Don't Overlook the SAT
A strong SAT score can increase a student's eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
For families, the message is simple: Don't think of the SAT only as an entrance exam. Think of it as one potential tool for reducing the cost of college. Here are a couple of examples:
TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY
Tarleton's President's Guaranteed Scholarship Program provides renewable scholarships to entering freshmen who graduate in the top 50% of their high school class.
For students who are not attending a Distinguished High School Partner, the current guaranteed awards include:
1300+ SAT: $4,000 per year for students in the top 10%; $2,000 for students in the top 25%; $500 for students in the top 50%.
1100+ SAT: $3,000 per year for students in the top 10%; $1,500 for students in the top 25%; $500 for students in the top 50%.
Submitted SAT score: $2,000 for the top 10%; $1,000 for the top 25%; $500 for the top 50%.
These awards can be renewed for up to four years when students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Important Tarleton dates:
December 1, 2026: Early consideration for the next academic year
February 15, 2027: Scholarship Priority Deadline
Tarleton's general scholarship application can match students with 600+ scholarships.
The application opens August 1 each year.
Tarleton states that students should apply early because many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
UT SAN ANTONIO
UT San Antonio's Distinguished Presidential Scholarship is a merit-based award for qualifying incoming freshmen. The scholarship can be worth up to $24,000 over four years, provided renewal requirements are met and funding is available.
UT San Antonio also offers other significant scholarship opportunities:
Top Scholar Program: A four-year enhanced scholarship and academic experience that can cover tuition, fees, housing and meals. Students who are in the top 5% and have a 1440 SAT or 32 ACT are encouraged to apply.
Terry Scholarship: A competitive scholarship for students demonstrating leadership potential and financial need.
General Scholarship Application: One application can put students in consideration for numerous scholarships administered through UT San Antonio.
Important UT San Antonio dates:
December 1, 2026: Top Scholar and Terry Scholarship deadline
January 15, 2027: Distinguished Presidential Scholarship deadline
January 15, 2027: General Scholarship Application deadline
January 15, 2027: FAFSA priority deadline for UT San Antonio
WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES DO?
1. Take the SAT seriously.
A stronger score may provide access to scholarship opportunities that aren't available based on GPA and class rank alone.
2. Take the SAT more than once if appropriate.
Students who can improve their score may increase their scholarship opportunities.
3. Apply early.
Don't wait until the final deadline. Some scholarships have early consideration dates, and some funds are limited.
4. Complete the scholarship application—not just the college application.
Being admitted to a university does not automatically mean a student has applied for every scholarship available.
5. Watch the deadlines.
A student can have the grades and SAT score to qualify and still miss out by failing to submit the scholarship application on time.
THE BOTTOM LINE
For a student attending a Texas public university, improving an SAT score can potentially translate into thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance.
The SAT is more than a test. For some students, it can be a financial tool.
Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements and deadlines can change. Students and families should verify current requirements directly with each university.
