24 is required for the ACT. A minimum score of 1160 is required for the SAT.
What ACT score is recommended for Ivy League colleges? Since Ivy League schools are among the “best of the best,” they frequently demand the highest ACT scores. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that most Ivy League schools' typical ACT score ranges are between 32 and 35.
Will a 24 on the ACT get you scholarships? ›An ACT score of 24 may earn you some merit aid, but typically you need at least a 25 to be eligible for the majority of merit aid scholarships.
Is a 21 good on the ACT? ›Is 21 a good ACT score? A 21 ACT score puts you right at the national average, making you eligible to apply to a number of schools. It offers you a slight competitive edge, but won't make you competitive for most selective schools.
How many people get a 20 on the ACT? ›20 ACT Score Standings
Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 976553 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 303 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1196 schools with this score.
| ACT Composite Score | Numerical Class Grade | Letter Class Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | 88.9 | B+ |
| 20 | 87.2 | B+ |
| 19 | 85.5 | B |
| 18 | 83.7 | B |
Does your ACT score really matter? ›
You might think colleges care about test scores because they want to see your aptitude and mastery of high school material. This is not completely true. Most colleges report publicly the average SAT and ACT score of their freshmen class. The higher the average the more prestigious they appear.
What ACT score do you need for scholarship money? ›At a minimum, an ACT score of 25 should qualify you for lower-level scholarship money. However, as the amount increases, scholarships become more competitive and the score ranges increase. Again, the barest minimum to shoot for is the 20-25 score range.
Is 19 a good ACT score for scholarships? ›Is 19 a good ACT score? A 19 ACT score doesn't make you eligible or competitive at as many colleges and universities as most would want. To improve your eligibility and competitiveness, you'll want to aim for a 20 to 21, which puts you right at the national average.
What SAT score is equivalent to a 20 on the ACT? ›| ACT Composite Score | Estimated SAT Composite | Estimated SAT Composite Range |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1480 | 1450-1500 |
| 20 | 1420 | 1400-1440 |
| 19 | 1370 | 1340-1390 |
| 18 | 1310 | 1300-1330 |
Is 21 a good ACT score? A 21 ACT score puts you right at the national average, making you eligible to apply to a number of schools. It offers you a slight competitive edge, but won't make you competitive for most selective schools.
How much is Zell Miller scholarship? ›For 2023-2024, the Zell Miller Scholarship pays 100% of the total cost of in-state tuition charged. This is a maximum of $10,258 for two semesters of enrollment in 15 credit hours per term.
What is Zell Miller scholarship? ›The Zell Miller scholarship provides full tuition funding to undergraduate Georgia residents who graduate from high school with a 3.7 or greater GPA and a score of at least a 1,200 reading and math score on the SAT or an ACT composite score of 26.
What GPA do you need for the HOPE Scholarship? ›HOPE Scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 calculated HOPE GPA at each Checkpoint to maintain eligibility.
What SAT score is equivalent to a 21 on the ACT? ›In this example, an ACT Composite score of 21 is concorded to a single SAT score of 990.
Will a 28 on the ACT get you scholarships? ›A 28 ACT score makes you eligible for merit scholarships, as well as merit aid from potential colleges and universities. Make sure to also apply for scholarships based on your location, extracurriculars, life circumstances, passions, future majors, and more!
Is 22 on the ACT good? ›
Is 22 a good ACT score? A 22 ACT score is above the national average score of 21, making you eligible to apply as a good candidate to many colleges.