14. Merit Aid

Decided by each college or university, based on its own applicant pool

Usually called a “scholarship”—though, often, a discount on the price to be paid

Common Criteria for Merit Aid

1. Grade-Point Average (GPA)—“The higher, the better!”

The rigor of courses on a student’s high school transcript is determined by:

The more Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken, the more rigorous the curriculum is regarded.

The more higher-level courses in math and lab science taken, the more rigorous the curriculum is regarded.

2. Class Rank— “The higher, the better!”

The larger a senior class, the more impressive a high class rank is.

The higher-achieving a school is, the more impressive a high class rank is.

3. ACT Composite Score— “The higher, the better!”

ACT scores range from 0 to 36; the national average is approximately 21.

A student’s score is compared to the state and national averages.

A score in the 30s put a student’s score in the highest 5% of test-takers.

4. Distinctions

Academic

Arts

Leadership in extracurriculars

5. Under-representation

6. Division I recruited athlete—particularly, in a major revenue-producing sport

1% of all U.S. athletes will receive a Division I “full ride” grant-in-aid.