As high schoolers prepare for the ACT, they may not realize that there's a potential added bonus if they score well. Based on ACT scores, they can win scholarships! In this blog, we'll take a look at how students can find, apply for, and aim to secure ACT scholarships.[lwptoc numeration="none" hideItems="0" skipHeadingLevel="h3"]

Important questions to ask about ACT scholarships

Why is the ACT important

The ACT stands for American College Testing. It is a standard testing method that aims to test and analyze a student's readiness for college or higher education. Although many universities have gone test-optional, many high school students still choose to take the ACT to strengthen their college applications.The test contains four main sections and one optional section. They are English, Math, Science, Reading, and Writing (optional). The ACT exam aims to test students’ verbal, mathematical, scientific, and written skills.What if we told you that not only does your ACT score affect your college application, but your ACT score can also grant you financial aid. Yes, we're talking about scholarships based on ACT scores! Throw your cap in the air with some extra money in your pocket for your hard work.[caption id="attachment_2367" align="alignnone" width="845"]

Credit: Narrato [/caption]

What is an ACT scholarship

As the name suggests, an ACT scholarship is a form of financial aid that is awarded to students with high ACT scores.Most of these scholarships are awarded on a merit basis, but some of them are also offered on the basis of a student's financial needs. Furthermore, there are numerous ACT scholarships available, depending on your scores. There are others that you can earn automatically from colleges and universities on the basis of your test scores or class rank.Let us take a closer look at ACT scholarships and how you can apply for them easily and successfully. So read on and find out how you can make the most of your high ACT scores!

What criteria do ACT scholarships look for

Simply put, there are no hard and fast rules that apply to every ACT scholarship. Different scholarships have different requirements, and they vary depending on the organization that is awarding them.However, most of them require a minimum ACT score and analyze you on the basis of your extracurricular activities, community service, leadership skills, and more.

What average score do you need

Similar to the scholarship criteria, the average score also varies depending on the scholarship you are applying for. Generally, scoring anywhere above 30 is a safe bet as it puts you in the 90th percentile, which is better than most students.Some ACT scholarships are also available to students who have a score of 25 and above. While many others require you to have a score within a given range instead of giving you a specific number.In short, having a score of 25 will make you eligible for some ACT scholarships, while having a score of 30 or above makes you eligible for a number of higher-level ones.

Do you have to fit a certain household income to get a scholarship

First of all, the household income requirement varies from scholarship to scholarship.While some ACT scholarships do give preference to students who are below a certain household income level, not all of them have this criterion. The smartest option for you is to check the specific requirements of each ACT scholarship that you are interested in.

What should you look for in an ACT scholarship

When you begin your search for the best scholarships based on ACT scores, it is important to pay attention to certain details to make the right choice.For the most part, both junior and senior high school students should look for the following factors in an ACT scholarship:

• The scholarship amount
• The eligibility criteria
• The requirement for any other documentation
• The scholarship deadline

Lastly, make sure to do thorough research about the university or organization that is awarding the scholarship. Ensure they are reputable and legitimate and that you will be awarded the scholarship fairly.

How to find ACT scholarships

Several online portals can help you find the best ACT scholarships easily. For example, you can use portals like Scholarships.com, Cappex.com, Fastweb.com, and so on.[caption id="attachment_2365" align="alignnone" width="854"]

Credit: Fastweb.com[/caption]These online portals have comprehensive databases of the major ACT scholarships and can help you discover the best scholarships. You can even filter your search based on different criteria like ACT scores, college major preferences, geographic location, and more.You can also visit the ACT.org website and access the list of ACT scholarships available there. This will help you streamline your search and choose the best scholarships as per your requirements and eligibility.

How to apply for an ACT scholarship

Now that you know the basics, let's talk about how you can apply to the ACT scholarships of your choice.Simply put, applying for ACT scholarships might sound like a daunting task, but it's quite straightforward. Here are the steps that you should follow to apply for an ACT scholarship successfully:Step 1: Use the above-mentioned portals to look for the scholarship you are eligible for and carefully read all the requirements and eligibility criteria.Step 2: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria before moving ahead. Additionally, make sure to note down the deadline so that you don't miss it later.Step 3: Collect all the necessary documents like your ACT score reports, transcripts, essays, letter of recommendation, and more for the application.Step 4: Every scholarship will have its own set of instructions. So, make sure to follow them carefully while filling out the form.Step 5: Once done, submit the form on the web portal of the institution that is offering the scholarship, and it's done!

