{"id":2213,"date":"2025-03-29T00:33:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T08:33:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/?p=2213"},"modified":"2026-10-08T04:11:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T12:11:24","slug":"college-merit-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/college-merit-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"Merit Aid Deep Dive: How Colleges Award Scholarships Based on Academics, Talent &amp; More (and How to Maximize Yours)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Want to lower your college costs? <em>College merit scholarships<\/em> can help! This article dives into <em>how to get merit aid<\/em>. It explains <em>institutional scholarships<\/em>. Learn how colleges award money for academics and talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide horizontal-cta-main has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3bf44ebed25027db030229d15319e5d9\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(144deg,rgb(0,148,211) 0%,rgb(20,112,151) 100%);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group horizontal-cta-content is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find Merit Scholarships That Reward Your Achievements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover merit-based opportunities based on academics, leadership, talents, activities, and other accomplishments.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons horizontal-cta-1 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background-color:#edae39\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><strong>Find Scholarships<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Find Scholarships That Fit You<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a4212\">Search 6,500+ verified scholarships matched to your GPA, major, interests, and background.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Find Scholarships<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Merit Aid (and Why Do Colleges Offer It)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Merit aid<\/em> is money awarded based on <em>your<\/em> achievements. It&#8217;s not based on financial need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Why Colleges Offer It:<\/strong> To attract top students. To boost their reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Where It Comes From:<\/strong> College&#8217;s own funds ( <em>institutional scholarships<\/em> ).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What It Covers:<\/strong> Tuition, fees, room, and board.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a win-win! Colleges get great students, and students save money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-5-1024x576.png\" alt=\"College Merit Aid: Get Scholarships Based on YOU!\n\" class=\"wp-image-2347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-5-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-5-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-5-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-5.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Academic Merit: Grades, Scores, and Course Rigor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Good grades are key. But <em>academic scholarships<\/em> look at more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GPA:<\/strong> Higher GPA = better chance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test Scores (if required):<\/strong> Strong SAT\/ACT scores can help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Course Rigor:<\/strong> Taking challenging classes (AP, IB) shows colleges you&#8217;re ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Class Rank:<\/strong> Colleges see where you rank compared to your peers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Colleges want to know how well you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/micro-scholarships-earn-college-money\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">done in high school<\/a>. Take challenging classes to prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To comprehensively showcase your academic achievements, consider building a detailed academic profile on platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In<\/a> where you can highlight your GPA, test scores, and course rigor in a structured and compelling manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talent-Based Merit: Arts, Athletics &amp; More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many <em>institutional scholarships<\/em> reward talent. This could be art, music, sports, or other skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Arts:<\/strong> Portfolio of work, auditions, competitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Athletics:<\/strong> Athletic ability, team contributions, leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other Talents:<\/strong> Debate, writing, coding, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Showcase your skills! Submit portfolios, audition, and compete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Build a digital portfolio on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In<\/a> to showcase your artistic talents, including images, videos, and descriptions of your work. This allows colleges to easily review your abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#1E90C9;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Showcase Everything You&#8217;ve Achieved<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#e8f5fd\">A strong Cirkled In portfolio helps you stand out to scholarship reviewers.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Start My Profile<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide vertical-cta-main has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-cb2a2aa6d191524fdfd1e934033610a0\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(144deg,rgb(0,148,211) 0%,rgb(20,112,151) 100%);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group vertical-cta-content is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turn Your Strengths Into College Savings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Showcase your GPA, talents, activities, and achievements to discover scholarship opportunities that can reduce college costs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons horizontal-cta-1 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background-color:#edae39\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore More Scholarships <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes an Applicant Stand Out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s more than just good grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strong Essays:<\/strong> Share your story and passion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meaningful Activities:<\/strong> Show commitment and impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leadership Roles:<\/strong> Highlight your ability to lead and inspire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Skills:<\/strong> What makes you different?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Be authentic! Show colleges who you are and what you care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Maximize Your Chances for Merit Aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Research Colleges:<\/strong> Look for schools that offer generous <em>merit based financial aid<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meet Requirements:<\/strong> Make sure you meet <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/should-i-apply-to-a-college-even-if-i-dont-meet-the-gpa-or-test-score-requirements-spoiler-yes\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">GPA and test score minimums<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apply Early:<\/strong> Some colleges offer more aid to early applicants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Negotiate:<\/strong> If you get a better offer from another school, ask if they can match it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Highlight Your Accomplishments:<\/strong> Submit a strong application that showcases your strengths.