What’s Covered
- Don’t Forget the National Merit Scholarship
- 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).
Don’t Forget the National Merit Scholarship
You can automatically qualify for generous scholarships if you get a top score on the PSAT in your junior year.
Applicants with top 1% scoresin their 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 that 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, National Merit Finalists get a full-ride scholarship at University of Alabama, and National Merit Semifinalists get full tuition at Washington State University.
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 1160 SAT
Academic Incentive Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus (tuition plus $500 for books)
Requirements: 3.00 GPA and 20 ACT or 1020 SAT
2. 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)
3. Florida Gulf Coast University
President’s Gold: $5,000 per year
Requirements: 3.9 GPA and 1320 SAT; Florida residency
President’s Silver: $3,000 per year
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1220 SAT; Florida residency
Blue and Green Scholars (non-residents): $15,000 per year
Requirements: 3.9 GPA and 1320 SAT
Blue and Green Directors (non-residents): $10,000 per year
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1220 SAT
4. 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.
5. Howard University
HU Presidential Scholarship
HU Founders Scholarship
HU Capstone Scholarship
HU Leadership Scholarship
HU Opportunity Grant
HU Access Grant
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.
6. Idaho State University
Presidential: $7,500 per year
Requirements: 3.0+ GPA and 32 ACT or 1420 SAT; Idaho residency
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.
7. 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.
8. Michigan Technological University
Presidential Scholars Program: $1,000 to $5,500 per year
The school automatically awards students based on a combination of their high school academic record, including cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT score. The minimum GPA required for scholarship consideration is a 3.50. The minimum eligible standardized test score is a 1110 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT. You can estimate your award amount on the scholarship page.
9. 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 seeks to admit highly competitive students, as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank, the rigor of high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores.
10. 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
Renewal criteria:
3.25 Cumulative Texas State GPA
Complete 28 passing Texas State hours/year (fall/spring)
Undergraduate status
Texas State Achievement Scholarship: $24,000 to $32,000
Requirements: 1160 to 1410 SAT or 24 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.
11. Texas Tech University
Presidential Scholarships: These awards are automatic and are guaranteed for applicants who apply by December 1 and are admitted by May 1.
Requirements: 1000+ SAT for students in the top 10% of their class; required class rank drops as SAT score goes up.
12. 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.
13. University of Alabama – Huntsville
UAH Presidential (in-state): Full tuition and housing
Requirements: 4.0+ GPA and 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
UAH Presidential (out-of-state): Full tuition and housing
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.
14. University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
Presidential Scholar: Full Tuition/$28,000 per year for out-of-state residents
Requirements: 3.50+ GPA, 30-36 ACT or 1360-1600 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
Additional scholarships are available for GPAs starting at 3.00 and test scores of at least 27 ACT or 1260 SAT.
15. 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-$32,000
Requirements: The highest awards go to students with 4.0+ GPA and 1420+ SAT scores
16. University of Louisiana – Monroe
President’s Distinguished: $10,000 + Study Abroad + iPad
Requirements: 3.7 GPA and 33-36 ACT
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
17. University of Mississippi
Residents: $1,000 to $9,072
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 23 ACT or SAT equivalent
Non-Residents: $1,000 to $9,072 plus up to $16,272 towards non-resident fee
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 25 ACT or SAT equivalent
18. University of Missouri
Various scholarships are automatically awarded to applicants with certain SAT/ACT and GPA combinations. The highest scholarship award for in-state applicants is $7,200 per academic year. Awards for out-of-state applicants can reach $22,500 per year. Smaller awards are available for lower SAT/ACT and GPA combinations.
19. Utah State University
Residents: From $1,000 per year to 100% resident tuition & student fees for four years
Requirements: Awards granted based on a combination of SAT/ACT scores and GPA
Non-Residents: From $11,500 per year to 100% tuition & student fees for four years
Requirements: Awards granted based on a combination of SAT/ACT scores and GPA
20. 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 SAT/ACT and GPA combinations.
21. University of Texas – Arlington
Presidential Honors Scholarship: $12,000
Requirements: 1500 SAT or 34 ACT and in the top 5% of high school class
Presidential Scholarship: $10,000
Requirements: 1400 SAT or 31 ACT and in the top 15% of high school class
Maverik Academic Scholarship: $1,000 to $8,000
Requirements: 1280 SAT or 27 ACT and in the top 25% of high school class
22. University of Kentucky
Provost Scholarship (in-state): $2,500 to $5,000
Requirements: 3.30 GPA and 26 ACT/1230 SAT for $2,500 or 3.30 GPA and 28 ACT/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
23. University of Wyoming
The Cowboy Commitment: $6,500 per year
Requirements: Have a combination of a 3.4-4.0 GPA and 1390+ SAT/31+ ACT. See this sliding scale to determine where your combination of GPA and test scores falls.
