What is a merit scholarship for Northwestern Law?

Asked by: Edna Heller  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (37 votes)

Merit Scholarship The Northwestern Law Tax Program administers merit-based scholarships to incoming students. These awards are of varying amounts and are based on academic performance, especially in tax law courses, and a demonstrated interest in the area of tax.

What is a merit scholarship for law school?

Many law schools offer merit-based scholarships based on academic achievement, namely your LSAT score and undergraduate GPA. Merit-based scholarships can also be given to second- and third-year law students upon achieving academic excellence in their first year as a law student.

Does Northwestern give out merit scholarships?

Do you offer merit scholarships? Northwestern offers only need-based scholarship assistance, with the exception of a very limited number of talent competition scholarships in music and some assistance to offset debate expenses for our competitive national debate team.

What does a merit scholarship include?

Merit-based financial aid (also called merit scholarships or merit awards) is financial aid offered in recognition of student achievements (e.g. academic, athletic, artistic, etc.). Unlike need-based financial aid, merit-based financial aid does not consider the financial need of the student or family.

What LSAT score do I need to get a full ride scholarship?

What LSAT Score Do I Need for a Full Scholarship? It depends on what type of scholarship you're hoping to be granted. Needs-based scholarships don't require a high LSAT score. However, to be considered for a merit-based scholarship, it's wise to have a score close to 170.

How I Got A Full-Tuition Scholarship To Northwestern

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Is a 144 on the LSAT bad?

A 144-145 is generally considered to be the lowest acceptable score to attend law school. The median LSAT score is around 151-152, so 144-145 is significantly lower than this. As such, the majority of law schools will not accept scores below this.

Is a merit scholarship a big deal?

Colleges use merit scholarships to attract students and build the optimal entering class. Much of this aid goes to wealthy students, leaving less for students in need. So-called “merit” scholarships are simply tuition discounts used to entice students.

How many people get the $2500 national merit scholarship?

Of the 15,000 Finalists, about 8,000 receive Merit Scholarship awards. All Finalists are considered for one of the 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships.

What is a good merit scholarship amount?

The amount varies for each merit award, ranging from $500 to $75,000, but even small awards can make a difference and are worth considering. Many merit-based scholarships are rewarded based on demonstrated academic excellence.

Does Northwestern Law give merit scholarships?

The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Tax Program offers a number of merit based scholarships to full-time students. Admitted applicants are automatically under consideration for a scholarship award; no additional application is necessary. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis beginning in mid-January.

Why is Northwestern so expensive?

Tuition and fees fund a wide variety of student instruction and support, as well as world-class faculty and research, enhancing the student experience for all. Room and board rates support residential and dining services and staff.

How do people afford Northwestern?

Northwestern's Affordability Commitment

Our commitment to affordability begins with financial aid that meets 100% of every student's demonstrated financial need. Northwestern's need-based financial aid awards do not include loans to pay back.

What is a merit in law?

merit n. 1. pl. : the substance of a case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form [a ruling on the s of the case] see also judgment on the merits at judgment. 2 : legal significance, standing, or worth [an argument without ]

Who pays for merit scholarships?

Privately sourced merit scholarships are primarily funded through foundations, corporations, clubs & other organizations. Private merit scholarships vary in amount from hundreds of dollars to a full ride plus extras.

Do law schools consider parents' income?

All graduate and professional school students are considered financially independent of their parents for the purposes of determining federal aid eligibility.

How do I know if I am a national merit scholar?

Although you can use the Compass projections to estimate whether you are likely to qualify as a Commended Student or Semifinalist, there is no way of knowing your official status until high schools are notified by NMSC in early September of your senior year (sometimes schools hear by late August).

Is the National Merit Scholarship full-ride?

In most cases, full-ride National Merit scholarships handle undergraduate tuition and on-campus housing. However, some institutions cover other expenses, such as meal plans and certain fees.

How to qualify for merit scholarship?

Complete the National Merit Scholarship Application, which includes writing an essay. Have a record of very high academic performance in all of grades 9 through 12 and in any college coursework taken. Be fully endorsed for Finalist standing and recommended for a National Merit Scholarship by your high school principal.

What is a good GPA for merit scholarship?

Since the minimum GPA for a full-ride scholarship is usually set at 3.0, a 4.0 is sure to always be above and beyond what's required. Here's how it can boost your chances: Academic Excellence: A 4.0 GPA demonstrates consistent academic excellence, making you an attractive candidate for merit-based scholarships.

Can you negotiate for a higher merit scholarship?

Call it negotiation.

Find other ways to say what you're asking for: “Is there any way for you to offer additional assistance?” or, “Are there any additional scholarships available?” will be viewed more kindly than a direct request to match another college's award or “negotiate” a better price.

Can merit scholarships be full-ride?

Full-ride scholarships fall into a few different categories: ones that are merit-based, ones that are need-based (these two are both generally offered by the colleges/universities themselves), and ones from private organizations.

How rare is 172 LSAT?

So, a great score on the LSAT is a 172, but more than 100,000 people take the LSAT every year and only 1% score 172 or higher. For the top 50 law schools, the median LSAT score is between 164 and 174. A good LSAT score for top tier(defined by T14 schools for this article) law schools is between 171 and 174.

Should I cancel a 153 LSAT score?

If you don't have strong reason to believe you've done poorly, and retaking will delay your applications, you probably shouldn't cancel. Don't forget that rolling admissions rewards earlier applications.

How rare is a 170 LSAT?

170 score: Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is almost always considered a good score — that means you are in the 2-3% of test-takers.