This study examined the relationship between students' socioeconomic characteristics and qualification for a merit scholarship in a new, state-run program. The Michigan merit award scholarship program provides scholarships of up to $2,500 for students who score at Level 1 or 2 of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program High School Tests. Eleventh graders who took these tests in the spring of 1999 were the first cohort eligible for the scholarships, to be given when they enrolled in 2000 or later. The program relies on funds from the state's tobacco settlement. Michigan's would be the largest state merit award program to rely on standardized instruments as the sole criterion for scholarship eligibility. Data were from the Michigan Department of Education. The study found that White, Asian American, and female students, and those in wealthier communities, were likely to be awarded a disproportionate number of scholarships. These findings suggest that the scholarship program will be unlikely to meet the goal of increasing access to higher education in the state. (Contains 4 tables, 3 figures, 9 endnotes, and 40 references.) (SLD)