<p>To the best of my knowledge (SBDad and gracello can help me out on this one), the admissions committee nominates a handful of students for the merit award, and the winners are chosen by professors. Don’t ask me when this process happens or what outcomes to expect from it-- I have no idea. The merit winners that I do know are not “bumped” applicants or 800 scorers-- they are just normal people who show an unusual amount of potential.</p>
<p>To answer an earlier question, I can’t imagine that EA would diminish your chance for a merit scholarship. If you want the school very badly and you can strut your stuff in a way that appeals to the admissions office, I can’t imagine why we would not want to have you.</p>