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes work! So put in the effort to apply for all possible funding options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find the Best Merit Aid Opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>College Websites:<\/strong> Check each college&#8217;s financial aid page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>College Search Engines:<\/strong> Use filters to find schools that offer <em>college merit scholarships<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High School Counselors:<\/strong> They can provide personalized guidance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your best fit college may be able to offer money to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: College Merit Aid: Get Scholarships Based on YOU!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>College merit scholarships<\/em> can make college more affordable. Learn <em>how to get merit aid<\/em> based on your strengths. Showcase your talents. <em>Institutional scholarships<\/em> are a great way to save money and pursue your dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more tips on&nbsp;<strong>college applications<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>scholarships<\/strong>, or just how to survive this whole process?&nbsp;<strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>&nbsp;has your back\u2014check out&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In resources<\/a>&nbsp;to help you through every step of your college journey!<br>Check out&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>and start owning your future today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f6309298b8b1e0848d73a0bd00db68eb is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(220,233,241) 0%,rgb(166,215,230) 100%);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group vertical-cta-content is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover Colleges and Scholarships That Fit You<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Find funding opportunities aligned with your academic profile, talents, interests, and college goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons horizontal-cta-1 is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background-color:#2795d0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Get Matched<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">$2,500 No-Sweat Scholarship<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a3a10\">Five minutes to apply for $2,500 toward college. No essay, no income requirements \u2014 open to all.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#e7f1fb;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 24px;margin:30px 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#2b6f9c;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Keep Reading<\/div><div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 10px\">Related Articles<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/negotiate-merit-aid-ask-more-scholarship\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Negotiating Merit Scholarships: Is It Possible? 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Scholarships<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/scholarship-displacement-outside-aid-college-aid\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Scholarship Displacement: Will Winning Outside Scholarships Reduce My College Aid?<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/fafsa-vs-css-profile-comparison\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Sections &amp;amp; Required Info<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/decode-college-financial-aid-letters\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Decoding College Financial Aid Award Letters: Your Guide to Understanding College Money Offers<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#f1f4f7;border-radius:16px;padding:18px 24px;margin:0 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#6b7a8a;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Good to Know<\/div><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 8px\">Helpful Resources<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/collegescorecard.ed.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding:7px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#33475b;font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"13\" height=\"13\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#5a6b78\" stroke-width=\"2\" style=\"flex:0 0 13px\"><path d=\"M14 5h5v5M19 5l-8 8M11 5H6a1 1 0 0 0-1 1v12a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h12a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-5\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">College Scorecard<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;padding:7px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#33475b;font-weight:600;font-size:14.5px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"13\" height=\"13\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#5a6b78\" stroke-width=\"2\" style=\"flex:0 0 13px\"><path d=\"M14 5h5v5M19 5l-8 8M11 5H6a1 1 0 0 0-1 1v12a1 1 0 0 0 1 1h12a1 1 0 0 0 1-1v-5\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.ci-why-tiles{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:11px}.ci-why-tiles .ci-wide{grid-column:span 2}@media(max-width:600px){.ci-why-tiles{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}}<\/style><div class=\"ci-auto-footer\" style=\"border-radius:16px;padding:26px 26px 24px;margin:16px 0 6px;background:linear-gradient(150deg,#0A3D5C 0%,#0c3350 55%,#072A40 100%);color:#fff;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#F5C563;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 6px\">Why Cirkled In?<\/div><div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 9px\">You\u2019re more than a test score \u2014 get discovered.<\/div><p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#d6e4ef;margin:0 0 18px\">You have a story, and Cirkled In helps you tell it \u2014 shining a light on who you are so the right colleges find you. Find your dream college, gain real experience, and win scholarships, all at one hub.<\/p><div class=\"ci-why-tiles\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#2EA9E0;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg>Create My Portfolio<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#147097;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg>Research 7,000+ Colleges<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg>Find 6,500+ Scholarships<\/a><a class=\"ci-wide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/internship-and-jobs\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#1F5F8B;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><rect x=\"10.3\" y=\"2.4\" width=\"3.4\" height=\"2.2\" rx=\"1.1\"\/><rect x=\"5\" y=\"4.6\" width=\"14\" height=\"16.8\" rx=\"2.4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"7.4\" y=\"7.4\" width=\"9.2\" height=\"3.4\" rx=\"1\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"13\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"16\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"19\" width=\"5\" height=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>Explore 24,000+ Internships, Jobs &amp; Volunteering<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg>Win the $2,500 Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to lower your college costs? College merit scholarships can help! This article dives into how to get merit aid. It explains institutional scholarships. Learn how colleges award money for academics and talent. Find Merit Scholarships That Reward Your Achievements Discover merit-based opportunities based on academics, leadership, talents, activities, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":2346,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[2128,2129,2130,2131,2132,2133,206,2125,2126,2127],"class_list":["post-2213","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scholarships-and-financial-aid","tag-talent-based-scholarships","tag-maximizing-merit-aid","tag-how-colleges-award-scholarships","tag-finding-merit-aid-opportunities","tag-stand-out-for-scholarships","tag-merit-based-financial-aid","tag-college-funding-tips","tag-merit-aid-scholarships","tag-college-merit-aid-guide","tag-academic-scholarships"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Merit Aid Deep Dive: How Colleges Award Scholarships Based on Academics, Talent &amp; More (and How to Maximize Yours) - Cirkled In<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Uncover secrets of college merit scholarships! 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