Complaint Box! What's wrong, and how would YOU fix it?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>Like Boomom, I was neither surprised nor upset that my child was not invited to interview for a top scholarship. Money will not be a factor in my student’s matriculation decision. It would have been very difficult or impossible for my son to attend an Explore event because of sports, work, and other commitments. I simply wish to protect my child from unnecessary anxiety, and to prevent him from thinking less of his top choice school because of arguably poor decisions and communications from one department of the school. It is not helpful to dismiss sincere concerns as sour grapes.</p>

<p>I feel sure that Boomom knows what the various tabs in USConnect signify, and when USC decisions are scheduled to be mailed. She does not know why her child has not received a letter. Was her application mistakenly placed with applications filed after December 1? Is something missing from her application that is not reflected on USConnect? Did one of the students who helps out in the office lose or misplace her file? I would feel anxious, too. And it would have nothing to do with not being invited for an interview.</p>

62

<p>I hope admissions reps are reading this thread. I am glad for the parents posting their reactions because they clearly show a system working the opposite way than it must have been intended. While desiring to honor a few, USC is causing trouble to many other highly qualified applicants who now may feel worse about USC. I am sorry for that. </p>

<p>Upthread, however, there are suggestions that NMFs in particular are being harmed. I believe a very large percentage of NMFs that apply to USC will likely be admitted. The vast majority of NMFs here on cc post admissions, although there are a few each year who do not. Despite the doom-and-gloom of some posters, there is a high likelihood stellar students will be admitted. Is there anyone who really believes differently that has any numbers or proof?</p>

<p>In fact, I have no doubt these excellent students with NMFs or without will also have multiple acceptances from other top schools. Each year, those schools often win out over USC, even with the financial lure of Presidential, Trustee, or NMF. It happens here every year. No surprise. But when the dust settles, dear parents (whom I totally relate to), your excellent (if anxious) HS senior will have a lot of choices and, if USC is among them, NMF’s will get the automatic 1/2 tuition scholarship. I’m not saying that will wipe away these weeks of frustration and worry, but have seen perspectives change as circumstances get clearer. There’s a lot of anxiety with so many unknowns. </p>

<p>I think this issue has grown really large this year due to the increased awareness of applicants using the internet to every permutation of decision notifications. It’s more than time to fix it. Perhaps this year a lot of students will suddenly reject USC’s offer of admission due to feelings of angst and anger–as opposed to those who select other universities for a myriad of fit/prestige of higher ranking/better FA reasons. I suspect a severe downturn in matriculation of NMF admittees would certainly motivate the adcom to change processes pronto. </p>

<p>Last year, my younger S was not invited to any merit scholarship interviews. And I’m a pragmatist. In a decision as large as which college is the best fit and most affordable option for each particular student, we looked at all substantive considerations, and tried to look beyond admissions office procedures at each particular college he applied. In the end, he had large merit awards at CMU, Case Western, and Tulane plus admissions to instate Cal and UCLA among many others. Like your kids, he looked at the choices and the costs. USC offered him two large merit awards–which we hadn’t realized existed. It helped us parents, but his heart was already at USC.</p>

<p>I just know your kids will get into schools where they can invest their hearts, too. Among other parents who post here regularly, we have been truly delighted with the education offered by USC to our students. I think we all would like you to know how amazing the education, choice of majors, incredible teaching and opportunities for careers are here–not just what is promised in the glossy brochures, but the real deal. I don’t think any of us are happy to know how many of you have been made to feel indignant by such inconsiderate notifications.</p>

63

<p>madbean - Are there large merit awards that are not listed by USC but handed out to students after admission?</p>

<p>If I may add one more suggestion - when someone withdraws, it would be nice to get an acknowledgement stating it has been done. We did not receive any acknowledgement but after a few days we noticed that the student’s information about the application has disappeared on the website where it used to say application is complete.</p>

64

<p>Texas- older D decided to do ED ll at her current uni (jr now). She had to withdraw 8 other schools upon acceptance. Not one confirmed her withdrawl and a couple even sent her admission packages. Most schools are just too busy right now to send out additional letters.</p>

<p>I have a friend who is an admissions rep at another college and it is truly an exhausting job right now.</p>

65

<p>squiggles - good to know. The only reason I know there was action taken is because we logged in to see if the logon was taken away. I guess the logon stayed but the profile was adjusted to reflect that my kid was no longer an applicant. Since it was just an email withdrawal, we were going to follow up by calling to confirm and checked the account first.</p>

66

<p>When D declined acceptances from schools only HYPS confirmed and asked follow-up questions about her decision— most schools were done online and with no confirmation etc… She didn’t withdraw before a decision was made so I don’t know if any schools confirm that. As you are only committed when you make that deposit, we didn’t worry at all about that process.</p>

<p>Why would you need a confirmation after a withdraw anyway? You are not committed to anything that needs a confirmation.</p>

67

<p>So, let me see if I finally understand: </p>

<p>USC sends interview invites to approx 3% of December applicants. We understood that only the 3% would be notified early and that the 97% would hear in March. But what they actually do, in practice, is officially “defer” 97% of early applicants. <em>That</em> is what surprised us and not in a good way. There is a world of difference (in perception) between “not being invited” to interview for very selective trustee/presidential scholarships, versus being deferred. </p>

<p>–Not receiving early invite to something never expected = No big deal. USC had explained this well and we understood.</p>

<p>–Unexpected notice of ‘pre-emptive deferment’ (I’m talking perception here, since this came as a complete surprise to the 97%) = Poor PR if process was not explained beforehand.</p>

