Going Merry is not a single scholarship; it is a free scholarship search platform that streamlines the application process for students. The platform aggregates thousands of scholarships from various providers, including foundations, companies, and non-profits. Its primary function is to simplify the search by matching students with awards that fit their unique profile, reducing the hours required to find legitimate funding opportunities.
The platform’s algorithm matches students with eligible awards based on a comprehensive personal profile. Going Merry provides a centralized dashboard for students to track application deadlines, organize their submissions, and apply for multiple awards simultaneously. Its most valuable feature is the bundled application, which allows students to submit a single application to groups of scholarships with similar essay prompts, significantly increasing application efficiency.
For the 2026-2027 application cycle, your success on the platform depends on creating a detailed and accurate profile. This guide provides a factual overview of the platform, clarifies eligibility for both U.S. and international students, and outlines a step-by-step process to secure funding. You will find a limited number of awards, if you are an international student without U.S. residency.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility on Going Merry is determined by the specific requirements of the individual scholarship providers. The platform serves distinct student populations with access to different award pools.
For U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and DACA Students Going Merry is an exceptional resource for students legally residing in the United States. The database contains thousands of scholarships specifically designated for three main groups of applicants: U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and students with DACA status. You will have access to the platform’s full range of national and local scholarships, if you fall into one of these categories.
For International Students (Studying in the U.S.) International students can use the Going Merry platform to find scholarships. However, the number of available fully funded scholarships is significantly smaller because most U.S.-based providers require American citizenship or residency. To find eligible awards, you must perform three actions:
- Complete your student profile with your exact citizenship status.
- Navigate to the filters section on your scholarship dashboard.
- Select the filter designated for “Eligible for non-US citizens.”
A Four-Step Process for the 2026-2027 Cycle
To use Going Merry effectively, create a detailed profile, review your scholarship matches carefully, and prioritize bundled applications. The ideal time to begin this process for the 2026-2027 academic year is in the fall of 2025.
Step 1: Create a Comprehensive Profile Your profile provides the data for your scholarship matches. You must complete four main profile sections with specific details:
- Academics, such as your GPA, intended major, and official test scores.
- Demographics, including your ethnicity, state of residence, and gender.
- Background, such as your parents’ income level, first-generation status, and personal interests.
- Activities, including your extracurricular involvement, leadership positions, and volunteer hours.
Step 2: Review Your Scholarship Matches After you complete your profile, the platform generates a personalized list of scholarships. Each award has a match score that indicates how closely your profile aligns with its criteria. You should favorite the scholarships you intend to apply for to add them to your tracked list.
Step 3: Identify the Three Application Types You will encounter three distinct types of scholarship applications on the platform:
- Direct Applications, which are completed and submitted entirely on the Going Merry website.
- Bundled Applications, which allow you to use a single form and essay to apply to a group of different scholarships at once.
- External Applications, which link you to the scholarship provider’s website to complete the application there.
Step 4: Craft Your Personal Essays Most scholarships require at least one personal essay. You should prepare several high-quality, adaptable essays that address common prompts, such as your career goals, a significant leadership experience, or a challenge you have overcome. Learn here How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay.
Key Tips for Success on the Platform
- Begin Early and Monitor Deadlines. Start your profile in the fall of 2025 and check the platform weekly for new scholarships. Key national deadlines often fall in October, December, January, and March.
- Prioritize Bundled Scholarship Applications. To maximize your efficiency, focus on applying to the bundled scholarships first. This strategy allows you to submit the highest number of applications in the least amount of time.
- Ensure All Information Is Accurate. Scholarship providers verify the information on your application. You must ensure all submitted details, such as your GPA and extracurricular activities, are accurate.
