LACs that are test-optional and offer merit aid will offer merit whether or not you’ve applied with test scores, as far as I know (I’m sure there are some exceptions, but for these schools, every applicant is considered for merit). Schools that offer substantial merit aid include Connecticut College, Macalester, Grinnell, St. Olaf, Oberlin, Dickinson, among others mentioned already. Along with Bowdoin, Bates also has a longstanding TO policy, so you might consider it along with the others (no merit, but run the NPC and see what you’re likely to get).
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