The merit aid won’t be wonderful. It’s disappearing and limited. Many schools are transitioning their aid to need-based dollars.
Additionally, most students have been advised to take the PSAT in Junior year to qualify for National Merit status. If you’re relying on merit to go to a university, then you need to continue to increase your high school GPA.
There is no merit for med school. You have to rely on the Bank of Mom and Dad. Federal loans are decreasing. Med school is running about $100k per year. Will your parents pay $400K for med school?