<p>USC is sooooo test-happy, that they give high test scoring kids big bonus points and scholarship money. A 4.0w Val who is commended will get nada from 'SC (but will get accepted), whereas a 3.5 with much lighter schedule but NMF from the same HS will also be accepted AND be awarded nice merit money. Free money over four years for "three hours out of a student's life" is a big hook, IMO.</p>
<p>But, NMF is only based on two hours of a student's life. :D</p>