Wed, MAR 04, 2026 11:30 AM
Let’s face it, college costs continue to rise every year, and one of the most powerful ways to reduce the price is through the actions your son or daughter takes in high school. But where should they begin?
The good news is that colleges actively award scholarships to students who match what they are looking for in their incoming freshman class. Merit based scholarships are typically awarded for academics, talent, leadership, or athletic ability. To maximize your student’s chances of earning scholarships, it is important to understand how the process works in 2025 and beyond.
For academic scholarships, colleges still place strong emphasis on a student’s unweighted GPA. While many institutions remain test optional, meaning ACT or SAT scores may not be required for admission, some of the most competitive and highest dollar scholarships still require strong standardized test scores. If your student is aiming for top tier awards, reviewing each college’s scholarship criteria early in the process is essential.
When colleges remove test scores from consideration, they rely more heavily on a holistic review process. This means greater emphasis is placed on course rigor, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Leadership roles, part time jobs, community service, and long term commitments often carry significant weight. Scholarship criteria can change from year to year, so staying informed and planning ahead makes a significant difference.
Colleges are looking for students who will contribute something unique to their campus community. To stand out in a competitive applicant pool, students should focus on developing depth in their interests rather than simply participating in many unrelated activities. When scholarships are connected to specific talents or extracurricular involvement, a compelling essay and a strong letter of recommendation can substantially improve the likelihood of earning an award.
A well organized resume that highlights academic achievements, leadership experiences, service, and work history can also help students pursue private scholarships. There are thousands of scholarship opportunities available, but success requires organization, consistency, and strategy. Beginning with local scholarships often increases the odds of winning because the applicant pool is typically smaller. Students should also connect with their high school counselor or College and Career Readiness Coach to uncover exclusive scholarships available only within their school or local community.
Choosing colleges strategically as early as ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade can position students for maximum merit opportunities. Some institutions are known for offering generous merit aid, while others reserve scholarships for only the most competitive applicants. Conducting this research early reduces stress and allows families to make informed financial decisions before senior year arrives.
If your student is unsure where to begin or if you are tired of reminding them to stay on track, support is available. Schedule a free 15 minute Discovery Zoom Meeting with Dan Bisig at College and Beyond LLC. He specializes in helping families identify the right colleges, maximize scholarship potential, and navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Do not leave scholarship money on the table. Book your consultation today.
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