Strengthen Your College List
About This Step
Students who strengthen (or update) their college list to have at least three reach colleges, two match colleges, and one safety will earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships.
The goal is to help students like you make sure your list has a range of schools to consider for your future. You can use your SAT or ACT scores or your GPA to determine which schools are right for you.
How to Qualify
- Login to your College Board account.
- Click "Qualify Now" above.
- Review your college list to make sure it has least 3 reach colleges, 2 match colleges, and 1 safety college.
- If you’re missing any category, simply click “Start Now” above to see how your GPA, SAT, or ACT scores compare with students at different universities. From there, you’ll be able to see which schools are reach, match, or safety for you.
Dates and Deadlines
Scholarships for $500 and $40,000 are awarded monthly until February of your senior year. Completing any step enters you in the drawings on the first day of every month. Drawings occur on the first day of every month.
Class of 2026 Deadline to Complete This Step: Friday, October 31, 2025
Class of 2027 Deadline to Complete This Step: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Class of 2028 Deadline to Complete This Step: Sunday, October 31, 2027
Increase Your Chances
Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year have double the chances of winning a scholarship with two entries earned per step completed. Half of all awards are reserved for students who meet this income criterion.