HBCU Scholarships
College dreams don’t have to come with crushing debt. Many HBCUs offer generous merit-based scholarships, and test scores, GPA, and timing play a bigger role than most families realize.
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At APlus Test Prep, we help families understand how HBCU scholarships really work—and how to position students to qualify for more aid.
Many scholarships require competitive ACT and/or SAT scores. Even for test-optional schools, high scores can give applicants an edge over those who don’t submit. APlus Test Prep offers classes and tutoring that help students earn scholarship-worthy scores. Do you have questions about the SAT and/or ACT? Do you want to learn more about how #ScoresOpenDoors to scholarships? Complete this contact form and we’ll contact you make a plan to pay for college via scholarships.
Watch this video and listen to an admissions representative’s advice on how to get more scholarship money.
ACT and SAT scores listed represent the minimum accepted scores and/or typical range/average for those who choose to submit at optional institutions
FAQs about earning HBCU Scholarships
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Yes. Many HBCUs award merit scholarships using published score and GPA criteria.
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Some scholarships are test-optional, but many of the largest merit awards still consider scores.
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It varies by school, but even modest score increases can move students into higher scholarship tiers.
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Ideally by sophomore or junior year, but it’s never too late to improve strategy.
Need help with a plan to earn scholarships? 👉🏾
How We Help Students Compete for HBCU Scholarships
We focus on the areas that move the needle most.
🎯 Test Scores That Unlock Merit Aid
Many HBCUs publish scholarship grids where even small score increases can mean:
Thousands more per year
Automatic merit awards
Priority consideration for honors programs
We help students:
Decide whether SAT or ACT is the better fit
Focus on the sections that yield the fastest gains
Prepare strategically—not endlessly
📅 Timing & Strategy Matter
Scholarship dollars are often awarded:
Early in the admissions cycle
On a rolling basis
Until funds run out
We help families understand:
When to test
When to apply
When to retest (and when not to)
🧭 Guidance for Parents (Not Just Students)
Parents often ask:
“Is my child’s score good enough for scholarships?”
“Should they retake the test?”
“Which HBCUs are more generous with merit aid?”
“What happens if scores are optional?”
We walk families through these decisions clearly—no guesswork.
Why Families Trust APlus Test Prep
✔ Proven experience helping students unlock scholarship-level scores
✔ Clear, parent-friendly explanations (no jargon)
✔ Focus on return on investment, not just test prep
✔ Support for both college-bound and career-bound pathways
Our philosophy is this: 📈 Higher scores don’t just look good—they open doors.
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
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