Are your parents open to input? Could you research and present a few that will definitely give you merit (but are not on your list yet)?
The thread linked below is very informative about schools where students of various Stat levels are getting merit. In recent posts, people are sharing actual merit offers and COAs for specific schools.
For me, that thread expanded what I realized was possible. I saw it too late for us to add much to my kid’s list, but you have time.
Note that the thread started a long time ago, so start with the latest posts. Earlier posts may no longer be accurate…