Dowdy Scholarship: Fill & Download for Free

You’ve worked hard all through high school and are an extracurricular superstar. You’re looking forward to the challenges that college will bring.But are you ready for the challenge of paying for college?There are a lot of ways that students come up with the money to fund their higher educations. Did you know that it could be as easy as getting one award?In this article I’m going to show you a list of 79 colleges that offer at least one full ride scholarship that will cover all of your tuition costs.What Is a Full Ride Scholarship?Getting a scholarship that would fully cover tuition costs is most students’ dream. It’s hard to believe that there’s something even better out there – the full ride scholarship. These scholarships are special because they cover not only tuition, but also other basic costs, like room, board, books, travel, and supplies.For most private schools, that means that you are getting over $200,000 of expenses covered by these scholarships.Unlike financial aid, which many schools offer to students based on what they and their families can afford to pay towards their educations, these scholarships are based on merit.The idea is that these schools think certain students are special – so special that they want it to be a no-brainer that you’ll choose to attend their school. So they're going to try their hardest to make you want to partner with them for the next four years.What Kinds Of Schools Offer Full Tuition Scholarships?As you’re looking through the list below, you may notice that you recognize some of the names. A lot of the schools on this list are very good schools, but apart from a few notable exceptions, you are not likely to see the top schools in the country giving out full ride scholarships.Why is this?Full ride scholarships are meant to lure in top, super-attractive students who have a lot of choices. It’s the school’s way of telling you that among the student population, you really stand out. These full ride scholarships are merit-based, meaning that in your grades, extra-curricular activities, and leaderships skills, you worked harder or achieved more than the average student.At schools that have the highest levels of competition, full rides are extremely rare. Pretty much all the applicants to these schools are going to be high achievers across the board. Therefore, it gets a lot harder to pick out who the real stars are.Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:Raise Your SAT Score by 160 Points (Free Download)Where Should You Look for a Full Ride Scholarship?If you’re hoping for a full ride, you may want to look at schools that are “safe” for your grades, test scores, and achievements outside of school. If you're scoring much higher than the average admitted student, you have a much better chance of having some scholarship money coming your way.You may also want to consider colleges you have not heard of before. A lot of these schools offer top academic experiences, but don’t have the name recognition of other schools. They are trying to attract student superstars that will help raise their profiles.Of course, even if you apply to the schools on this list, expect the competition to be fierce. Don’t bank everything on getting one of these scholarships – they are very tough to come by. Also consider going after other forms of college money, such as traditional need-based financial aid, as well as other independent merit-based scholarships.Top 50 Schools That Offer Full Ride ScholarshipsThe following schools are ranked in the top 50 universities in the USA by US News. Consider this list the exception to the rule: these are the rare nationally top-ranked universities that offer merit-based scholarships in addition to the more standard financial need scholarships.#8: Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)Robertson ScholarsThis scholarship pays full tuition plus fees, room and board, and also gives funding for up to three domestic summer experiences. The award is given to students who show purposeful leadership, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, and collaborative spirit.#15: Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee)Ingram ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition and stipends for summer projects. Students are selected based on commitment to community service, strength of personal character, and leadership potential. The application deadline is December 1st.Cornelius Vanderbilt ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus a one-time stipend to be used towards a summer study abroad or research experience. Selection is based on academic achievement, intellectual promise, leadership, and contributions outside the classroom.#15: Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)John B. Ervin’s Scholar ProgramThis scholarship gives full tuition plus a $2,500 annual stipend. Applicants should excel academically, challenge themselves, demonstrate initiative and leadership in their communities, bring diverse groups together, commit to community service, serve historically underprivileged populations, and/or persevere through challenging circumstances.Anika Rodriguez Scholars ProgramThis scholarship gives full tuition and a $2,500 annual stipend. Awards are based on academic achievement (strong grades and SAT or ACT scores), a commitment to serving historically underprivileged populations, the ability to bring diverse people together, application answers and essay, and recommendations received as part of the admission application.Danforth Scholars ProgramThis scholarship covers full tuition. Applicants must be nominated by someone with extensive knowledge of the student.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, supplies and also gives a $10,000 enrichment fund. Selection is based upon the applicant’s academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service and innovation.