Junior Jessica Bao always liked science. When she decided to pursue a degree in physics, she set her sights on the University of Texas at Austin. As soon as Bao saw that the cost of attending UT would be over $25,000 a year, Bao realized that she would have to find a way to lower the cost. The solution came in the form of the Forty Acres Scholars Program, the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for UT given by alumni. It covers tuition, books, fees, and a living stipend, as well as providing financial support for personal enrichment activities. Bao works hard to maintain her high grades, hoping they will increase her chances of receiving the scholarship.
“For a while I was worried I wouldn’t be able to go to UT,” Bao said. “If I could get a scholarship, it would change everything.”
Scholarships like those granted by the Forty Acres Scholars Program are often a major factor in deciding which college to attend. With generous scholarships that range from being academic or talent-based to those provided directly by the universities, there is one out there for every type of need.
National Merit Scholarship
Every October, sophomores and juniors take the PSAT in preparation for taking the SAT. Juniors who score in the top percent of their state qualify to become a National Merit Finalist, which awards $2500 in scholarship money and also opens up opportunity to receive additional scholarships from individual colleges and organizations.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s largest source of scholarships for young writers and artists. Every year, thousands of students in grades 7-12 submit their works for a chance to win up to $10,000 in scholarship money.
Intel Science Talent Search
The Intel Science Talent Search is a math and science competition for high school seniors. Forty finalists receive a combined amount of over $1.25 million, with a grand prize of a $100,000 four-year scholarship.
Texas A&M Academic Scholarships
Texas A&M University annually gives out 300 four-year $12,000 scholarships and 150 four-year $10,000 scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on a wide variety of factors, including test scores, rigor of high school curriculum and academic achievement in those courses, leadership positions, community service, and special talents.
Presidential Honors Program (Tarleton State University)
Incoming freshmen who are designated Presidential Honors Scholars annually receive $7,000, which is renewable for four years. Scholars are selected based on class rank, participation in advanced high school classes, extracurricular activities, and ACT or SAT scores. Community service, essays, and letters of recommendation are also taken under review.
Carr P. Collins Scholarship (Baylor University)
Baylor University offers four-year, $4,850 scholarships to Texas students based on leadership through community service. Recipients must already be admitted to the university and are chosen based on class rank, high school curriculum and a minimum score of 1250 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT.
