Where should we start?
Each school says Start here, Worth a close look, Keep as a backup, or Check before counting on it.
How MeritPlaybook works
Tell us the schools. Get a clear plan in under 10 minutes.
You spend about five minutes on the intake. We check the rules, rank the schools, and tell you what to do first and what to skip.
One payment. No subscription.
Four simple steps
You send the information. We do the digging.
Get your intake link
Pay $79 once. Your intake link arrives by email right away.
Tell us about your student
Spend about five minutes adding grades, scores or test-optional status, home state, intended major, and up to 10 schools. It saves as you go.
We check the school rules
We read the current award amounts, deadlines, grade rules, and fine print. If something is unclear, we write the question to send the aid office.
Open your plan
It arrives by email in under 10 minutes. It tells you where to start, what to compare, and what to skip.
See everything we check
Payment and intake
Pay once through Stripe with a card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Link. The intake asks for GPA, test scores if your student has them, home state, intended major, your family’s SAI ballpark, honors, and up to 10 schools. SAI is the number that replaced EFC. The form saves as you go.
School research
We check official aid pages, Common Data Set filings, deadlines, renewal rules, and whether awards can be used together. Unclear rules are labeled, with the exact question to ask the aid office.
Read our methodology and how we verify.
Delivery
Your interactive web playbook arrives by email. A conflict on a high-stakes school can add a few minutes. We will email you if it will take longer.
Five questions your playbook answers
The answer comes first. The supporting research stays underneath.
Which awards are worth the time?
Scholarships are grouped as Do these first, Check before spending time, or Not worth your time right now.
What could it cost?
You get an estimated yearly range for each school, based on its published score and grade rules.
Can the awards be used together?
We show which awards add together and which may reduce the college's own aid.
What should we do next?
Your important deadlines and tasks are placed in the order they matter.
A plan you can read quickly
Your best place to start, estimated yearly cost, important rule, and next deadline are easy to find.
Open the sample playbook
Common questions
Can I finish the intake later?
Yes. It saves every few seconds. Close the tab and come back tomorrow. Your progress will still be there.
What if our information changes?
Minor updates within 30 days are free, including new scores, a new school, or changed finances. Contact us.
What if the research takes longer?
If two official sources disagree on a high-stakes school, double-checking can add a few minutes. We will email you if it will take longer.
Is $79 worth it?
You are paying for the school-by-school research, clear decisions, and ordered next steps. Finding one useful award or avoiding one that reduces other aid can cover the cost. See the full FAQ.
Ready for a clear plan?
Finish the intake in about five minutes. Your playbook arrives in under 10 minutes.
Get my playbook $79
30-day money-back guarantee.