College can be wildly expensive, with many students paying for tuition, room and board, textbooks, and more. Students can get ahead of high college costs by applying for scholarships and grants.
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.
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What Is a Good SAT or ACT Score for Scholarships?
Generally speaking, the higher your SAT or ACT score, the more likely you will get a scholarship.
While the standard for a good SAT score varies, you should shoot for a 1200 or higher.
A good ACT score is above the 75th percentile for whatever school you are applying to. That means you are in the top quarter of scores and more likely to be considered for a scholarship.
10 Scholarships for High SAT/ACT Scores
Here are some scholarships for students with high SAT or ACT scores.
Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: The B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship is available for Delaware residents 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.
Application Deadline: Applications open in December and close in February
Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, room, board, fees, and books, renewable for four years
Point the Way Foundation Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: The Point the Way Foundation offers scholarships to students with a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 22. They must also have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Troy University Scholars 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.
Application Deadline: Varies
Scholarship Amount: In-state tuition and housing
James J. Kaminski Scholarship Endowment
Who Is Eligible: The James J. Kaminski Scholarship is awarded to first-year SUNY Fredonia students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry. Students need an SAT score of 1250 or an ACT score of 28. To renew, students must maintain a GPA of 3.25.
Application Deadline: Students automatically apply for scholarships with their college application
Scholarship Amount: $8,000, renewable for up to three years
Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation scholarships are available to Western Washington high school seniors 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.
Application Deadline: Application opens January 2023
Scholarship Amount: Varies, up to $5,000
Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program
Who Is Eligible: The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program awards scholarships to Morehouse College students with financial needs who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to leadership. Applicants need an SAT score of at least 1200 or an ACT score of 26 or over.
Application Deadline: Qualified candidates can apply each spring.
Scholarship Amount: Varies
Colorado Mesa University Distinguished Scholar
Who Is Eligible: Eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.75, ranking in the top 5% of their graduating class, and either a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1340.
Application Deadline: Students automatically apply for scholarships along with their college applications.
Scholarship Amount: Full tuition for in-state students and $6,000 for out-of-state applicants
U.S. Air Force ROTC High Achievers Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and either a minimum ACT score of 26 or a minimum SAT score of 1240. They must also commit to four years of active-duty service after graduation and pass all physical fitness requirements.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies, up to full tuition
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
Who Is Eligible: First-year applicants must have attended high school in Mississippi, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and either a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1350, or be named a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Students must enroll at an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi.
Application Deadline: September 15
Scholarship Amount: Varies, up to $2,500 per year
Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: The Engebretson Foundation awards a scholarship to one high-achieving U.S. high school student annually. 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 an SAT score of 1240 or higher.
Application Deadline: Applications are open January through March 2023
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
10 Automatic Scholarships for High SAT or ACT Scores
Many colleges are test-optional, meaning 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 test-optional schools. A good score can still increase your chances of admission or a scholarship.
University of Missouri
Who Is Eligible: The University of Missouri offers various automatic scholarships, with higher-value scholarships going to higher-scoring students. Residents need a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060, while nonresidents need a minimum ACT score of 23 or SAT score of 1130.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000 up to full tuition and fees
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Who Is Eligible: UT Knoxville awards scholarships to high-achieving incoming first-year students. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1300 to be eligible for merit-based scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: Annual awards of $3,000-$9,000 for in-state students and $10,000-$18,000 for out-of-state students
Texas Tech
Who Is Eligible: Texas Tech automatically awards merit scholarships based on class rank 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 Amount: $1,000 up to the full federally approved cost of attendance
The University of Mississippi
Who Is Eligible: The University of Mississippi offers automatic scholarships to entering students with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Award 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 Amount: Annual awards of $1,000-$13,072 for in-state students and $1,500-$26,292 for out-of-state students
University of Texas Arlington
Who Is Eligible: UT Arlington offers automatic scholarships ranging by test scores, GPA, and class rank. 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.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$12,000 per year
Utah State University
Who Is Eligible: Awards vary based on state residence. At a minimum, recipients must have an ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 960, and a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Scholarship Amount: $600 per year up to full tuition and fees
Florida Gulf Coast University
Who Is Eligible: Florida Gulf Coast University's 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 SAT score of 1220.