68

<p>And remember, several hundred of those “deferrals” never received a letter at all. So does that mean that their application was missing/incomplete/never reveiwed, or was it just a postal error? Makes you wonder if they ever even read your application…</p>

69

<p>I’m still wondering why “it would be nice” get an acknowledgement of a withdrawn application. Can’t imagine it would be anything at all, why it would matter, or why anyone would care. And it would deprive the person of a reason to come here and make a point of having withdrawn.</p>

70

<p>boomom, I think you missed gladiatorbird’s tone of sarcasm.</p>

<p>Frankly, when many (we had no idea if it’s several hundred, or if it is now) didn’t receive the unexpected (thank you, gladiatorbird!) letter two years ago, few if anybody thought it meant their application was off in some ignored or possible reject/missing/ignored pile. (I’ve already given the opinion that those letters should be either eliminated or emailed, because this seems to happen every year.)</p>

<p>While I empathize (I was in your exact shoes once), I’m just a bit shocked by the whining tone here. I guess it’s to be expected in a complaint box.</p>

71

<p>I was earnest, not sarcastic, and strongly sympathize with Boomom, Cholla and every kid in the 97%–whether they received the unexpected “Surprise! You were deferred super-early before we even finished looking through your stuff” letter or not. </p>

<p>But I agree that the process of mailing letters implying pre-emptive deferment should be ended. It’s a true lose-lose. Bad for these applicants, many of whom will go on to receive admission offers, and bad for USC. </p>

<p>P.S. Thanks to madbean for your wonderful post and thoughts, and to CC posters like menloparkmom and others who have helped our family understand this convoluted process.</p>

72

<p>Gladiatorbird - I’m happy you responded before I did, since I no longer need to. Best of luck and I’m sure it will all work out for the best in the end. It would definately have saved a lot of negative energy (and postage costs) if the non-invite letter was eliminated completely.</p>

73

<p>"I’m still wondering why “it would be nice” get an acknowledgement of a withdrawn application. Can’t imagine it would be anything at all, why it would matter, or why anyone would care. And it would deprive the person of a reason to come here and make a point of having withdrawn. "</p>

<p>May not matter to you, but as I parent I did want to follow up to make sure. Since we understand USC rejects a bunch of qualified kids for whatever reason, I don’t want to see a rejection for my highly qualified kid who has a top 10 admission, because USC did not withdraw the application?</p>

74

<p>Yes, I understand, texaspg, and I’m happy to have provided you the opportunity to tell us more about your great kid. Congratulations to him.</p>

75

<p>^ I don’t think that is fair. Texaspg has a valid point. Let’s not go there.</p>

76

<p>This is just my 2 cents…My D and I were very aware that those students who applied by December 1st would fall into two categories; those invited to interview and those who were not invited. We were also aware that those who where invited would receive the acceptance and letter the last week of January and those who were not invited would receive a letter saying that: although the student was not invited to interview that they were still in the pool of applicants and would be notified in March if the were accepted and if they were rejected they would be notified in April. USC made this very clear to us and the hundreds of other applicants who attended Preview USC. If I recall this was also on USC’s website as well. So I really don’t understand all of the frustration over receiving this letter. USC presented this letter as a way of saying we are sorry that you were not offered one of our very large scholarships, but do not take that as a rejection, everyone is still in the running.</p>

<p>Although I have not read on of these letters personally, that was what my D and I were expecting from the letter.</p>

<p>I can understand the frustration many of you are feeling, sitting and waiting to hear back. But again USC made it very clear that the did not have early admission. So to say that your student is being deferred is incorrect. USC selected what they felt are the top students that will best fit in with their school. And I can attest that they definitely look at the student as a whole. They are not just concerned about test scores. They look at the students passion and drive. Just because your student didn’t get an invite does not mean they will rejected and just because your student has high test scores does mean that they will admitted.</p>

77

<p>And I understand sarcasm too shreddermom.</p>

78

<p>gladiator, sorry to have misread your tone. It is interesting that your post can be read either way, depending on one’s mindset/POV. </p>

<p>Boomom, as I stated earlier here, it’s understandably frustrating that your admissions counselor hasn’t gotten back to you, as I know he/she would assuage your fears about not receiving the letter as ours did. I truly do hope you get that call soon and will report back.</p>

79

<p>iamjen, I wholeheartedly agree. </p>

<p>Gladiator, I agree and have said myself that USC should stop mailing the “no scholarship” letters and email them, do away with them completely, or make them a status on USConnect. They clearly cause unnecessary stress and too much “reading of tea leaves.” Both of which, several of us who’ve been through it have tried repeatedly to assuage.</p>

80

<p>I’d second that (or third, whatever). USC should definitely do away with the letter as it obviously can be read multiple ways based on your POV and understanding of the way they do admissions. No reason to risk offending anyone, although I think this is an impossible task. Some people here were offended by the letter while others were offended not to get it.</p>

<p>A clear up front date when scholarship interview invites will go out via USConnect/email would suffice (just like when they release college admissions at certain schools). If you didn’t get one, you would know it. They could send the admission packages at the same time for those students.</p>

<p>Ideally, early admits with eventual Dean’s awards should be included up front with admissions so there is no confusion. If this means delaying a week or two for admitting those with Dean’s offers, that would be better than an admit and delay of two weeks before the Dean’s offer, IMO.</p>

<p>The waiting and stressing is very frustrating, but it does end eventually and your students will hopefully have many fabulous choices in April.</p>