Unlocking Opportunity: Understanding the University of Tulsa's National Merit Scholarship Requirements

The University of Tulsa (UTulsa) offers several avenues for students to finance their education through merit-based scholarships. Among these, the National Merit Scholarship stands out as a prestigious award recognizing exceptional academic achievement. This article provides a detailed overview of the National Merit Scholarship at UTulsa, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and related opportunities.

National Merit Scholarship Program at UTulsa: An Overview

UTulsa recognizes the outstanding academic success of National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists and believes these students will have a remarkable impact on campus life. The university is pleased to award admitted National Merit Semifinalists its highest academic scholarship, the National Merit Semifinalist Package.

Types of National Merit Scholarships

National Merit Scholarships come in two primary forms:

Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards: These scholarships vary in value and duration, ranging from one-time awards to renewable scholarships.
University-Sponsored Scholarships: These scholarships are funded directly by the university. At UTulsa, the university-sponsored awards are a minimum of $750.

Eligibility Requirements for National Merit Scholarships at UTulsa

National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists

The University of Tulsa is pleased to award National Merit Semifinalists its highest academic scholarship, the National Merit Semifinalist Package.

To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship at UTulsa, students must first achieve the status of National Merit Semifinalist. This honor is earned by scoring highly on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Just 16,000 students out of over 1.5 million test-takers are recognized as Semifinalists.

National Merit Semifinalists are then given the opportunity to advance to the level of National Merit Finalist.

Key Requirements for UTulsa Consideration

In addition to achieving National Merit Finalist status, students must also:

Designate the University of Tulsa (TU) as their first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Submit all required application materials for admission to The University of Tulsa no later than February 1.
Make an official campus visit by February 1.

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Provide two letters of recommendation, one academic and one non-academic, submitted by the recommender by February 1.
Attend an on-campus, in-person National Merit Semifinalist interview by February 1.
Students applying Early Decision or Early Action I need to have these items completed by Nov.

Academic Requirements

Admitted students are automatically considered for a merit scholarship based on a full review of their comprehensive high school academic performance and completed UTulsa application. Applicants who submit a complete admission file after Feb. 1 are considered for merit scholarships based on available funding.

Benefits of the National Merit Scholarship at UTulsa

National Merit Finalists who designate the University of Tulsa (TU) as their first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation are awarded free tuition, fees, room and board, and books at the school. Recipients are also given membership in Leadership TU (led by the University’s President). The award is renewable for up to four years, but students may petition for a fifth year if needed to complete their undergraduate degree.

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National Merit Semifinalist Package

Full tuition (excluding summers) for four years.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities at UTulsa

Besides the National Merit Scholarship, UTulsa offers various other scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Presidential Scholarship: This is a generous academic merit award given by The University of Tulsa for top academic students based on several factors, including exceptional performance in a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, genuine interest in UTulsa, active co-curricular involvement, and big dreams for the future. The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition (excluding summers) for five years or until an undergraduate degree is earned.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Merit Scholarship: UTulsa awards an International Baccalaureate (IB) Merit Scholarship of $3,000 per year for students who complete the full IB diploma with a high school grade point average of at least 3.0.
Music Scholarships: Students majoring in music are eligible for a $4,000 scholarship. A limited number of full-tuition scholarships will be awarded to music majors. All scholarships will be awarded based on a School of Music audition.
Art Scholarships: Art scholarships are available to full-time, undergraduate students majoring in art. Students interested in applying for the scholarship must prepare a portfolio of artwork or writing samples to be submitted as part of their application.
Friends of Finance Scholarship: Friends of Finance Scholarship recipients are awarded $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years) so long as they remain a finance major in the Collins College of Business.
Spirit Squad Scholarship: This is a $2,500 scholarship. Spirit squad members must maintain full-time enrollment and meet all expectations outlined by the athletic department.

Understanding the UTulsa Admissions Process

At UTulsa, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is considered when assessing a student’s ability to be successful.

Test-Optional Policy

Beginning Spring 2025, the ACT will phase in a redesigned exam with an optional science section. For students applying for admission to The University of Tulsa, this section will also become optional.

If you choose to submit ACT/SAT test scores as part of your application, we recommend that you self-report your highest scores in the testing section of the application and have official scores sent. If you choose to submit ACT/SAT test scores as part of your application, are offered admission, and choose to enroll, official scores will be required.

Required Application Materials

A School Report Form and/or a counselor recommendation.
A Talk with Tulsa interview with an admission counselor (Click “Meet with Me” on your counselor’s page to schedule an appointment).
Permanent Residents with green cards must have their status documented.

The admission committee may request additional information before finalizing an admission decision to help determine fit for UTulsa.

Early Decision and Early Action

The University of Tulsa offers Early Action I and II application plans for the fall term. The University of Tulsa begins rolling admission after the Early Action II admission decisions have been made.

The University of Tulsa’s Early Decision program is binding, meaning that if you are admitted, you are obligated to accept our offer of admission. Students should only apply to one school, their first-choice school, under an Early Decision application plan.

Presidential Scholarship at UTulsa: A Complementary Opportunity

The UTulsa Presidential Scholarship is a generous academic merit award given by The University of Tulsa. This award for top academic students is based on several factors, including exceptional performance in a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, genuine interest in UTulsa, active co-curricular involvement, and big dreams for the future. We want you to bring your A-game to Tulsa! The Presidential Scholarship Program is first and foremost an academic award.

The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition (excluding summers) for five years or until an undergraduate degree is earned. Scholarship recipients must maintain 15 hours of coursework per semester. Additionally, they are expected to attend university-sponsored special events and functions.

To be considered for the Presidential Scholarship, applicants must have a superscore of 28 or higher on the ACT or 1300 or higher on the SAT and meet one or more of the following eligibility requirements: College Board Recognition Program scholars who rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class; rank in the top 5 percent of their graduating class; or have at least a 4.0 weighted GPA.

It is optional by students who may submit a link to a 45-second video with their Presidential Scholarship application. Students must showcase their unique personality, talents, and abilities. Show why they want to attend UTulsa and how they will fit into the university's close-knit community of scholars. Share how their personality and experience will contribute to the student body. Illustrate how they will make a positive difference during their time at UTulsa and beyond.

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