Each state sets its own criteria for how to award the scholarship. While some look strictly at GPA & SAT scores, others take more factors into consideration such as ECs, leadership, community service, recommendations, etc. Alabama, which the poster inquired about, falls into the second category.
JrProv1, the Alabama winners will be notified by May 7th, so there is still time. Evidently only the winners are contacted. This information can be found on page two of the following link:
http://alex.state.al.us/leadership/R...%20package.pdf
Good luck to all you applicants!