<p>I don’t think you would be competitive for the merit awards at any of the schools I listed in post #2. You really are limiting yourself if you insist on east coast or California. </p>
<p>Some merit awards at some schools (not the top of the rankings group) are automatic for certain test scores, sometimes combined with rank. Others are based on National Merit status.</p>
<p>The super competitive ones include test scores, grades, rigor of curriculum, awards and extra-curricular activities.</p>