<p>Are Thematic Option invitations only sent to Trustee and Presidential Scholars, or do Dean's Scholars have a chance of getting them as well? Does anyone have any personal experiences of somebody who only got a Dean's Scholarship getting a TO invitation?</p>
<p>Alternatively, do National Merit Finalists get a Thematic Option invitation when they are upgraded to Presidential Scholars?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>-Sal</p>
<p>You do not need an invitation to apply. If you think Thematic Option is for you, APPLY!
[Thematic</a> Option > USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences](<a href=“http://college.usc.edu/thematic-option/]Thematic”>http://college.usc.edu/thematic-option/)</p>
<p>Email and ask for a brochure and application: <a href=“mailto:thematicoption@college.usc.edu”>thematicoption@college.usc.edu</a></p>
<p>I heard that those who were invited had a much higher chance of getting in, though.</p>
<p>My son was not invited because he was a Spring Admit, but when he got bumped up to Fall admission he requested an application. He was a NMF. Once they realized he was seriously committed to doing the work, and capable of it, they let him in on the spot (at orientation in the summer). He has had a wonderful experience in TO.</p>
<p>So, you have to be a scholarship recipient to be invited? Or are many other students that have high stats invited?</p>
<p>No, you don’t have to be a scholarship recipient to be invited, and you don’t have to be invited to apply (and be accepted).
[Thematic</a> Option > USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences](<a href=“http://college.usc.edu/thematic-option/]Thematic”>http://college.usc.edu/thematic-option/)</p>
<p>Okay, good. 
If I get into USC and attend, I really think TO would appeal to me.</p>
<p>Just so you know, TO is also commonly called Traumatic Option.
It’s challenging, but as FauxNom above says, it’s a wonderful and rewarding experience. Very much worth it according to my D and her friends.</p>