<p>What are all the merit scholarships out there? Also, how competitive are they? I am thinking of applying for the Robertson (Duke, UNC), Morehead(UNC), and Ingram (Vanderbilt), but I don't know how competitive they are. I have a 3.8 1490 (v/m) 2200 (v/m/w) SAT, I am active in community service (vice president of my school's Habitat for Humanity, and on the leadership board for my school's community service), I am also very active in my schools outdoor program (Walkabout, I am a student instructor and have gone on Walkabout trips to India and Costa Rica), I am also involved in my school's extra-curricular activities (Peer Support Network, Writing Center tutor, peer tutor, spirit comittee, theater, earth advocates, school newspaper, school yearbook, and honor council), and I have gone on a People to People summer trip, Lead America summer trip, had a summer job, and volunteered at the aquarium and zoo over the summer. Do I have a chance at any school merit scholarships, even to make it to the semis?</p>
<p>c'mon guys...</p>
<p>the question "what are all the merit scholarships out there?" is way too vague. you should begin by making a list of the colleges that interest you first, and then look within each college for the kinds of merit money offered. every school's website lists the merit scholarships available there.</p>
<p>does the fact that they are competitive or not make a difference in your decision to apply? because i don't think you should decide to not apply just because you think it may be a high reach. scholarships like the ones you mentioned are, of course, competitive; after all, they're entrusting a lot of money to the people they select. however, it will be your loss if you don't apply for fear of rejection since you seem to have plenty of experience. </p>
<p>my advice to you is to research, research, research. some selective scholarships, like the morehead, are by nomination. check to see if your school is eligible to nominate. if not, get in touch with the school and let them know you're interested. also, look at the current applications (particularly the essay questions) for these scholarships to get an idea of what is expected of you. for scholarships that are based on volunteer experience, keep in mind that once you get to college, you have to remain active in the community in order to keep your scholarship. for example, the ingram requires 20 service hours per month and service during at least one of the undergraduate summers.</p>
<p>again, please research.</p>
<p>Go to the Parents' Forum. There are several threads on merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Most colleges award merit scholarships to their very top candidates. You have to have stats way above their average.</p>
<p>Rice awards merit-aid to it's top prospects, in rare cases even full-rides.</p>
<p>I was told that I would most likely qualify for a merit scholarship after i took my first SATs last Decemeber of my junior year. My score wasn't even that good either, so I'm guessing that if I increase it, i could get a lot of money from this school</p>