The Myth of Full-Ride Scholarships for Perfect Test Scores: A Reddit Joke That Fooled Many
Sometimes the internet can be funny, surprising, and even a little confusing.
Recently, a post on Reddit made many students believe that getting a perfect ACT or SAT score could earn them a full-ride scholarship.
This scholarship is for some of the most famous universities in the world.
But here’s the truth: it was all just a joke.
Let’s explore what happened, why so many people believed it, and what you really need to know about scholarships.
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What Did the Reddit Post Say?
On the Reddit community called r/ApplyingToCollege.
Someone wrote a post saying that if you scored a perfect ACT or SAT score in one sitting (with no superscores).
You would get a full ride at schools like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and many more top universities.
At first glance, it sounded amazing.
Imagine working hard, getting a perfect score, and then not having to pay for college at all!
That dream caught the attention of many students.
Some even believed it right away and rushed to search for proof.
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Why Did People Believe It?
People believed the post for a few reasons:
- The list of schools was impressive. It included famous names like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. That made it sound real and exciting.
- Scholarships are confusing. Many students don’t know exactly how scholarships work, so it was easy to fall for the claim.
- It played on hope. College is very expensive in the U.S., so the idea of a perfect score giving a free ride felt like a dream come true.
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The Catch: It Was a Joke
The post was made on “Shitpost Wednesdays,” which is a day on that Reddit community when people share funny, fake, or silly posts.
This means the claim was never real.
Some users even admitted that they believed it at first, screamed with joy, searched the internet for articles, and only later realized it was fake.
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Why Full Rides for Perfect Scores Are a Myth
It is important to know that no famous university gives an automatic full-ride scholarship just for a perfect test score.
Here’s why:
- Top schools are very selective. Perfect scores are common among applicants to Ivy League and similar schools. Many students with 1600 SATs or 36 ACTs still get rejected.
- Admissions looks at more than scores. Universities also care about essays, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and personal background.
- Financial aid works differently. Schools like Harvard or MIT don’t give automatic full rides. Instead, they use need-based financial aid, which means they look at your family’s income and decide how much help to give.
- Merit scholarships are rare at Ivies. Most Ivy League schools don’t give merit scholarships at all. They only give need-based aid.
Real Ways to Get Scholarships
Even though the Reddit post was fake, there are real ways to get scholarships for college:
- National Merit Scholarship: If you do very well on the PSAT in high school, you could earn money for college.
- University Merit Awards: Some schools (not usually Ivies) give scholarships to students with very strong grades and test scores.
- Private Scholarships: Many companies, non-profits, and local organizations give scholarships to students who apply.
- Need-Based Aid: Schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford have generous need-based aid, sometimes covering tuition, housing, and more for families who cannot afford it.
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Lessons Learned from the Joke
This funny Reddit post actually taught an important lesson: don’t believe everything you read online. Even if something sounds exciting, it’s always smart to double-check before celebrating.
Here are the lessons:
- Always check the source. If a post doesn’t come from an official university or news site, be careful.
- Too good to be true? If something sounds too easy or too perfect, it probably isn’t real.
- Do your research. Use official college websites to learn about scholarships and financial aid.
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What Students Said in the Comments
The comments under the post were just as funny as the post itself. Here are a few examples:
- One person said they almost believed it, screamed, and then realized it was just “Shitpost Wednesday.”
- Another joked that they got a 1599.999 score and had to pay double tuition to cover others’ costs.
- Someone else laughed and said a 1270 score was “so close.”
- Others joked about needing more than a perfect 1600 SAT score to get into schools like the University of Texas at Dallas.
- These jokes show how the community turned the fake news into a funny moment.
The Reality of College Costs
College in the U.S. can cost tens of thousands of dollars each year.
That’s why so many students dream about scholarships. But the truth is:
- Perfect scores don’t guarantee free college.
- Top schools help based on need, not just scores.
- There are real scholarships out there, but you have to apply.
It takes effort, planning, and research to find the right opportunities.
Final Thoughts on The Myth of Full-Ride Scholarships for Perfect Test Scores: A Reddit Joke That Fooled Many
The Reddit joke about getting a full ride for a perfect test score was funny, but it also fooled many students.
It reminded us how much people wish for affordable education and easy solutions.
While the post was not true, it encouraged students to learn more about how scholarships really work.
So, if you’re dreaming of college and worried about costs, don’t rely on myths.
Instead, focus on real scholarship programs, financial aid applications, and strong academic work.
And always remember: just because you saw it online doesn’t mean it’s true!
Key Takeaways
- No, a perfect SAT or ACT score does not earn you a full ride at Ivy League or top universities.
- The viral Reddit post was a joke shared on “Shitpost Wednesday.”
- Ivy League schools focus on need-based aid, not automatic merit scholarships.
- There are real scholarships available through programs like National Merit, private organizations, and specific universities.
- Always double-check information before believing or sharing it.
In short: A perfect test score is great, but it’s not a golden ticket to a free ride at top schools. Stay informed, stay smart, and keep working hard for your dreams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a full-ride scholarship?
Full-ride scholarships are extremely rare, with only about 1–2% of undergraduate students in the U.S. receiving them. Most cover tuition only, while true full rides (tuition, fees, room, and board) are usually awarded for exceptional academic achievement, athletics, or special talents.
How hard is it to get a full-ride scholarship on Reddit?
On Reddit, users often describe full-ride scholarships as incredibly competitive and difficult to secure, since they usually go to top students with outstanding academics, leadership, or unique circumstances. Many posts emphasize that you need to be in the very top percentile of applicants to even be considered.
Which US university gives 100% scholarships?
Several U.S. universities, like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT, offer need-based financial aid that can cover up to 100% of tuition, room, and board for students from low- to middle-income families. A few schools, such as Duke, Vanderbilt, and the University of Southern California, also offer competitive merit-based full-ride scholarships for top applicants.
What GPA will get you a full-ride scholarship?
Most full-ride scholarships require at least a 3.5–4.0 GPA, often combined with strong test scores, leadership, or extracurricular achievements. However, the exact GPA varies by program, and the most competitive scholarships usually expect students to be at the very top of their class.
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