#18: University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus $12,000 in enrichment funds. Winners are also given faculty and professional mentors. Students must be nominated by the admissions office. Selection is based on leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. A maximum of five are awarded each year.University of Notre Dame#21: Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)Emory ScholarsThis scholarship gives full tuition and enrichment stipends. It's only awarded to the top students at Emory. The application deadline is November 15th.#23: University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, plus an enrichment fund up to $12,000. You have to be nominated by the University for this scholarship based upon such qualities as leadership, scholarship, community service, innovation. A maximum of ten are awarded every year: five nationally, and five for California residents. The nomination deadline is February 1st.#23: University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)Mork Family ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, plus a $5,000 stipend. The average SAT and ACT scores of recipients are in the top 1 to 2 percent of all students nationwide in addition to such things as academic achievement, talent, perseverance, innovation, involvement, and leadership. A maximum of ten scholarships are awarded each year. The submission deadline is April 1st.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, plus a $5,000 enrichment fund. The average SAT and ACT scores of recipients are in the top 1 to 2 percent of all students nationwide in addition to such things as academic achievement, talent, perseverance, innovation, involvement, and leadership. A maximum of ten scholarships are awarded each year. The submission deadline is April 1st.Trustee ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition. The average SAT and ACT scores of recipients are in the top 1 to 2 percent of all students nationwide in addition to such things as academic achievement, talent, perseverance, innovation, involvement, and leadership. A maximum of 100 scholarships are awarded each year. The submission deadline is April 1st.#26: University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia)Jefferson ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, books, enrichment program and personal expenses. Students must be in the top 1 – 2% of their high school senior classes and must be nominated by their schools. A maximum of thirty-four scholarships are awarded each year.#27: Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)Nancy Susan Reynolds ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition and a stipend. Selection is based on scholarship, achievement and personal interviews. The application deadline is December 1st.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition and an enrichment stipend. Selection is based on educational achievements, academic motivation, maturity and character. A maximum of five scholarships are awarded each year.#30: Boston College (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts)Presidential Scholars ProgramThis scholarship pays full tuition at Boston College. A maximum of 15 awards are given every year. Students must be invited by a selection committee before applying. The application deadline is November 1st.#30: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)Morehead-Cain ScholarsThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, books, a laptop, and funding for research and summer opportunities. It is open to students from Canada, Great Britain, and North Carolina. All other students must come from a designated nomination school or have their school register to become a nomination school. Current nominating schools can be found here.Robertson ScholarsThis scholarship gives full tuition plus fees, room and board and funding for up to three domestic summer experiences. It is awarded to students who show purposeful leadership, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, and collaborative spirit.#33: University of Rochester (Rochester, New York)Renaissance & Global ScholarshipsThis scholarship guarantees full tuition and individual mentoring. Selection is based upon academic curiosity and excellence, social awareness and involvement. A maximum of 20 are awarded each year.#36: Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia)Presidential ScholarsThis scholarship gives full tuition plus room and board. It is awarded to top students at Georgia Tech who also have shown a dedication to leadership and service. The deadline is October 15th.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, plus $4,000 for public service internship or research, and up to $8,000 for study abroad or international experience. Selection is based on academics, personal achievement, and leadership. There is a maximum of 10 awards given every year: 5 for national students, and five for Georgia residents.#41: Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana)Dean’s Honor ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition. Selection is based on general achievements and a creative project. A maximum of 75 are awarded each year. The submission deadline is November 15th.Paul Tulane ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition. Selection is based on general achievement. A maximum of 50 scholarships are awarded every year. The application deadline is November 15th.Stamps-Tulane ScholarshipThis scholarship awards full tuition and enrichment funding. Students must apply for the Dean’s Honor Scholarship and will be nominated from that pool of applicants. Selection is based on academics, leadership, perseverance, and innovation. A maximum of five scholarships are awarded every year.#41: Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts)University ScholarsThis scholarship awards full tuition plus fees. There are a maximum of 20 awards given per year. In order to be selected, you will need to have a 4.0 GPA, be intellectually and creatively adventurous, and show that you have viewpoints, experiences, and achievements that are beyond average. The application deadline is December 1st.