Specifically the program OP applied to does offer merit aid.
Interlochen Arts Academy and Interlochen Arts Camp offer merit scholarships to qualified students. These scholarships are available for domestic and international students.
Interlochen Arts Camp
- Automatically considers applicants for merit scholarships if they apply for programs that are two weeks or longer and require an audition or portfolio
OP shouldn’t expect merit but certainly understandable to be disappointed.
For future readers…