define a merit increase
College Admissions in the Age of Merit Shifts: From Test Scores to Holistic Promise
2023 marked a watershed moment in merit-based college admissions, with thousands of institutions shifting to test-optional policies. Today, merit means a blend of academic achievement, personal narrative, and demonstrated potential, not just a single standardized score. College Admissions in the Age of Merit Shifts Key Takeaways * Merit is expanding beyond