School of the Art Institute of Chicago

SAIC is a private art and design school in Chicago with a reported acceptance rate around 76%. Its merit awards are automatic and assessed on five things together: 'We award merit scholarships to new students based on a holistic review of their application materials, including the portfolio, test scores, artist's statement, academic records, and letter of recommendation. No additional application is required.' SAIC gives unusually direct guidance on what it is looking for — it 'awards merit scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional levels of thoughtfulness, skill, conceptual capabilities, and academic groundedness' — and on how to assemble the portfolio: 'Think about your portfolio as a gallery show you are curating. Highlight work that is consistently expressive, curious, and thought-provoking.' Awards are renewed annually on successful academic standing.