#41: University of Illinois (Champaign, Illinois)Stamps Leadership FoundationThis scholarship gives full tuition and $12,000 for enrichment activities. A maximum of five are awarded each year.Bonus: Want to get a perfect SAT or ACT score? Read our famous guide on how to score a perfect 1600 on the SAT, or a perfect 36 on the ACT.You'll learn top strategies from the country's leading expert on the SAT/ACT, Allen Cheng, a Harvard grad and perfect scorer. No matter your level, you'll find useful advice here - this strategy guide has been read by over 500,000 people.Read the 1600 SAT guide or 36 ACT guide today and start improving your score.East Coast SchoolsAmerican University (Washington,DC)Frederick Douglass Scholars ProgramThis scholarship gives full tuition, plus additional money for fees, room and board, and books. You will need at least a 3.3 unweighted GPA or a 3.5 weighted GPA to be eligible, and you will need to have a minimum of 1190 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT. Preference is given to students who are committed to working with minority communities in the USA. The application deadline is September 15th.Arcadia University (Glenside, Pennsylvania)President’s ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Students are selected based on grades, class rank, SAT and ACT scores, and leadership in the school and community.Barry University (Miami Shores, Florida)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship is for full tuition, room and board, funds for study abroad, and funding for undergraduate research or other learning experiences. You will need to have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and show that you have been actively involved in community service and leadership. The application deadline is February 1st.Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)Archdiocesan ScholarshipThis scholarship is for full tuition. You will need to have a GPA of 3.8 or above, scores of 1450 on the SAT or 32 on the ACT, and be in the top 10% of your class, in order to be eligible for the scholarship. All undergraduate applicants are considered for this award, and there are a maximum of five given every year.Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus $6,000 in “enrichment funds” and a personal mentor. The awards are given to high academic achievers who have shown leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. The winners are chosen by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. There are a maximum of ten awards each year, and the application deadline is February 1st.Fordham University (New York, New York)Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus room, and is renewable for all four years. These awards usually go to students who are ranked in the top 2% of their high school class. A maximum of 20 awards are given every year.Semifinalist ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition. Students who are semi-finalists or finalists for National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Recognition Scholarship Programs, who have a A or A- average, and are in the top 2-3% of admitted students are eligible for the award. Applications are by invitation only.The George Washington University (Washington, DC)Presidential Academic ScholarshipThis scholarship is for full tuition. All students are considered for this award when they submit their undergraduate applications, but the scholarship is only awarded to the most competitive students.Stephen Joel Trachtenberg ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and also gives a book allowance. It is only awarded to students who are residents of the District of Columbia and who have attended an accredited Washington D.C. high school and are applying for financial aid.Howard University (Washington, DC)Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board. Winners are also given a laptop and $950 towards the cost of their textbooks. To be eligible, you will need to have a 3.75 GPA, SAT scores of at least 1500, and ACT scores between a 34 and 36. In order for the award to be renewed you will have to maintain a 3.5 GPA. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds have been used.Founders ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, fees, and also gives a voucher of $500 to be used to purchase textbooks. To be eligible, you will need to have SAT scores between 1400 and 1490, ACT scores between 32 and 33, and a GPA of at least 3.5. In order to renew the award, you will need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.3. This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served bases until all funds have been used.Capstone ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and room. You will need to have an SAT score between 1300 and 1390, an ACT score between 29 and 31, and a GPA of at least 3.25 to be eligible. In order to renew the award, you will need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.3. The scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been used.Legacy ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition and fees. To be eligible, you will need to have SAT scores of 1170 – 1290 or ACT scores of 26 – 28, have a GPA of 3.0 or above or be ranked first or second in your class. In order to renew the award, you will need to maintain a GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been used.Northeastern University (Boston, Massachusetts)University ScholarsThis scholarship covers full tuition. Only students in the top 2% of the incoming class are eligible for the award. A maximum of 120 scholarships are awarded every year.Providence College (Providence, Rhode Island)Liberal Arts Honors ScholarshipThis scholarship is for full tuition. Applications are by invitation only, and a maximum of ten are given every year.Roddy ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement in high school. It is only for students who are hoping to have a career in a medical field.University of Buffalo (Buffalo, New York)Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and books. Applicants must apply to the Honors College, and will be selected to apply for the scholarship. Applicants should have high GPAs, and an SAT score of at least 1470 or ACT score of at least 33. The application deadline is December 1st.University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware)Eugene DuPont Memorial ScholarsThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, a $2,500 enrichment stipend, and $375 per semester for textbook for four years. You are expected to make a difference on academic and extracurricular areas at the university, and selection is based upon these areas. Application is by invitation only. The submission deadline is January 15th.Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, New Jersey)The Ann P. Neupauer ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Selection is based on GPA, class rank, SAT scores and recommendation letters. A maximum of 30 are awarded each year. This scholarship can be renewed if a GPA of 3.2 or better is maintained.Stevenson University (Stevenson, Maryland)Presidential FellowshipThis scholarship covers full tuition and a $3,000 fund in support of a faculty-led trip (domestic or abroad) in the student’s first or final year. It is renewable for all four years of college. It is open to all freshman applicants. Selection is based on commitment to academic excellence, proven leadership in school-based activities, community service, and/or athletics. The submission deadline is November 1st.St. Lawrence University (Canton, New York)Trustee ScholarshipThis scholarship covers the cost of tuition for four years. It is offered to the top male and top female students entering into their first year. Selection is based on academic excellence, character and leadership.SUNY Alfred College (Alfred, New York)Distinguished Scholars Program: Excellence in Education ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board. Applicants should have at least a 3.7 GPA, a score of 1250 or higher on the SAT or 28 or higher on the ACT.Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York)Coronat ScholarsThis scholarship gives full tuition plus one paid study abroad trip, funding for summer experience, and admission to the honors program. It is awarded to freshman joining The College of Arts and Sciences who are pursuing a liberal arts major. Recipients are selected by The College of Arts and Sciences.University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, Maryland)Banneker/Key ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, room and board, and a book allowance. Application is by invitation only by a selection committee. A maximum of 150 are awarded each year.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus room and board, a book allowance and up to $5,000 in enrichment funding. Application is by invitation only. A maximum of three are awarded each year.University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida)Hammond ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition. Students are selected based on academic excellence and a demonstrated passion for achieving personal goals.University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)University Academic ScholarshipThis scholarship gives up to full tuition with room and board. Applicants must have a minimum SAT score of 1450 or a 33 on the ACT, an overall ‘A’ average, a top 5% class rank (if applicable) while participating in a challenging high school curriculums consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses. Students will also need a record of excellence in various academic and non-academic activities outside of the classroom. Application is by invitation only. The submission deadline is January 15th.Bonus: Want to improve your SAT/ACT section scores? Check out our top guides for every single section of the SAT and ACT.SAT 800 Score Guides: SAT Reading | SAT Writing | SAT Math | SAT EssayACT 36 Score Guides: ACT English | ACT Math | ACT Reading | ACT Science | ACT EssayThese are the very best guides available on boosting your SAT/ACT scores, section by section. They're written by Harvard grads and perfect SAT/ACT scorers. Don't disappoint yourself - read these guides and improve your score today.Midwestern SchoolsCarthage College (Kenosha, Wisconsin)Lincoln ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board. Applicants must complete the separate Presidential Scholarship application and write a personal statement. A maximum of three scholarships are awarded every year.Clausen ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition only. Applicants must complete the separate Presidential Scholarship application and write a personal statement. A maximum of three scholarships are awarded every year.Ruud ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board. Applicants must complete the separate Presidential Scholarship application and write a personal statement. A maximum of three scholarships are awarded every year.Drake University (Des Moines, Iowa)National Alumni ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and room and board. Students will need to have ACT scores of 31 or above or SAT scores of 1360 in math and critical reading, be in the top 5% of their high school class, and have a GPA of 3.8 or above, to be eligible. A maximum of 16 scholarships are given every year.Hiram College (Hiram, Ohio)Trustee ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Eligible students will need a GPA of at least 3.8, and SAT scores of 1260 or ACT scores of at least 28. Application is by invitation only.Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana)The Wells Scholarship ProgramThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses. Eligible students will need to have a 1400 or above on the SAT, a 32 or above on the ACT, a GPA of 3.9 or above, and have graduated in the top 5% of their class. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and character. A maximum of 22 scholarships are given every year.Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois)Duchossois Leadership ScholarsThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, and Summer Educational Experiences. You will need to have a GPA of at least 3.25 to be eligible. The application deadline is December 1st.Camras Scholars ProgramThis scholarship covers full tuition. There are no minimum requirements.Knox College (Galesburg, Illinois)Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Application is by invitation only. A maximum of five scholarships are awarded every year.Miami University (Oxford, Ohio)University Merit ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Eligible students will need to have SAT scores of at least 1400, ACT scores of 32 or above, and a GPA of 3.5 or above, plus have shown a rigorous academic course load. The submission deadline is December 1st.