1. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious award offered to high school students based on their academic achievements, including grades, extracurricular activities, and an application essay. This scholarship does not require SAT or ACT scores, but it does consider PSAT performance as part of the qualification process.
- Eligibility: High school juniors who take the PSAT
- Award Amount: Varies, with some students receiving up to $2,500 per year
- Application Deadline: Varies
2. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers a scholarship to outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic achievement. The program doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores for eligibility.
- Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Application Deadline: October 31
3. Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program focuses on students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education. Unlike other scholarships, the Dell Scholars Program doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores. Instead, it looks for applicants who show a commitment to their education and have a record of academic performance, even if standardized test scores aren't part of the equation.
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have a GPA of 2.4 or higher
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Application Deadline: December 1
4. Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Association offers multiple scholarships to students who have experienced hardship but have demonstrated resilience and perseverance. This scholarship doesn’t require standardized test scores, making it an excellent choice for students who excel in areas outside of traditional testing.
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have faced and overcome personal adversity
- Award Amount: Up to $25,000
- Application Deadline: Varies
5. Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
Ronald McDonald House Charities offers scholarships to students who are active in their communities, demonstrate academic achievement, and show financial need. The program does not require SAT or ACT scores for eligibility.
- Eligibility: High school seniors who are active in their communities
- Award Amount: $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the specific scholarship
- Application Deadline: Varies by location
6. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability but may not have standardized test scores. This program focuses on students with financial need and recognizes academic achievements beyond just test scores.
- Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Award Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
- Application Deadline: November 30
7. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation offers scholarships to high school seniors based on leadership, academic performance, and community involvement. The Most Valuable Student Scholarship does not require SAT or ACT scores, making it an attractive option for students who have other strengths.
- Eligibility: High school seniors who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence
- Award Amount: Up to $12,000 per year
- Application Deadline: November 15
8. Unigo Scholarships
Unigo offers a wide variety of scholarships, many of which do not require SAT or ACT scores. These scholarships range from essay contests to creativity-based awards, providing opportunities for students who excel in non-test-related areas.
- Eligibility: Varies based on the specific scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship
9. AXA Achievement Scholarship
The AXA Achievement Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate ambition, determination, and the ability to tackle challenges head-on. The scholarship is based on an application essay and does not require SAT or ACT scores.
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have demonstrated strong leadership and community service
- Award Amount: $2,500 to $25,000
- Application Deadline: Varies
10. BigFuture Scholarships by College Board
BigFuture Scholarships are offered by College Board (the creators of the SAT), but they don’t require standardized test scores. This program focuses on students who take specific actions, such as completing scholarship searches or applying for colleges, to earn the awards.
- Eligibility: Open to all high school students, particularly juniors and seniors
- Award Amount: $500 to $40,000
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Why Choose Scholarships That Don’t Require SAT or ACT?
Choosing scholarships that don’t require SAT or ACT scores offers several advantages, especially for students who may not perform well on standardized tests but excel in other areas. These scholarships focus on:
- Holistic Review: Many of these programs prioritize factors such as academic performance, community involvement, and personal resilience.
- Increased Opportunities: Students who might not have scored highly on standardized tests can still pursue scholarships based on their strengths in other areas.
- Reduced Test Stress: Scholarships without test requirements allow students to focus on their academic journey without the added pressure of preparing for standardized exams.
If you’re a student who prefers to apply for scholarships without the need for SAT or ACT scores, there are numerous opportunities available. From merit-based awards to scholarships for overcoming adversity, there’s something for every type of student. Be sure to research each scholarship's eligibility requirements and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable financial opportunities.