Academic Scholarships require a student to have a relatively high grade point average and S.A.T. scores. I say relatively high because the grade point average will be compared to other students who are applying for the same scholarship. You will not only be competing with students from your high school, your town, your state or your country, but you will be competing with other students from all over the world. Next, other factors will be considered to see which student meets other non- academic criteria and who is the best fit for the University. Non-Academic criteria would be participation in extra-curricular activities, community service projects or attendance. Typically a student begins to prepare for college in their freshman year of high school. And, definitely not later than Grade 10.
If you can consistently keep an A average throughout your high school years, you will have a better opportunity of securing that Academic Scholarship. If you can just have an A average the last two years of high school, that will also be a plus. Straight A’s in Mathematics might gain you a scholarship in that field, however, if your other grades are low, you might find it difficult to get admitted. After talking with your parents about your plans and getting their support, you should make an appointment with your high school Guidance Counselor. It is important to discuss what your long and short range goals are. Your counselor can assist you in mapping out the courses you need to complete to put you on track of achieving those goals. You should ask your counselor to assist you in researching the Universities that have the most credibility once you graduate. All Universities are not equal. If you know you want to be a physician, then you will need to find out what courses you need to pursue in high school that will guarantee you admittance to the best undergraduate university. An academic scholarship is prime, because there is no limitation on where you can attend. Whereas, if you do not receive the Academic Scholarship, you are limited based on your parents financial ability.
It is important to know that once you secure an Academic Scholarship for your freshman year of College, after admittance, you will need to work hard to retain that easy scholarship throughout your four-year course of study. Your Guidance Counselor will provide you with the necessary resources to look for academic scholarships. Years ago it use to be The Blue Book. Today, with the internet, you will able to expand that search to infinity. Also, check on local and state scholarship availabilities. Private scholarship are also offered by many organizations if you meet specific criteria. Another key element in attaining the Academic Scholarship is the S.A.T. To score high on this aptitude test reinforces your grade point average. I would say they are both equal. To have low S.A.T scores does not speak well to what you have accomplished grade wise. So you must devote as much time as possible in studying for this exam. You might even want to enroll in a S.A.T. prep class.
Remember you will be competing not just against yourself, but students from all over the world. You will also have a Counselor to assist you once in undergraduate school. Be sure to take advantage of all of the help that is available. Let’s say you want to practice medicine. Once in the proper undergraduate program, you want to complete the credits necessary to enter into the premedical program and secure your Internship and the medical degree. Most Universities have already established tracks, which if you follow that course of study you will meet your goals. Academic Scholarships will prevent you from having to borrow and pay back thousands of dollars. Academic Scholarships will help you realize your full earning potential sooner. And, Academic Scholarships will keep you focused on your goals and objectives.
