@mountaingoats I’m also from the midwest, so once again, I’m kicking myself because I should have interviewed/pushed for one despite them losing my request in the system. 35ACT, published research thesis relating to sexism, and at a geographic advantage. Granted you almost surely had a better GPA and hooks than I did but I cannot overemphasize how important it is to show interest through an interview. For a college like Mount Holyoke it makes a HUGE difference.
DD received the 21st Century Award and a grant that really surprised us. 34ACT, 4.2 gpa, 7 AP’s, challenging coursework, not a ton of EC’s but concentrated in her area of interest if that makes sense. She did interview locally (we are on the west coast) and only visited campus after being admitted. She will be attending in the Fall.
I’d just like to chime in and agree that showing interest is huge for merit awards. I got a totally unexpected merit scholarship, and I’m 100% sure it was related to how well I clicked with my lovely interviewer.