Check the requirements for a teaching credential in the state she wants to teach in. Is it the state of residency (for college tuition purposes) or a different state?
Also, what subjects does she want to teach? That can inform choice of college major (in addition to any teacher-specific course work).
Stats-based merit has generally been on the decline. PSAT-based (National Merit) also, but it seems to be somewhat more common than (other) stats-based.