<p>I know 5 merit award winners out of the many that there are. All 5 that I know happen to be white and do not play sports, which I think confirms the idea that this scholarship is not for “hooked” applicants. The merit award winners I know are brainy, fun, involved, and, most of all, thrive at a place like the U of C. I have no idea whether or not they were admitted to other schools.</p>