<p>OP, GWU and American both offer significant merit money to high-stat applicants. They do not offer guaranteed money for National merit (and it looks like you will be a semi-finalist–congrats!), but they seem to be generous to them. At the same time, look at University of Maryland-College Park, which offers stronger science offerings than GWU and AU. </p>
<p>I’ll add University of Rochester to the suggestions. A very strong Political Science program, excellent science programs, a flexible curriculum and merit money to boot. No warm weather, unfortunately. </p>
<p>The UCs offer warm weather but they’re very expensive for an out of state student.</p>