10 Top ACT Scholarships for High ACT Scores
Did you know that your ACT score plays a crucial role in qualifying for merit-based scholarships? Here’s the deal: scholarships based on academic achievement, known as merit scholarships, heavily consider your ACT score.
And the best part? Taking the test multiple times can boost your score! Through “superscoring,” you can leverage your highest scores from different sections across ACT test dates, potentially opening doors to even more scholarships.
But where do you begin? Feeling overwhelmed by the scholarship hunt? Don’t worry! This blog post is your ultimate guide to leveraging your ACT for scholarships. We’ve curated a list of scholarships that specifically require an ACT score.
What is a Good ACT Score for a Scholarship?
Aiming for 75th percentile range at your target schools significantly increases your chances of admission and ACT scholarship opportunities. Here’s why:
- College selectivity matters: Highly selective colleges typically expect scores in the 32–36 range, while less selective institutions have lower score expectations closer to the national average of 21.
- Top scorers gain an edge: Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you among the top 25% of test-takers at your chosen college, making you a more competitive applicant.
- Scholarships often reward high scores: Many merit scholarships specifically target students with above-average ACT scores.
Scores can vary by state, with some exceeding the national average and others falling below. This is just one data point to consider alongside individual college expectations. The provided table sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics offers insights into average scores across different subjects, highlighting areas where you might excel or require improvement.
| % of Graduates Tested | Average Composite Score | English Score | Math Score | Reading Score | Science Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 19.8 | 19 | 19.3 | 20.4 | 19.9 |
Read Also: What Are ACT Percentiles and Score Rankings?
10 ACT Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2024
Explore top ACT scholarships for US students. Apply for ACT scholarships in 2024 and get opportunities to support your education and achieve your academic goals.
Troy University Scholars Award
The Troy University Scholars Award would cover your entire in-state tuition and housing if you have an exceptional academic record. To be eligible, you’ll need an ACT score of 30-32, along with a GPA of at least 3.7. The application deadline varies, so be sure to check the Troy University scholarship website for details.
Colorado Mesa University Distinguished Scholar
The Colorado Mesa University Distinguished Scholar Award is awarded to incoming freshmen with exceptional academic records! To qualify, you need to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.75, rank within the top 5% of your graduating class, and score at least 29 on the ACT. Simply submit your college application, and you’re automatically considered! This generous award covers full tuition for in-state students and offers $6,000 towards tuition for out-of-state students.
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
High-achieving Mississippi high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.5 can qualify for the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant in their first year of college. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance through a minimum ACT score of 29. To be eligible, students must enroll full-time at an approved Mississippi post secondary institution and submit their applications by September 15th of the intended academic year. The scholarship amount varies, covering up to $2,500 per year to help offset tuition and mandatory fees.
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University offers merit scholarships to first-year students based on academic achievement. With a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an ACT score of 22, students are automatically considered for awards ranging from $1,000 to $9,500. These scholarships are renewable annually for eligible students who maintain good academic standing.
Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Every year, the Engebretson Foundation honors one exceptional high school senior in the US with a $10,000 scholarship to support their college journey. To qualify, applicants must showcase academic achievement through a minimum GPA of 3.75, ranking within the top 5% of their graduating class, and achieving an ACT score of 28 or higher. Applications are open from January to March of the current academic year.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University automatically recognizes high-achieving students with merit scholarships based on a combined evaluation of their GPA and standardized test scores. To qualify, you must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 25 or higher. These prestigious awards range from $500 up to the full cost of attendance, taking into account any other financial aid you receive.
Point the Way Foundation Scholarship
High-achieving students with a minimum ACT score of 22 and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for the Point the Way Foundation Scholarship. Award amounts vary, with past recipients receiving between $2,000 and $10,000 to support their educational goals.
Texas Tech University Scholarship
Texas Tech University recognizes high-achieving students with automatic merit scholarships based on their academic performance in high school. Students ranking in the top 25% of their graduating class or achieving an ACT score of 19 or higher are eligible.
Scholarship awards vary according to the extent of academic merit, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to cover the full federally approved cost of attendance. For instance, a student ranking within the top 10% of their class and earning a perfect ACT score could potentially receive a full-ride scholarship.
Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program at Morehouse College invests in exceptional young leaders with financial needs, recognizing both academic achievement (minimum 3.2 GPA) and a commitment to serving their communities through demonstrated involvement. Applicants must hold an ACT score of 26 or higher, and applications are accepted annually during the spring semester. Scholarship awards vary, with some covering the full cost of tuition and fees.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
High-achieving first-year students with a minimum ACT score of 28 are eligible for merit-based scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In-state students can earn awards ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 annually, while out-of-state students can receive scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 per year.
Read Also: ACT Scoring Chart: How to Calculate Your Score?
Why Use ACT Scores for a Merit-based Scholarship?
You don’t have to get a perfect ACT score to get a merit scholarship. Here’s why you should use your ACT scores for merit scholarships:
- Taking the ACT exam may help boost your chances of winning a scholarship from colleges and scholarship organizations.
- Some colleges award scholarships based on your ACT scores. For example, Baylor University offers scholarships ranging from $40,000 to $84,000 based on a combination of test scores, class rank, and GPA.
- Higher test scores may also lead to more scholarship dollars. For instance, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville offers more than $3,000 in awards per year for ACT scores between 28 and 36.
- Certain ACT scores may place you in the running for a full-ride scholarship. A full-ride scholarship is an award that covers all of the expenses associated with attending college for a specific period, usually four years for undergraduate degrees.
Read Also: 5 Best ACT Tips and Tricks to Achieve Your Desired Score
From the Desk of Yocket
ACT scholarships can be a valuable opportunity for talented students from diverse backgrounds who might otherwise struggle to afford college. They offer a chance to be recognized for academic achievement and reduce the financial burden of higher education. They can incentivize academic achievement and motivate students to push themselves, leading to better academic performance. Additionally, these scholarships can act as a form of recognition for students’ hard work and dedication, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
So, what is a good ACT score for scholarship purposes? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the specific scholarships you’re targeting. Colleges and scholarship programs set their score requirements, often taking into account the average scores of their applicant pool. A score that might qualify you for a scholarship at one college could be far below the requirement at another.
It’s wise to research the scholarships you’re interested in and understand their score requirements. Consider your academic strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving in areas that align with your scholarship goals. Your ACT score is just one factor in the scholarship equation, and well-rounded academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and a strong application can greatly enhance your chances of success. For additional insights, explore Yocket, a valuable resource for scholarship guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the ACT more than once to qualify for scholarships?
Many colleges use ACT superscoring, which considers your highest score on each section from multiple test attempts. Taking the ACT more than once can improve your scholarship eligibility.
Do I need a perfect ACT score to qualify for scholarships?
No! Scholarships exist for various score ranges, even lower scores. Focus on finding the ones that match your score.
When should I start applying for the ACT scholarships?
Most scholarships have rolling deadlines throughout the year. However, you must apply earlier to have a higher chance of winning one.