Scholarship Amount: $500 to up to the full cost of attendance 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. The minimum scores to be eligible are a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 23 or an SAT score of 1130.
Scholarship Amount: Varies by year
The University of Oklahoma
Who Is Eligible: University of Oklahoma first-year student merit scholarships consider GPA, class ranking, and standardized test scores. The minimum requirements are a GPA of 3.25 and an ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1160.
Scholarship Amount: $8,000-$69,100
Louisiana Tech University
Who Is Eligible: Louisiana Tech first-year students are evaluated for scholarships based on their GPA and SAT/ACT scores. The minimum requirements are a GPA of 3.0 and an ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1030.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000-$9,500, renewed annually
FAQs
Can you get a scholarship with a 20 ACT score? ›
Regardless of a student's ACT score, they may still qualify for a college grant. A student with an ACT score between 16 and 20 may be eligible for financial aid to attend college, depending on their other credentials. Your income level may be considered alongside other factors if you're applying for a grant.
What SAT score can get you a full ride scholarship? ›Eligible students will need to have SAT scores of at least 1480 or ACT scores of at least 33, a 3.5 GPA or higher, and a rigorous academic course load.
What SAT score is required for 100% 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.
What is a top 20% ACT score? ›| Percentile | Composite | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 27 | 29-30 |
| 80 | 25-26 | 27 |
| 75 (good) | 24 | 25 |
| 50 (median) | 19-20 | 20 |
What colleges can I get into with a 20 ACT score? While 20 may not be the most competitive ACT score, there are several colleges that fit your Target institutions, including San Francisco State University, Radford University, and Valdosta State University.
What ACT score gets 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.
Can you get a full ride with a good ACT score? ›High ACT scores are common criteria for merit scholarships that are looking to award a scholarship to the best and brightest. Many colleges offer merit scholarships based on standardized test scores as well. Studying hard for the ACT can not only help get you into school, but also help you pay tuition.
How high of a ACT score do you need for Harvard? ›Average ACT score for Harvard University (With Writing)
The average ACT score for students who get accepted into Harvard is between 32 and 35. This is well above the national average of 21. Considering 36 is the highest you can score, this is a daunting goal.
A 27 ACT score makes you eligible for a good amount of merit aid, likely both from your potential institution and third-party scholarship providers.
How rare is it to get a full ride scholarship? ›Less than 1 percent of students get full ride scholarships, showing just how difficult it is to earn one. However, with the right background, proper planning and by knowing where to look, your chances of landing a full ride scholarship can increase.
Is 13500 a good SAT score? ›
In 2019, the average SAT score was 1050. Any score above that would be above average and perfectly acceptable for many colleges. A score of 1350 would put you in the top 10% of test takers and help make your application competitive at more selective schools.
Who is the girl with a 1550 SAT score? ›Kaitlyn Younger, 18, has been an academic standout since she started studying algebra in third grade. She scored 1550 on her SATs as a junior and will graduate this spring with an unweighted 3.95 grade-point average and as the founder of her school's accounting club.
Can I get full ride scholarship with 1450 SAT? ›Earning a 1450 SAT score makes you eligible for most (if not all) merit-aid scholarships based on SAT score.
What is a good ACT score for Ivy League? ›An SAT score of 1555 (out of 1600) or ACT score of 35 (out of 36) will place you right in the top 25% for most Ivy League schools, whereas an SAT score of 1455 or ACT score of 33 would put you at the boundary of the bottom 25%.
How hard is it to get a 32 on the ACT? ›A 32 ACT score puts you at the 97th percentile — that means you scored higher than 97% all test takers! Congratulations!
