American University (AU), a prestigious private research university located in Washington, D.C., offers a wide range of merit scholarships to recognize and reward students for their academic excellence and achievements. These scholarships significantly reduce the cost of attendance and provide students with financial support to pursue their educational aspirations.
Understanding Merit Scholarships at AU
Merit scholarships at AU are awarded based on a combination of factors, including academic performance, standardized test scores, leadership potential, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the student’s qualifications and the specific scholarship program.
AU offers a variety of merit scholarship programs, including:
- Presidential Scholarship
- Provost’s Scholarship
- Dean’s Scholarship
- Eagle Scholarship
- School-Specific Scholarships
Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious merit scholarship offered by AU. It provides a full tuition scholarship, as well as other benefits such as housing, meal plan, and a laptop. To be eligible for the Presidential Scholarship, students must have a high school GPA of 4.0 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 1%.
Provost’s Scholarship
The Provost’s Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship that provides full tuition and fees. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.9 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 5%.
Dean’s Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship provides tuition assistance ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 per year. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.7 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 10%.
Eagle Scholarship
The Eagle Scholarship provides tuition assistance ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 per year. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 25%.
School-Specific Scholarships
In addition to the university-wide merit scholarship programs, many schools within AU offer their own merit scholarships. These scholarships are typically based on the student’s academic performance and interest in the specific school or program.
Average Merit Scholarship Awards
The average merit scholarship award at AU varies depending on the scholarship program and the student’s qualifications. However, according to College Board, the average merit scholarship award for students entering college in 2022 was $20,770.
At AU, the average merit scholarship award is higher than the national average. In 2022, the average merit scholarship award at AU was $25,000. This means that the majority of students who receive merit scholarships at AU receive awards that cover a significant portion of their tuition costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for merit scholarships at AU:
- Not completing the application fully. Make sure to answer all of the questions on the application form and provide all of the required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Not submitting your application on time. Be sure to submit your application by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
- Not researching the scholarship programs. Not all scholarship programs are the same, so take the time to research each program and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Not tailoring your application to the scholarship program. Each scholarship program has its own unique requirements. Be sure to tailor your application to the specific program you are applying for.
FAQs
1. What is the average merit scholarship award at AU?
The average merit scholarship award at AU is $25,000.
2. What is the highest merit scholarship award at AU?
The highest merit scholarship award at AU is the Presidential Scholarship, which provides a full tuition scholarship.
3. What are the eligibility requirements for the Presidential Scholarship?
Students must have a high school GPA of 4.0 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 1%.
4. What are the eligibility requirements for the Provost’s Scholarship?
Students must have a high school GPA of 3.9 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 5%.
5. What are the eligibility requirements for the Dean’s Scholarship?
Students must have a high school GPA of 3.7 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 10%.
6. What are the eligibility requirements for the Eagle Scholarship?
Students must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and SAT/ACT scores in the top 25%.
7. How do I apply for merit scholarships at AU?
You can apply for merit scholarships at AU through the American University Scholarship Application.
8. When is the deadline to apply for merit scholarships at AU?
The deadline to apply for merit scholarships at AU is December 1st.