Can you automatically be entered to win ACT scholarships when you take it

Yes, there are certain colleges and universities that allow you to earn ACT scholarships based on your scores. You might want to apply to one and not be aware of this! Make sure to search and read up on these universities and the minimum ACT score they require to offer you the scholarship.

Tips for successful ACT scholarship applications

1. Start your search for the right scholarship early on

If you want to have a shot at getting the best ACT scholarships, it is important to start searching for them as early as possible. This is because the application process can be quite time-consuming. Because of this, starting early will ensure you meet important deadlines.

2. Research the requirements

Before applying to any ACT scholarship, gather all the information you need about its requirements, eligibility criteria, its amount, and so on.

3. Get all your documents ready

To avoid any unnecessary delays, make sure to arrange all the required documents, like your ACT score reports, beforehand. This will help you fill out the application form quickly and without any issues.

4. Correctly fill out the form

Many ACT scholarship applications get rejected because of incorrect information or discrepancies. To avoid missing your shot at the best scholarships, make sure to fill out every detail in the form carefully. Once complete, review it again and ensure you have attached all the documents before you hit the submit button.

5. Keep an eye on the deadlines

Finally, the most important thing to remember when applying for ACT scholarships is to submit your application on time! Once you select all the scholarships you wish to apply to, note down their deadlines somewhere. This way, you can stay on track and get them in before the deadlines.

What to do after you’ve applied for ACT scholarships

Once you have submitted the application to all the ACT scholarships of your choice, it is important to keep track of the announcement dates. Further, be sure to follow up on any additional information or documentation you may need.Finally, if you are selected for the ACT scholarship, congratulations! Make sure to follow the next steps carefully to receive and use the funds.In case you do not get the scholarship, don't lose hope. There are plenty of scholarships you can apply for other reasons. Continue your search and apply to as many of them as possible.

How to prepare for the exam so you can qualify for ACT scholarships

Getting an ACT scholarship is an excellent way to fund your higher education and unlock doors to various opportunities. However, to qualify for these scholarships, you need to ensure that your ACT scores are high enough. Consequently, you will have to prepare well for this exam.Solid ACT preparation includes understanding the format of the test, reading through the latest study material, following a study schedule, and doing practice problems and full tests. The ACT includes content that will test your reading comprehension, math skills, and data analysis abilities.This is where Lessonpal comes into the picture. Lessonpal is an affordable online tutoring platform with a variety of experienced ACT prep tutors to help you reach your goals when it comes to the exam.You can easily browse through tutors and book a one-on-one tutoring session to get started.

More frequently asked questions about ACT scholarships

1. How much financial aid can I get with good ACT scores

The amount of financial aid you can receive with your high ACT scores will largely depend upon each scholarship you are applying to. Different scholarships offer different amounts of financial aid to students.For example, some of them cover your entire tuition fee, while others only cover a part of it. Usually, students with a high ACT score have more opportunities to receive higher financial aid. So, collecting all the necessary information about the financial aid you're eligible to receive before applying for an ACT scholarship is important.

2. Where can I find ACT scholarships

To find the best ACT scholarships, you can use different web portals. You can also visit the ACT.org website to look up the list of the available scholarships.

3. Is there a difference in scholarship opportunities in an ACT score of 30 versus 32

Yes, there may be a slight difference in scholarship opportunities based on your ACT score. Some scholarships may have minimum score requirements or prioritize applicants with higher scores. So, if you have an ACT score of 32 versus 30, you'll have a better chance of qualifying for a scholarship.

4. What colleges offer scholarships for a high ACT score

There are numerous American colleges and universities that offer substantial scholarships to students with high ACT scores. A few are listed below:

• Baylor University
• Clemson University
• Colorado State University
• Columbia University, NYC
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Georgia State University
• Harvard University
• Idaho State University
• Louisiana State University
• Loyola University Chicago
• Michigan Technological University
• Quinnipiac University
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
• Texas A & M University, San Antonio
• The University of Tennessee
• Tuskegee University
• University of Arizona
• University of Mississippi
• University of Missouri
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Kentucky
• University of Texas, Arlington
• University of Pennsylvania
• Utah State University
• Yale University

The big pictureWith the right plan of action, finding and applying for ACT scholarships can be an easy and rewarding experience. It's important to start early and research the awards that are available to you. Don't forget to take advantage of any resources that can help you along the way.Finally, if you are looking for top-notch ACT preparation tutors, Lessonpal has you covered.