D is a NMF, and can receive a 1/2 Tuition scholarship, but we know it will not be enough. I ran USCs Net Price Calculator, and it was the worst aid of 12 schools D applied to! Should she just withdraw her acceptance now to give a spot to someone else, or has anyone been VERY pleasantly surprised by USC’s Financial Aid package?
Why would you withdraw I don’t understand the point of that. Your daughter already did all that work in terms of filling out the application, so what benefit do you get from withdrawing. Why don’t you just wait and see what they offer you… You’ve really got nothing to lose.
You already paid the application fee, so you might as well see what they offer. Look at the other threads here - NMF’s also get an extra $1000/yr I think plus she might get another departmental or other merit amount of a couple thousand tacked on.
As far as taking someone else’s spot, all accepted NMF’s will get the scholi, and USC and other schools factor yields into the number of offers they give out for merit scholarships. They know everyone will not accept.
I would just mentally withdraw, it sounds like you know aid is not going to make up the difference based on your income and assets. Thinking you may get 1/2 tuition in grants or other free money is unrealistic, unless you count taking out loans as aid. I don’t call this aid, we can get loans plenty of other places. If staying in the game is going to keep giving your S hope in an unhealthy way and put you in an awkward position, move on mentally and close the door. But doesn’t hurt to let them send you the info, might be a surprise or a good laugh if nothing else.
If your daughter is a NMS and has other qualifications to be admitted to SC, I suggest she apply for the many merit scholarships available locally. In my own community there are scholarships publicized by civic, religious, historical, fraternal, business and others that have very few applicants. Some of these may not even require an essay.
For example, I am a member of a local group that awards college scholarships based on merit. These do not require an essay. We were surprised when only six applications were submitted for the two grants to be awarded.
Did your daughter get an interview opportunity for the presidential (half-tuition) or only the NMF?
Initially I was only offered a half-tuition scholarship, but after I interviewed they bumped me up to Trustee.
Also, I believe USC is one of the most generous universities out there when it comes to financial aid - I recommend waiting for that FA letter to arrive before doing anything, as it makes no sense to withdraw until you have all the information.
I agree with everyone else. Why withdraw at this point? You might as well see what they have to offer. Good luck!
@Arctic92 D did not get an interview or invitation to ExploreUSC. Only the letter stating that if she advances to NMF (she did) and places USC first, she will get the half-tuition scholarship. Maybe their FA will turn out to be generous, but the Net Price Calculator sure did not show that. And it would have to be an excellent package, because D already has a full ride offer from a similarly-ranked school.
@Arctic92 If you don’t mind, could you elaborate on how you got your scholarship bumped up?
Is your daughter admitted in the initial round?
@Byebyebirdie
If you interview well enough and they have a spot for Trustee then they’ll bump you up. It depends a lot on luck.
Yes, she was accepted in the early round.
If she has no burning desire to go to USC then you should look elsewhere.
I know a student who later on after acceptance was offered a large yearly scholarship from Marshall- I think $25000 . If your daughter was already accepted, that means she is wanted and you may be surprised in the coming months. Wait and see because - why not?
They’re basically looking for fit, potential, and enthusiasm - Show that you’re really into USC, that you’d do well there and that you’re driven, and that you’re a personable person and if they like you enough, they might bump you up to ensure that they get you