For merit and combined academic/professional opportunities, look at Sarah Lawrence, Connecticut College, and Dickinson. Connecticut College in particular recently implemented a curriculum that encourages students to explore interests in applied settings, even if their majors don’t look pre-professional at first glance (they also offer financial incentives for students to use Career Services resources). I don’t know if Skidmore offers merit aid, but if so, could be a good fit. Honors colleges at SUNYs wold be worth a look, too.
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