Essential Criteria and Requirements for Eligibility in the Zell Miller Scholarship Program

What are the requirements for Zell Miller Scholarship?

The Zell Miller Scholarship is a prestigious and highly sought-after scholarship program in the state of Georgia, USA. It is designed to provide financial assistance to the state’s top-performing high school seniors who wish to pursue higher education at a public university in Georgia. If you are a high school student aiming to secure this scholarship, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements that must be met. In this article, we will delve into the essential criteria needed to apply for the Zell Miller Scholarship.

1. Residency and Citizenship Requirements

To be eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship, applicants must meet certain residency and citizenship requirements. Firstly, the applicant must be a legal resident of Georgia and must have lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the application deadline. Additionally, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

2. Academic Performance

Academic performance is a vital factor in determining eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. This GPA is calculated based on all coursework completed during the final two years of high school. It is important to note that the GPA must be a weighted GPA, meaning it takes into account advanced placement (AP) and honors courses.

3. Standardized Test Scores

In addition to the GPA requirement, applicants must also meet certain standardized test score criteria. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the Zell Miller Scholarship requires a minimum score of 1290 on the SAT or a minimum score of 29 on the ACT. These scores must be from tests taken during the junior or senior year of high school.

4. Financial Need

While the Zell Miller Scholarship is need-based, it is important to note that the financial need requirement is not as stringent as that of other scholarships. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, the scholarship is not solely reserved for students with the highest financial need; it is also awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence.

5. Enrollment in a Public University in Georgia

To maintain the Zell Miller Scholarship, recipients must enroll in a public university in Georgia and pursue a degree program that leads to a first professional degree, such as medicine, law, or dentistry. Recipients must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale throughout their college career.

In conclusion, the Zell Miller Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for Georgia’s top-performing high school seniors to pursue higher education. To apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet specific requirements, including residency and citizenship, academic performance, standardized test scores, financial need, and enrollment in a public university in Georgia. By understanding these criteria, eligible students can take the necessary steps to secure this prestigious scholarship and achieve their academic goals.