btw - you list above Susquehanna - free app. Not sure of your financial situation - but get on the email lists for any and all schools of interest. We were on 100.
I set up an email address for my daughter - just for college - so i can manage for her. You’d be amazed at how many schools - including W&L - will send you free app waivers. We applied to 21 and I think 6 were free - including Miami of Oh (after our tour) and Pitt (after we attended an info session). W&L was just - waived.
Also, if you’re looking to expand your list at the end just for the heck of it (since you are chasing merit), google Niche + no application fee and you’ll see a list of all schools that don’t charge a fee to apply. If any don’t have an additional essay over common app and you see they have journlaism - you can throw a hail mary to them.
Good luck.
For what it’s worth, I went to Syracuse Newhouse School. While they have a great track record and I can’t speak for today, back in the day, you rarely got practical experience and 95% of whom I went to school with are in nothing media. I had a friend transfer to Montana. When I visited her, each and every person had their own camera and mic - and coincidentally, I found out the entire class (15) got jobs as tv reporters/anchors out of school. Sometimes the lesser name may be better. Definitely research each program, ask questions, etc. and don’t just assume the best name is best.
One more thing- when I said Miami above (and the U is a great school) but for merit I was suggesting Miami Ohio. Miami (Fl) is a $25K merit - but still leaves you offer $50K.
Good luck.