Q. On what basis do US universities give scholarships?

US universities award different kinds of scholarships, reflecting their determination to produce a talented and diversified student body. The major factors in deciding on scholarships are academic merit, financial need, extracurricular achievements- sometimes other talents or distinctive characteristics. Academic standing plays a significant role in the scholarship selection process. High school CGPA, course load, and requirements like SAT or ACT scores are all taken into consideration by universities when evaluating the academic record of a student. 

In America, most scholarships are merit-based. That is to say, they offer them only to students who demonstrate high academic records or outstanding leadership skills, community involvement, and other accomplishments of the same kind. Normally, candidates for merit-based scholarships must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a four scale. But some scholarships require a higher GPA, usually 3.5 to 4.0 out of four points, and have a more competitive nature for awarding them (hence the avoidance in applying: if they lose, it's nothing, but if they win, there is much work)

Academic records aside, extracurricular activities and volunteer work, as well as positions of leadership, are also important prerequisites for scholarships. Committees admit candidates who enrich both their academic community and wider society as being well-rounded individuals. There are also need-based scholarships, which grant financial aid to students in particular circumstances. These scholarships have no fixed average, but applicants must generally prove that they are in need through financial documents such as income statements and tax returns.

US universities make scholarship awards in a comprehensive manner, taking into account not only the candidate's academic record but also their financial circumstances and personal character. Students should study carefully the specific requirements for scholarships at each university.