For National Merit Schools, I applied to the following where I was sure I’d receive an award:
-USC
-University of Minnesota
-University of Texas at Dallas
-Florida State
I believe Clemson has a very small NMF award ($1.5k), but I didn’t look into that. In my earlier comment, I stated the award USC gives OOS kids. Minnesota will give $15k for NMF, another $7.5k for high-stats OOS kids, and another $1k for listing them as their first choice. Unless you can afford it after these scholarships, I would not recommend UMN. There was a huge hike in OOS tuition this year, and steady increases will follow.
There are 8 (2 private, 6 public) schools in Florida at which you can get a full ride for being NMF (the Benacquisto Scholarship) The most difficult to gain admission into are UF and UMiami. Each one has a different procedure for qualifying for the Benacquisto. It is state-funded, so if funding ever stop, check to make sure the school states they will continue to fund those already on the scholarship.
UT Dallas probably has the best NMF scholarship. Full tuition, housing stipend, study abroad stipend, and another books/supplies stipend. Since you are from Texas, I imagine you know about UTD? I visited twice, once on a regular tour and the second time as a McDermott Finalist. Academically, it’s a solid school and it would be a good choice for genetics/bio/chem. Not sure about creative writing, but while its arts and humanities departments are small they are close-knit and many students take part in those classes.