<p>Is there a separate application for this or does the school award them based on the normal app.?</p>
<p>It depends on the school and on the scholarship. Some review the regular application, some have additional applications. Some review the regular app for some scholarships, and some named scholarships may have additional requirements. Some have earlier application deadlines if you want to be considered for merit scholarships. Some require interviews; some don't.</p>
<p>But every school spells out its requirements on its website.</p>
<p>Chedva is exactly right.</p>
<p>But to add on, some schools have a supplemental form that isn't required at the time of admission, and the school says everyone is considered. However, said supplemental form can even be filled out before your application is submitted, and it lets the committee know that you're interested.</p>
<p>I'll just add that some schools have a little box somewhere on the application that says "check this box if you want to be considered for a merit scholarship". That is all that is required, but do not overlook the little box!</p>
<p>Also, some schools have a variety of merit scholarships (and here I am referring to those that are completely separate from need-based f.a.), and the rules for the different scholarships are different. Just as an example, Vanderbilt U has some that DO require a separate application/essays, and some that require nothing extra at all, not even a check in a box.</p>
<p>Read the websites very carefully and keep track of what you read.</p>
<p>
[quote]
"check this box if you want to be considered for a merit scholarship"
[/quote]
Ooooh thanks midmo- never heard of that before. I'll make sure I double and triple check for that so I don't miss anything.</p>