There are many amazing merit scholarship programs across the United States open to seniors applying to college.
These opportunities often cover a full ride of tuition, room, board, books, etc. but also provide connections and funding for summer experiences, internships, study abroad opportunities, conferences, and more. They often have strong alumni networks and have special events for the scholar cohorts or have a separate physical space on campus to provide a smaller community for students.
Generally, merit-based scholarship programs fall into these categories:
National programs with outside applications where, if awarded, the funds can be applied to most colleges and universities across the country
Programs tied to a specific College or University without an additional application. A student may be automatically considered with their application for admission to the school or more specifically the honors program/college within the school. More information about this category can typically be found on the financial aid website of the school you're applying to.
Programs tied to a specific College or University with an additional application process which may include essays, recommendation letters, and/or interviews. Many have open applications where a student can apply on their own and a few have a process where to be eligible to apply, the student has to be nominated by his or her high school.
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Additionally, Juniors can be nominated by Trinity for the North Carolina Governor's School gifted and talented in English, World Languages, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science, Art, Choral Music, Instrumental Music, Dance, and Theater. If you’re interested in a Governor’s School nomination, please contact College Counseling.
