Do scholarships require standardized test scores

I’m applying for a bunch of scholarships for college, and the applications are asking about my ACT and SAT scores. I really struggled with standardized tests. Are these scores actually required for most scholarships these days, or are there scholarships I can still get even if I didn’t score that well? Some of the applications make it sound like a low score will automatically disqualify me. I’m worried because my GPA is pretty good, and I have strong extracurriculars, but I’m just not a great test-taker. It would really help to know if I should even bother applying to scholarships that heavily emphasize test scores, or if I should focus my energy elsewhere. Also, does it depend on the type of scholarship? Like, are merit-based scholarships more likely to require them than, say, scholarships based on financial need or a specific field of study?

Answer

Many scholarships require standardized test scores, but it’s not a universal requirement. The prevalence of this requirement depends on several factors, including the type of scholarship, the organization offering it, and the evolving trends in college admissions.

Factors Influencing the Requirement of Standardized Test Scores:

• Type of Scholarship:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievement and potential. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) have traditionally been a key component in evaluating merit, alongside GPA, class rank, and academic rigor. Many merit-based scholarships, particularly those offered by universities or large organizations, still require or strongly recommend test scores.

  • Need-Based Scholarships: These scholarships focus on financial need. While academic achievement might still be considered, the primary factor is the applicant’s ability to demonstrate financial hardship. Standardized test scores might be less emphasized or not required at all for need-based scholarships.

  • Athletic Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to student-athletes based on their athletic abilities. Standardized test scores are still relevant, as athletes must meet NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements, which often include minimum test score thresholds. However, athletic performance is the primary consideration.

  • Specific-Interest or Identity-Based Scholarships: Many scholarships target students with specific backgrounds, interests, or affiliations (e.g., scholarships for women in STEM, scholarships for students of a particular ethnicity, scholarships for children of veterans). The requirements for these scholarships vary greatly. Some might require test scores as part of a broader assessment of academic ability, while others might focus more on essays, recommendations, and demonstrated commitment to the specific interest or identity.

• Scholarship Provider:

  • Universities and Colleges: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships to attract high-achieving students. These scholarships often have test score requirements, aligning with the university’s overall admission policies.

  • Private Organizations and Foundations: The requirements of scholarships offered by private organizations and foundations are highly variable. Some might require test scores, while others might not, depending on the organization’s specific goals and criteria.

  • Corporate Scholarships: Companies often offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in fields relevant to their business. The requirements for these scholarships vary, but some might consider test scores as part of a holistic review of the applicant’s qualifications.

  • Government Agencies: Government-sponsored scholarships, such as those offered by state education agencies or federal programs, might have specific requirements regarding standardized test scores.

• Test-Optional/Test-Blind Policies:

  • The rise of test-optional and test-blind policies in college admissions has influenced scholarship requirements as well. Many colleges and universities that have adopted these policies for admissions have extended them to at least some of their scholarships.

  • Test-Optional: Students can choose whether or not to submit their test scores. If they choose not to submit scores, their application will be evaluated based on other factors, such as GPA, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.

  • Test-Blind: The institution does not consider standardized test scores at all, even if they are submitted.

  • While test-optional and test-blind policies are becoming more common, it’s important to note that some universities still require or recommend test scores for certain merit-based scholarships, even if they are test-optional for general admissions.

Finding Scholarship Requirements:

• Read the Scholarship Application Instructions Carefully: The most reliable way to determine whether a scholarship requires standardized test scores is to carefully read the application instructions and eligibility criteria.

• Check the Scholarship Provider’s Website: The website of the organization offering the scholarship should provide detailed information about the application process, including required documents and qualifications.

• Contact the Scholarship Provider Directly: If the information is unclear or ambiguous, contact the scholarship provider directly for clarification.

In Summary:

Standardized test scores are still often required for merit-based scholarships, particularly those offered by universities and large organizations. However, the prevalence of this requirement is decreasing due to the growing popularity of test-optional and test-blind policies. Need-based and specific-interest scholarships may or may not require test scores, depending on the specific criteria of the scholarship. The best way to determine whether a particular scholarship requires standardized test scores is to carefully review the application instructions and eligibility criteria.

Written by

Studentanswers Editorial Team

University Admissions, GPA, SAT/ACT, Teacher Careers, Student Finance Expertise: Education Content Specialist & Research Writer 19+ years of experience

I'm Mustafa Bulut, an education researcher and content specialist with over a decade of experience helping students navigate the complexities of academic life — from decoding GPA scales to understanding what top universities actually look for in applicants. My work focuses on making higher education accessible and understandable. I've spent years researching university admissions processes, standardized testing systems (SAT, ACT, TOEFL), and the real-world career paths that follow graduation. Whether you're a high school junior trying to figure out if your GPA is competitive for Ivy League schools, or an adult learner weighing the cost of going back to school, I write with you in mind. I cover five core areas on StudentAnswers: university admissions and GPA benchmarks, SAT and ACT test preparation strategies, teacher career outlooks and education job markets, global literacy trends and education access, and student finance including loans, scholarships, and hidden costs of higher education. Before launching StudentAnswers, I worked extensively with education data — analyzing acceptance rates, salary statistics for education professionals, and literacy reports from UNESCO and national education departments. I believe that good education content should give readers a clear answer, not just more questions. Every article I publish goes through a research and editorial review process. I cite primary sources wherever possible — official university data, government labor statistics, and peer-reviewed education research — because students deserve accurate information when making decisions that shape their futures.

✓ Reviewed by: Studentanswers Editorial Team ✓ Fact-checked: 10 November 2025

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