<p>When does an admit know that their package is complete and they no longer need to wait for info? Not talking about the scholarships given early or interviewed for (like Pres/Trustee etc), but the basic merit ones out in April. I would think the only thing keeping some kids from making a decision is knowing if they are getting any additional funds, and likewise, if they are not. Is there an indication on USCconnect or in an email that case is closed? If you get a "2013-2014 Award" email, is that the final email even if it just has loan info? I can't imagine they are leaving people hanging till April 30 checking USCconnect everyday, so I feel like me (and others) are missing something. Certainly they tell or indicate to a person that awards are pending or complete... somewhere? There are a zillion posts/threads on the big scholarships but the Deans and others are important to many folks too, and I have only seen a couple posts where someone mentioned getting one. Are they all out?</p>
<p>In the past, University scholarships and departmental awards have been added bit by bit throughout April. I have personal knowledge of a University Scholarship ($2,500/year) being added on April 27th one year, more than two weeks after that financial aid package was “complete.” This will not be true for all students, but in all approximately 30% of the entering class (about 900 students) will receive a merit scholarship from USC.</p>
<p>Is there any indication when a student’s file is complete? The reason I keep pursuing this topic is our student is considering applying for a student loan and trying to time that process before May 1. Anything above UC costs, he has to cover with scholarship or his own loan. Thought his stats would get something from USC but if not, he has to cover the difference if that is his choice because has other top end schools offering lots of money that he could choose from, along with UCLA, UCB.</p>
<p>As far as financial aid, you know the financial aid is complete when you get your hard copy. For merit aid, as I said, there have been surprise additions of scholarships in mid-April and beyond. </p>
<p>For student loans, if you are asking about direct Stafford unsubsidized, he is eligible for up to $5,500 freshman year. The application process generally does not start in May - loan applications typically go in during June and July. He would not be eligible for Federal student loans of approximately $30,000 (the difference between UC and USC costs) - he is limited to $5,500.</p>
<p>Parents may request up the the COA in Parent PLUS (loans though they must qualify for the loans) and again, the process usually does not start in May - it is a bit later.</p>
<p>If you are planning to get private loans, I am not familiar with those timetables. I do know that you would have to co-sign the loans.</p>
<p>In any case, the scholarships awarded at this point range from about $2,000/year to $5,000/year, leaving at least $25,000/year to be covered, or a total of at least $100,000 in debt over 4 years. That would be a terrible burden for a young person just starting out. If it were my child, I would take USC off the table and steer him to one of his other wonderful and more affordable options.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Isn’t the school still sending out Dean’s scholarships which are 1/4 tuition?</p>
<p>It sounds like alememom is saying Dean’s are out.</p>
<p>Private ed loans actually attractive in our case. Rather than us putting out that big chunk now, cosign and and pay off 4 1/2 years from now. In our case rate so low, we can make more on investment of $, great advantages to them actually, but we have business connection with our bank.</p>