TCU rewards exceptional students with merit-based scholarships and provides need-based financial assistance to qualified families. Academic scholarships are based upon the applicant's academic performance, not the family's income. These awards are competitive and are based on a number of objective and subjective criteria such as class rank, strength of curriculum, counselor and teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, essay, and co-curricular activities. The Application for Undergraduate Admission also serves as the Application for Academic Scholarships. Other scholarships available for ethnic and religious minority groups, students who have managed a business, community service, nursing and other special areas. Athletic, band, choral, fine arts and orchestra talent-based awards are available through individual departments.