Take a moment to consider what you’re good at — an achievement you're most proud of, a skill you’ve spent years perfecting, or an activity or cause you’ve passionately pursued.

If you’re a high school student on the track to college, there may be numerous merit scholarships out there for you.

Just like colleges and universities themselves, higher education scholarships are abundant and diverse. But unlike need-based financial aid, many of these merit awards don’t consider a student's financial situation. Instead, they’re doled out based on a student's accomplishments and talents — from academics, athletics and the arts to niche hobbies and interests.

But questions remain, like who qualifies, how do you apply, and does a merit-based scholarship have any effect on your need-based financial aid package? In this episode of College Admissions Insider, we'll answer those questions and more.

Our guest is Kevin Mathes, Bucknell’s dean of admissions.

Read a transcript for this episode

If you have a question, comment or idea for a future episode, email [email protected].

Please note: Information presented in this episode was accurate at the time of recording, but may have since changed. Participants may have changed roles or no longer hold positions at Bucknell University.

Links:

• Bucknell scholarship programs
• Application dates and deadlines
• Plan a visit to Bucknell
• Undergraduate admission requirements
• @iamraybucknell, our student-run Instagram
• Info about applying to Bucknell
• Build a Bucknell Custom Viewbook
• Latest news for prospective students
• Bucknell Virtual Welcome Center

When you visit campus for a preview session and guided tour, chat with our student ambassadors, or experience an interactive virtual tour of campus, you'll have a front-row seat as you explore this place we call home.

This combination of in-person and virtual visit offerings means you can learn more about Bucknell in the way that fits you and your family best.