While there's no universal formula for how much additional merit aid you can expect per ACT point increase, improving your ACT score can potentially lead to significant increases in scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Here are some key points to consider:
Impact of Score Improvements
- Even small increases in ACT scores can make a big difference. In some cases, a single point improvement could qualify you for thousands of dollars in additional aid[4].
- The impact tends to be more pronounced at certain score thresholds. For example, moving from a 27 to a 28 might unlock more scholarship opportunities than moving from a 24 to a 25[1].
Scholarship Tiers
Many colleges offer tiered merit scholarships based on ACT scores:
- Lower tiers may start around 23-25 ACT
- Mid-range tiers often fall in the 26-29 range
- Top tiers frequently require scores of 30+
As you move up these tiers, the scholarship amounts typically increase substantially[2].
Examples of Potential Increases
While specific amounts vary by institution, here are some examples to illustrate potential increases:
- At the University of Missouri, improving from a 31 to a 32 ACT could mean the difference between a partial scholarship and the Stamps Scholars Award, which covers full tuition plus an additional $16,000[5].
- The University of Louisville's McConnell Scholar program, worth up to full tuition ($12,324), requires a minimum 26 ACT[5].
Factors Beyond Test Scores
It's important to note that while ACT scores are significant, they're often not the only factor in merit aid decisions. Many scholarships also consider:
- GPA
- Class rank
- Extracurricular activities
- Essays
- Demonstrated leadership
Maximizing Your Potential
To make the most of your ACT scores for scholarships:
1. Research specific scholarship requirements at your target schools.
2. Set score goals based on scholarship thresholds.
3. Consider retaking the ACT if you're close to a higher scholarship tier.
4. Remember that some schools may superscore the ACT, using your best section scores from multiple test dates[3].
While the exact dollar value per ACT point will vary, investing time in improving your score can potentially lead to substantial financial benefits. Even small improvements can make you eligible for more scholarship opportunities and increase your overall aid package.
Why not ask us how much more effective our test prep is that takes advantage of what your child already knows as opposed to having them try to cram more information?
Citations:
[1] https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/sat-act-scores-merit-scholarships
[2] https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/scholarships-based-on-sat-scores-act-scores/
[3] https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents/college-planning-resources/paying-for-college/free-college-scholarships.html
[4] https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/financial-aid/blog/how-to-increase-your-scholarship-chances-with-great-standardized-test-scores/
[5] https://www.compassprep.com/test-scores-and-scholarships/
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