Is a 32 ACT good enough for Ivy League? ›98th percentile: A 32 ACT score is above the national average. This score is excellent for most Ivy League universities. So if you are wondering, 'is 32 a good ACT score' to get into any of the highly selective Ivy League colleges, you should know that this score is sufficient to stand out among your competitors.
Is a 20 on the ACT good or bad? ›The average ACT score is 20.
If you've scored 21, then you've scored higher than 50% of test-takers. That's pretty good, depending on your frame of reference. A 24 places you at the 74th percentile—better than ¾ of test-takers!
| ACT Composite Score | SAT Composite Score |
|---|---|
| 23 | 1130-1150 |
| 22 | 1100-1120 |
| 21 | 1060-1090 |
| 20 | 1020-1050 |
...
ACT to SAT Score Conversion Chart.
Percentage of All Test Takers
Unsurprisingly, a full 36 is the rarest score of all—just 0.313% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. Roughly three times more students earned the next-highest score of 35; however, this is still a very rare score that just 0.925% of test takers earned.
Is getting a 25 on the ACT hard? ›
With a score of 25, you are in the 79th percentile of all test takers. More likely than not, with a score of 25, you'll often be in or near the commonly accepted range at selective colleges. The exception may be the highly selective colleges.
Is getting a 24 on the ACT hard? ›A score of 24 on the ACT certainly makes you an eligible candidate, as well as competitive! To put this another way, a 24 ACT score puts you at the 73rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 73% of all test takers — which is definitely something to be proud of!
Is a 30 on the ACT good enough for Ivy League? ›Admission to any of the eight Ivy League schools is highly selective, and ACT scores are an important piece of the admissions equation. Generally applicants will need a composite score of 30 or higher to be competitive although some applicants are admitted with lower scores.
Can you get scholarships with a 25 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.
What is the average ACT score to get 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.
What's the lowest GPA Harvard accepted? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
What is the lowest ACT accepted to Harvard? ›Average ACT: 34
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.
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 GPA do you need for a full scholarship? ›A 4.0 Grade Point Average is not only a high GPA, it's an impressive GPA that's sure to catch the eyes of many scholarship providers. Since the minimum GPA for a full-ride scholarship is usually set at 3.5, a 4.0 is sure to always be above and beyond what's required.
What is the easiest full scholarship to get? ›- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $40,000 BigFuture Scholarships.
- $25,000 No Essay Scholarship.
- March Madness Scholarship.
- $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship.
- Annual Catholic College Scholarship.
How much is the Coca-Cola scholarship? ›
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship – High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA may apply on our website in August of their senior year until the October 31 deadline. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
Will a 25 ACT get me into college? ›Earning an ACT score of 25 puts you above average, making you eligible at a wide variety of schools and competitive at some selective institutions. To put this accomplishment in another light, a 25 ACT score puts you at the 75th percentile — that means you scored higher than 75% of all test takers.
Is a 22 on the ACT good for scholarships? ›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.
Should I retake a 1290 SAT score? ›Unfortunately, 1290 is not a good SAT score. In reality, it's a weak score that will keep you from achieving your college admissions goals. Although you're still outperforming the majority of test takers, it's still not enough to get you into the top schools in the country.
What college gives the most scholarships? ›| Rank | 1 |
|---|---|
| College | Columbia University |
| Average financial aid package | $55,521 |
| Annual tuition and fees | $55,056 |
| Students receiving need-based aid | 2,973 |
- The Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- The Gates Millennium Scholars Program.
- The Fulbright scholarship program.
- Rhodes Scholarship.
- Churchill Scholarship.
- Princeton Scholarship.
- Mitchell Scholarship.
- Conclusion On The hardest scholarships to get.
A full-ride scholarship covers your entire college costs, such as tuition fees, room and board, class materials, transportation, and even study-abroad programs.