Smaller awards are available for lower SAT/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 $12,750.
24. Middle Tennessee State University
Century Scholarship: $6,000 per academic year
Requirements: 34-36 ACT or SAT equivalent and 3.5+ GPA
Lightning Scholarship: $3,000 per academic year
Requirements: 30-33 ACT or SAT equivalent and 3.5+ GPA
Blue Raider Scholarship: $2,500 per academic year
Requirements: 25-29 ACT or SAT equivalent and 3.5+ GPA
Future Alumni Scholarship: $1,500 per academic year
Requirements: 22-24 ACT or SAT equivalent and 3.5+ GPA
25. University of Oklahoma
Various scholarships for in-state and out-of-state applicants, ranging between $8,000 to $60,000 for four academic years. The minimum requirements for the smallest scholarship are a combination of a 24-27 ACT/1160-1290 SAT and either a 3.25 GPA or top 10% class rank.
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 gain admission 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!
You may also want to enter the$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship. All you have to do is create a free CollegeVine account, or fill out your chancing profile if you already have one. Awards are paid out directly to students to cover educational costs.
FAQs
Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores in 2023? ›
But for now, the short answer is that most colleges are not requiring SAT or ACT test scores for the class of 2023.
Do ACT scores matter for class of 2023? ›But for now, the short answer is that most colleges are not requiring SAT or ACT test scores for the class of 2023.
Will ACT and SAT be required for 2023? ›Current figures estimate around 80% of four-year colleges won't require standardized tests for fall 2023 admissions, so the burning question remains: are SAT/ACT scores still important? The shorter answer is: yes. Just because scores are optional, it doesn't mean they aren't still important.
What SAT score will get you a 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.
Does SAT still matter 2023? ›Is the SAT Still Important in 2023? Yes, the SAT is still important; many schools still consider SAT to be a reliable measurement in evaluating the academic aptitude of applicants. Although many schools are test-optional, admissions officers will review your SAT scores if you decide to submit them.
What is a good SAT score for class of 2023? ›| Percentile | EBRW | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 90th (Excellent) | 670-680 | 1350 |
| 75th (Good) | 600-610 | 1200 and above |
| 50th (Average) | 520-530 | 1050 and above |
| 25th (Poor) | 440-450 | 890 |
A decent SAT score is around an average score, which is 500 per section or 1000-1200 total.
Can I get into Harvard without SAT 2023? ›Is SAT required for Harvard? Ans. Harvard University follows a test optional admission process. The university is looking forward to allowing students to apply for 2023 admission without SAT or ACT scores.
Will 2023 SAT be easier? ›The Digital SAT 2023 will be easier to take, easier to administer and more relevant, according to the College Board.
Do Ivy Leagues require SAT 2023? ›All eight Ivy League schools will continue to have test-optional policies for the 2022-23 application cycle. While high SAT scores are an asset, they're just one metric that colleges consider. Students should aim to score in the 75th percentile among admitted students.
What ACT score gives you a full ride? ›
Overall, my research so far has been surprising in that there are a few schools that will offer full-tuition scholarships starting in the 22 – 25 ACT range, but most full-ride scholarships require a 28 ACT or higher.
What ACT score do I need for a scholarship? ›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.
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.
Are colleges looking at class of 2023 SAT scores? ›SAT and ACT scores are important in the 2022-2023 college admissions cycle when applying to test-required schools. As a matter of fact, especially if they're high, standardized test scores can be beneficial when applying to test-optional institutions. They don't count only when applying to test-blind colleges.
Will SAT format change in 2023? ›The paper-and-pencil SAT is no longer available for international students in 2023. For US students, the SAT will switch to a fully digital format beginning in 2024. This change will apply to every SAT exam date from January 2024 forward.
Will not submitting ACT scores hurt 2023? ›In a nutshell, “test-optional” means that students can submit their SAT or ACT test scores to colleges if they want, but it is not a requirement. If a student does not submit any SAT or ACT scores, the admissions committee will simply weight all of the other elements of the student's application more heavily.
Does Harvard require ACT 2023? ›Is Harvard test optional for 2023? Harvard University has recently announced that it will be test-optional for the 2023 admission cycle. This means that students applying to Harvard for the 2023 academic year will have the option to submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required to do so.
Will ACT be required for class of 2024? ›The University of California Regents, for example, voted in May 2020 to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024 and eliminate them altogether for California students in 2025.
Will ACT be required for class of 2025? ›The large majority of schools were test-optional, which means you can send SAT/ACT scores if you would like them included in your application, but you will not be penalized if you do not send SAT/ACT scores. Although this is a welcome change for many students, it also brings up a lot of questions.