What are my chances of receiving merit & other advice needed!

Depending on your test scores, some of these might be affordable options:

http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/

Check out the Colleges That Change Lives book or website ctcl.org for lesser known LACs that offer merit scholarships.

Muhlenberg (Allentown, PA) and Clark (Worcester, MA, a CTCL school) offer sizable merit grants.

Fortunately, you also have many good in-state options in Virginia to fall back on.