Is 1800 a bad SAT score? ›For example, a score of 1800 represents the 81st percentile, meaning a student with a score of 1800 scored better than 81 percent of the people who took the SAT that year. The percentile is critical since it is a true indicator of your positioning relative to other test takers, and thus college applicants.
Is 1700 a good SAT score? ›If you are considering a school with more average-based acceptance requirements, an SAT exam score of 1500 to 1700 is a perfectly acceptable goal.
Is 850 on the SAT bad? ›The scoring scale begins at 400 and the top score is 1600, with the average result among the upwards of 3 million students who take the exam every year clocking in between 1000-1100. A score of 850 falls below the national average and indicates that a large number of questions were answered incorrectly.
Did Will Smith get a perfect SAT score? ›
Will Smith SAT score was a perfect 1600. A rare score few people have earned. Despite this incredible score, Will chose not to attend college, did not even enroll, and decided to pursue his career in music.
Can I get into MIT with a 1550 SAT? ›There's no absolute SAT requirement at MIT, but they really want to see at least a 1500 to have a chance at being considered. If you live in an MIT suburb such as Belmont, you may want to consult a directory of best tutors to boost your score a bit.
How many people score 1500+ on the SAT every year? ›1500 SAT Score Standings
Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 20911 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1482 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 16 schools with this score.
A 34 ACT score is equivalent to earning a 1520 to 1550 on the SAT. There are some differences to these two standardized tests, so what you earn on one test may not be what you earn on the other, but this is a good way to understand how your score compares.
Can I get a full ride with a 32 ACT? ›For example, a 32 on the ACT may earn a full ride at one school but a partial scholarship at another. Also, different sports will have different opportunities. This means you may have a better chance to fill a certain need at a certain school.
Can I get into Yale with 1450 SAT? ›Yale University
Yale requires the submission of SAT or ACT scores. About half of the admitted students have SAT scores between 1450 and 1560, with more than 86% scoring between 32 and 36 on their ACT test.
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.
Is 19 a good ACT score for scholarships? ›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.
Is a 20 pre ACT score good? ›If you score in the high-20s or low-30s on the PreACT, you're in good shape for an ACT score that will fly with highly competitive schools after some prep.
Can I get a scholarship with a 18 ACT score? ›Scholarships for an 18 ACT Score
An 18 ACT score likely won't earn you much merit aid, you'll likely need a 25 and above for that, but there are plenty of other types of scholarships to apply for, including based on your life circumstances, passions, and extracurriculars!
What is the lowest ACT score for Harvard? ›
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. A university with Harvard's stature has equally high ACT standards.
What is the minimum ACT score for Ivy League? ›Generally speaking, you need a minimum ACT score of 31 to get into an Ivy League School. The minimum score is 32 at a few of these schools, including Harvard and Yale. 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.
Can I get into Harvard with a 19 on the ACT? ›Harvard probably doesn't have a strict ACT threshold, like the SAT, but if you score too low, your application will be rejected. At Harvard, the typical ACT score is 34. Harvard is now Very Competitive for ACT scores with this score. ACT scores range from 33 to 35, with 35 representing the 75th percentile.
How much money does a 25 ACT get you? ›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 ACT score is needed for Harvard? ›The average ACT score for students who get accepted into Harvard is between 32 and 35. This is well above the national average of 21. Considering 36 is the highest you can score, this is a daunting goal. The average ACT score for Harvard University is much higher than that of any other Ivy League in the country.
What colleges will accept a 21 ACT score? ›With a 21 ACT score, you're eligible to apply to a number of schools and, among your Target institutions, you can include California State University-Fullerton, Montclair State University, and Eastern Michigan University.
Can a 30 on the ACT get you a full ride? ›Scoring 30 or above automatically puts you in the 90th percentile, which puts you ahead of most students who take the test. Chances are great that you can pull in scholarship money. However, scholarships are also available for students who score in the 20s or even less.