according to the qualities you have or have shown, without considering any other information or comparing you to someone else

The committee will consider each applicant on his or her own merits.

We will listen to all the arguments and judge them on their merits.

You will be treated fairly and evaluated on your merits.

Did they reach their positions on their own merits?

I am proud to be here on my own merits and not because of who my parents are.

See also: merit noun