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and gives $12,000 for students to use for “enrichment." Applicable students will be invited to apply. The submission deadline is November 1st.Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan)Alumni Distinguished ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, fees, room and board, and a $1,000 stipend every year. Eligible students will be invited to take a scholarship examination and apply. The deadline is November 1st. There are a maximum of 15 awards given every year.Distinguished Freshman ScholarshipThis scholarship pays full tuition and fees. They are given to runners-up of the Alumni Distinguished Scholarships. A maximum of 20 are awarded every year.Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)Eminence ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus a $3,000 enrichment fund. Eligible students must be in the top 3% of their high school class, have an ACT score of 34 or above, and an SAT score of 1520 or above.Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus $10,000 for enrichment activities. Selection is based on leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, and personal history. The application deadline is November 1st.Southern SchoolsAgnes Scott College (Decatur, Georgia)Marvin B. Perry Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, for four years. First year students who excel in academics, leadership, character, personal achievement, and who are at the top of the class, will be invited to apply.Goizueta Foundation ScholarshipsThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, for four years. It is offered to one student every year and preference is given to Hispanic or Latina women.Birmingham-Southern College (Birmingham, Alabama)Distinguished Scholars AwardThis scholarship covers full tuition. Eligible students will be selected on the bases of standardized test scores and extracurricular activities, and will be asked to apply by February 1st. Applicants will also have to do an interview and write an essay.Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina)National ScholarsThis scholarship covers full tuition. Selection is based on outstanding academic achievement (usually students are in the top 1% of their high school class and scored above 1500 on the SAT or 34 on the ACT), leadership, service, and extracurricular activities. A maximum of 40 scholarships are given every year.Davidson College (Davidson, North Carolina)John Montgomery Belk ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition plus $6,000 for summer experiences. It is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional promise in academics, character, leadership, and service. A maximum of 8 awards are given every year.Charles ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, a book allowance, and travel and personal expenses. Eligible students are graduates of Chicago public high schools with strong records of academic and personal accomplishment who also show financial need. Preference is given to students of color, especially Hispanic and Latinx students. A maximum of three awards are given per year.Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina)Herman W. Lay ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition plus room and board. You need to have scored above a 32 on the Act or above 1400 on the SAT to be eligible. Selection is based on academic achievement and personal accomplishments. A maximum of four scholarships are awarded per year.James B. Duke ScholarshipThis scholarship pays full tuition. Eligible students must score above a 32 on the ACT or above 1400 on the SAT. Selection is based on exceptional academic achievement and personal accomplishment. A maximum of ten scholarships are awarded per year.Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship pays full tuition plus up to $14,000 for enrichment activities. Eligible students will need to be in the LSU Honors Program, and will need to have a GPA of 3.0 or above, SAT scores of 1440 or above, and ACT scores of 33 or above.Mercer University (Macon, Georgia)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, $1,600 for books, $4,000 for enrichment activities, and also gives students iPads. These scholarships are awarded to the highest achievers in the entering Freshman class. The deadline to apply is November 1st. A maximum of ten awards are given every year.Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition and also gives $10,000 for enrichment activities. You must have a GPA of 3.7 to be eligible. A maximum of five scholarships are awarded every year. The application deadline is November 1st.Rugari ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. It is awarded to students from the Democratic Republic of Condo, Rwanda, Burundi or Uganda who have GPAs of 3.7 or above. The application deadline is November 1st.North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina)National Alumni Association ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and books. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, SAT scores of 1000 or above or ACT scores of 22 or above, to be eligible. Students will need to submit a one-page autobiography and three letters of recommendation to be eligible. The application deadline is November 1st.Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition plus room and board. You will need to have a GPA of 3.75 or above, and SAT scores of 1200 or above or ACT scores of 26 or above, to be eligible. Students will have to submit a one page essay and two letters of recommendation in order to be eligible.North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina)Park ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition plus fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, a laptop, personal expenses. Winners will also get admission to University Scholar Program.Candidates will be selected based upon academic merit, exemplary character, exceptional potential for leadership, and the sense of promise that they may one day make contributions of enduring importance to the betterment of the human condition.Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, Georgia)James Edward Oglethorpe ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition and a stipend for summer study abroad. Winners are also eligible to win a stipend for research. Application is by invitation only. There are a maximum of five scholarships awarded every year.OU Theatre ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, and also gives an internship with professional theater partner company during first year of study. Winners will also receive a study abroad stipend for a summer course as designated by the department. Recipients will be eligible for an exploratory Honors seminar and a research stipend for a senior Honors thesis. Application is by invitation only. A maximum of two scholarships are awarded every year.Civic Engagement ScholarshipThis scholarship offers full tuition to students who are willing to complete a 60 hour per semester volunteer placement arranged through the Center for Civic Engagement. It also gives a stipend for an internship at a non-profit organization of the student’s choice. Recipients will also be eligible for an exploratory Honors seminar and a research stipend for senior Honors thesis. Application is by invitation only. A maximum of three scholarships are awarded per year.Rhodes College (Memphis, Tennessee)Bellingrath ScholarshipThis scholarship covers the full cost of tuition. Only one is awarded each year to a high school senior with exceptional academic achievements and distinctive personal accomplishments. The submission deadline is January 15th.Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, Missouri)Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus $1,200 in enrichment funding. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.85, and scores of at least 1330 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT. The application deadline is December 1st.Salem College (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)Robert E. Elberson ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, and a semester of study abroad in England. Only one is awarded each year. Application is by invitation only. The application deadline is January 4th.Chatham/Davis/Weyand/Womble/Whitaker ScholarshipsThis scholarship covers full tuition. Selection is based on academic performance, evidence of leadership, responsibility, concern for others, initiative, motivation, creativity, resourcefulness, and vigor. A maximum of fifteen are awarded each year.Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas)President’s Scholar ProgramThis scholarship covers full tuition plus fees, travel expenses and a stipend for study abroad. Winners will have exceptional achievement on the ACT or SAT, a minimum of 20 high school academic units in a challenging curriculum, including AP/IB and honors courses, two years of a single foreign language, advanced coursework in math and science, and a high school rank in the top 10 percent of the graduating class.Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)Chancellor’s ScholarshipThis scholarship awards full tuition. Applicants need to have scores of at least 2210 on the SAT or 33 on the ACT. Selection is also based on leadership accomplishments, service records, and extracurricular activities.University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)Academic Elite ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition, an $8,500 yearly stipend, and an iPad. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.8 and scores of at least a 1400 on the SAT or a 32 on the ACT. A maximum of ten scholarships are awarded every year. The application deadline is December 1st.University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia)Foundation Fellowship and Bernard Ramsey Honors ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.8 GPA, and scores of 2100 on the SAT or 31 on the ACT. The application deadline is November 3rd.Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition and a $3,000 travel-study grant. The submission deadline is in mid-November.University of Houston (Houston, Texas)Tier One ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition and fees, two years of room and board, a stipend for research, study abroad, and membership to Honors College and priority registration for classes. Applicants should have a minimum SAT score of 1300 or 29 on the ACT, and should rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class.University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)Otis A. Singletary ScholarshipThis scholarship pays full tuition, room and board, and also gives a living stipend, iPad and $2,000 summer abroad stipend. Applicants should have a score of 31 on the ACT or 1360 on the SAT, and an unweighted GPA of 3.5.Presidential ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition. Applicants should have a minimum test score of 31 on the ACT or 1360 on the SAT (Math + Reading), and a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)Brown Fellows ProgramThis scholarship pays full tuition, room and board, and also gives an allowance for books and up to $5,000 in enrichment funds. Selection is based on academics, well-roundedness, and leadership potential. Applicants should have at least a 31 on the ACT or a 1360 on the SAT, and a minimum GPA of 3.5. Applicants may not be residents of Kentucky. A maximum of ten are awarded each year.University of Mississippi (Oxford, Mississippi)Stamps Leadership ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus a $12,000 enrichment stipend. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and service.University of North Carolina, Charlotte (Charlotte, North Carolina)Levine Scholars ProgramThis scholarship gives covers tuition plus room and board, fees, a laptop, summer experience funding, study abroad, an $8,000 grant to implement a service project, and membership to the Honors College. It is awarded to a maximum of twenty students each year.University of Richmond (Richmond, Virginia)Richmond ScholarsThis scholarship gives full tuition, $3,000 in enrichment funds, priority course registration, guaranteed housing, faculty mentoring, and tickets for cultural events in the Modlin Center for the Arts. Selection is based on outstanding and engaged scholarship, desire to be at the forefront in the creation and discovery of new knowledge, leadership skills, desire to be a leader in service to society, a broad worldview, excitement about learning from people who are different from themselves in a diverse community of scholars, recognition of the importance of personal integrity and ethical decision making, enthusiastic pursuit of self-improvement, desire to make the most of opportunities presented, and exceptional talent in artistic expression.University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)40 Acres ScholarshipThis scholarship gives full tuition plus living stipend, books, enrichment activities, a community component, a global experience, and professional growth opportunities. It is awarded to students who excel academically, and distinguish themselves in high school through leadership roles, extracurricular activities and community service and possess social skills to interact easily with adults as well as their peers.University of Texas at Dallas (Dallas, Texas)The McDermott Scholars ProgramThis scholarship gives full tuition plus fees, a $1,200 stipend per month to cover room and board and living expenses, a $1,000 annual book stipend, an international experience up to $12,000, a professional development experience up to $3,000, and paid travel home twice a year for domestic students and once a year for international students. Selection is based on exceptional academic performance (most recipients have 1400 or higher on the two part SAT (verbal and math) and a class rank in the top 5% of their high school class), community volunteerism and leadership in school, broad and eclectic interests in science, literature, and the arts, and social skills to interact easily with adults as well as peers. A maximum of twenty-five are awarded each year.Washington and Lee (Lexington, Virginia)Johnson ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and gives $7,000 for summer experiences. Selection is based on academic and personal accomplishments, essays, and performance at an in-person scholarship competition (travel expenses are paid by the university for all finalists). This scholarship is awarded to 10% of applicants each year.Wofford College (Spartanburg, South Carolina)The Richardson Family ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room and board, and also gives a monthly stipend for books/miscellaneous expenses, a laptop, summer internships (one being overseas), and January travel experiences. Students must be nominated by their high school and be in the top 10 percent of the class and have a combined score of 1250 (critical reading and math) on the PSAT or SAT or a 28 on the ACT.West Coast SchoolsLewis and Clark College (Portland, Oregon)Barbara Hirschi Neely ScholarshipThis scholarship grants full tuition and fees, and a $2,000 stipend. Selection is based on academic achievement and distinctive personal accomplishment. Special preference is given to students committed to studying the sciences, or students with an unusually keen interest in intercultural and international issues.Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California)Trustee ScholarshipThis scholarship covers full tuition, room and board. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.6, scores of at least 650 on the math and critical reading sections of the SAT, or a 29 on the ACT. A maximum of ten scholarships are awarded every year. The submission deadline is March 30th.SUA Makiguchi Scholarship for Global CitizensThis scholarship covers full tuition, plus fees, room and board and incidental costs, including airfare, for a four year period. It is awarded to one international applicant who has graduated from an African nation school. Selection is based on outstanding character, academic record, and financial need. The application deadline is January 15th.Scripps College (Claremont, California)New Generation ScholarshipThis scholarship covers the cost of full tuition, three flights home a year, and a summer research stipend. It is awarded based on academic performance, personal achievement, recommendations, and involvement in community and school activities. Applicants should have a minimum weighted GPA of 4.0, and a minimum median SAT score of 1400. Application is by invitation only. The submission deadline is November 1st.Soka University of America (Aliso Viejo, California)Global Merit ScholarshipThis scholarship covers the cost of full tuition, transportation, books and supplies, and personal expenses, campus parking, and an annual book allowance. Recipients are also given a President’s Scholars Medallion at commencement. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 to be considered. Application is by invitation only. The submission deadline is January 15th.University of Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii)Regents ScholarshipThis scholarship awards full tuition, a $4,000 per year stipend, and a one-off $2,000 travel grant. Applicants should have a high school GPA of at least 3.5, and scores of at least 29 on the ACT or 1950 on the SAT. A maximum of twenty are awarded each year.What's next?Now you know how you can go to a great school without the financial headache!Of course, winning one of these scholarships is extremely difficult and you'll have to be on top of your game in high school to make sure you are one of the top students admitted to your college of choice so that you have a shot: check out our full guide toMake sure that you stay on top of your high school GPA while taking rigorous classes to be considered for these kinds of scholarships.You should also know how to get a high score on the SAT and ACT to be eligible for full ride scholarships.Not sure how much college would cost without a free ride? Check out the real cost of attending college.If you can't get a full ride, don't give up! There are a lot of other scholarships out there based on extracurriculars, such as community service, instead of academics

