I was wondering if applying by December 1st at USC is considered as an advantage; Although I won’t be applying for financial aid since I’m an international applicant, international applicants can also receive merit scholarship, so I was just wondering if I should apply by Dec 1st. Please let me know!
Yes yes and yes. You’re only hurting yourself by not taking the chance to throw your hat into the ring.
Try to apply by Dec 1 for merit consideration – but if you can’t get your app completed and still want to apply, then just do so before the actual deadline.