How SAT Scores Affect Scholarship Opportunities

SAT is a standardized test widely used for admission into undergraduate courses in the United States and a few other countries. The test score ranges between 400 and 1600, with 1060 being the average score. Apart from admission purposes, the SAT scores are a decisive factor for securing scholarships.

A higher SAT score increases the probability of securing a scholarship. Financial aid officers attached to colleges and universities view applications with high SAT scores as more academically inclined and deserving. Quite a few colleges/universities even promise scholarships to applicants who secure a minimum specified SAT score.

What is SAT Scholarship?

The SAT scholarship is determined purely on the SAT score of the applicant. A high score automatically qualifies the candidate for more scholarship related privileges, including full scholarship or a high proportion of monetary assistance to the funding of travel and living expenses, books etc. Anything above 1300 is regarded as an exceptional score. 

Also read, 6‌ ‌Most‌ ‌Common‌ ‌SAT‌ ‌Math‌ ‌Mistakes‌ ‌to‌ ‌Avoid

Getting admission into undergraduate courses in foreign universities is challenging enough. It is crucial to approach an admission consultant to make your admission process hassle-free. process hassle-free. There is also a problem of organising funds to pay for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, etc. Living abroad, as a student is expensive. Considering this, the annual cost of tuition fee alone ranges between $15,000 to $60,000, depending on whether it is a public or private college. Securing a scholarship could lessen the financial burden considerably. And that is where the SAT score gains importance.

How to score well in SAT?

How do you get an above-average SAT score that could get you a scholarship? The answer lies in the preparation. You can choose to self-study, but a coaching institute should be your first choice for assured results. SAT exam tests writing, critical reading and mathematical skills in candidates and specialised coaching institutes can guide and prepare students for the exam. 

There is a pattern to the SAT exam, and a certain degree of skill is required to answer the questions correctly, in the given time, to ensure a good score. It is possible to do it on your own, but it requires tremendous effort, time and dedication. If you want to take away the pressure and concentrate just on the preparation, it is in your interest to join the reputed SAT centres. A good SAT score could get you a good scholarship. 

SAT and Financial Aid Programmes

All colleges offer merit-based and need-based financial aid programmes. While these programmes are created to help deserving students realise their dreams, they also promote diversification, notwithstanding the socio-economic divide. 

Merit-based financial help is given through scholarships, bursaries, loans and grants etc., based on a student’s achievements, extraordinary academic record and exceptional talent. Therefore, students with an above-average SAT score automatically qualify for merit-based financial assistance. Need-based financial aid is granted based on the students’ economic background and comes as student jobs, loans and grants. 

Almost all colleges consider the SAT scores as a yardstick to finalise the recipients for the merit-based financial aid—it is an indisputable formula that puts all students on the same level playing field. The ones with better scores become eligible for consideration. 

Scholarship Amounts

The aid amounts differ from college to college and the type of aid. But can range anywhere between $ 1,000 to $ 35,000 or more, per year. Most colleges require candidates also to have a good GPA. A GPA of 3.75 and above is desirable. Additionally, recommendations, honours, and interview are other influencing factors that tilt the final decision in a student’s favour.

The Fulbright Commission report states that International students receive scholarships worth $20,000 or more from over six hundred American universities. Students are commonly evaluated on scholastic worthiness, economic status, and extracurricular activities. 

How to Earn a Scholarship

To sum it up, a good SAT score can get you the desired financial aid, from a merit-based scholarship to guaranteed scholarship. So, how can students earn scholarships or apply for guaranteed scholarships based on their SAT scores? We give you complete details.

You may also read, 6 Best Ways to Prepare for SAT Exam

Some college scholarships are given automatically, based on SAT, GPA and academic excellence. At the same time, students are required to apply for SAT scholarships that are not granted automatically. The criterion for the application is stringent. Apart from an exceptional SAT score, students are required to submit an essay, prove academic brilliance, and go through a one-on-one interview. 

Colleges publish scholarship details on their websites. Besides, there are dedicated websites that post the entire list of scholarships that aspiring students can apply for, based on SAT scores. Make sure to read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Not every scholarship is available to international students. 

Application Procedure for SAT Scholarships

Go through the list of scholarships on college websites, and identify ones that you meet the minimum standard required to apply. There are no restrictions on the number of scholarships a student can apply for. 

Merit scholarships: Merit scholarship is given to students who excel in one or more of the following - academics, sports, entrepreneurial work etc.

University scholarships: Most American universities offer financial aid to international students.

Government-funded scholarships: International students can avail of special scholarships offered by the United States Government. 

Privately-funded scholarships: Students belonging to minority communities and third-world countries are eligible for private funding sponsored by donors and business houses. 

Country-based scholarships: Special scholarships are available for students applying to American universities from developing nations. 

Hope you have a clear idea of ​​​​how SAT scores affect scholarship opportunities. For any other query related to SAT scholarship? you may contact Sage Education Services, the best SAT training centre in Dubai who helps students to achieve high scores in SAT. 

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