Domestic. Nurturing. Chatty. Into pwetty things. And a BADASS.If this were an SAT analogy, you’d say, “That last one doesn’t fit! Let’s cross that off.” People believe that people—male or female—who embody traditionally feminine traits to be wilting flowers, waiting for their Prince (or Princess) Charming to rescue them.They forget that the most formidable creature in the animal kingdom is the Mama Bear protecting her cubs. You only need to glance at literature to see how such Mama Bears (or Cubs) can roar:Molly Weasley (the Harry Potter series)When you come across Molly, she’s invariably doing something incredibly frilly. Cleaning. Cooking. Nagging her kids about O.W.L.s. Being an overprotective and interfering nag. She’s an emblem of the harried stay-at-home mom everywhere.Her dowdy femininity belies the steel in her veins. Despite the terrible risk to her family, she welcomes Harry Potter into her household and protects him whenever she can. She puts her life in danger to protect the prophecy in The Order of the Pheonix. And … caps the bitchiest witch in the Wizarding world with a glorious roar:[Harry] changed course, running at Bellatrix rather than Voldemort, but before he had gone a few steps he was knocked sideways."NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!"Mrs. Weasley threw off her cloak as she ran, freeing her arms. Bellatrix spun on the spot, roaring with laughter at the sight of her new challenger."OUT OF MY WAY!" shouted Mrs. Weasley to the three girls, and with a swipe of her wand she began to duel. Harry watched with terror and elation as Molly Weasley’s wand slashed and twirled, and Bellatrix Lestrange's smile faltered and became a snarl. Jets of light flew from both wands, the floor around the witches' feet became hot and cracked; both women were fighting to kill.— Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsMolly Weasley—along with the series’ other mothers, Lily Potter, and Narcissa Malfoy—show how the “traditionally feminine” quality of nurturing and protectiveness can translate into BADASSERY.Catelyn Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire series)Catelyn will do anything for her family, including starting a war and die.She gets a bad rap, often because of her treatment of fan favorites, Tyrion and Jon Snow. This pique detracts from her strength of will and intelligence. She advised her husband and Robb, showing a keen understanding of alliances and personalities. When war and betrayal threaten her family, she does everything in her power to save them, including defying her son and his army. She even fights off an armed intruder bare-handed to protect her son.The fact that things really didn’t work out for her doesn’t negate her strength. Like many other characters in the series, she trusted some of the wrong people. Strong doesn’t mean perfect. It means doing what you believe in, even if you end up making a bad situation worse.Anne Shirley (Anne of the Green Gables)Giggles. Green hair dye. Overdramatics. Anne Shirley fits the all of a giggling teenage girl stereotype out there. She might even have created them. As Anne embarks on her madcap adventures, she shows that even the silliest, giggliest chick can have grit, too.Small bursts of strength show up throughout the novel(s). She stands up to bullies, plies her hard-nosed mistress at school, and protects her students. But it is her sacrifice that marks her real strength. When Matthew dies, she gives up her dream scholarship to help her adoptive mother at home.Sacrificing your dreams for loved ones can take more courage than dueling a red-eyed villain.Miriam (A Thousand Splendid Suns)Out of circumstance, Miriam bows to all strictures of femininity in Taliban-dominated Afghanistan. She wears a burqa. Always obedient, she submits to her abusive husband. She even resents Lalia, her husband’s second wife, seeing her as a competition.Within the constraints of a fundamentalist version of femininity, Miriam makes a stunning show of strength at the end. She sacrifices herself for someone else. That takes some serious ovaries.A Note on Strong Traditionally Feminine Characters…Much ado is made about strong female characters in our feminist-centric culture nowadays. Little is made of the different forms of strength that exist.Strength comes in all sizes and shapes, just like men and women. Sometimes, courage manifests in punches or aggressive words. Other times, it means quietly risking all or giving up your dreams for your loved ones. We should value strength in all of its capacities, including stereotypically feminine ones in women and men.

Academics/Educators:--Not all elementary school teachers love children. They had to go to work for some reason and elementary school teaching was available. They understandably get burned out taking care of other people's children by day and their own by night.--Not all high school English teachers want to save the world. English is one of the more common college majors, and there are all kinds of English teachers. Some just wanted to study an easy subject and teach the smarter kids in the suburbs.--Not all college professors smoke pipes, wear leather elbow patches, or speak in polysyllables at cocktail parties. This is especially true out West among STEM professors. They may still be wearing torn cords and plaid button-down shirts from the 11th grade.--Not all librarians wear buns and dowdy dresses. They can be very engaging and enjoy working with the public. Many are overqualified for their jobs and will gladly go above and beyond if you ask them.--Not all school administrators are evil. These people may have come from business backgrounds and have both eyes on the bottom line. Somebody has to. The instructors and students certainly don't.--Not all scholars are stupendous geniuses. Institutional standards vary widely and allow for much more flexibility at the higher levels. Some graduate students take 25 years or longer to complete a basic humanities degree. By the time they get their PhDs, they are almost ready to retire.--Not all college campuses are picturesque or privileged. Education comes at all price points. Graduates of public schools on scholarships don't pop their collars over prep school blazers.