<p>Also want to add that if you are National Merit Finalist and you are admitted, you will automatically get the Presidential 1/2 tuition scholarship–no surprises! Otherwise, it is hard to know who will be selected for the interview-based merit scholarships. The major/School you apply to may have some influence since they spread the awards out over most of the majors. It seems that STEM majors have so many very very highly qualified students that each year many wonderful students are disappointed–the merit scholarships are selective and holistic. Arts majors require excellent grades/scores too, but may place higher weight on portfolios, auditions, national awards, special honors. </p>
<p>As alamemom says, there are many excellent applicants each year and the numbers seem to be growing larger.</p>
<p>Still, somebody has to get the good news! So good luck.</p>