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<p>Without the green card, USC (California) will not give need-based aid the first year, and all freshman financial aid deadlines have passed for Fall 2011. They are a school, however, that will consider need-based aid in future years even if you did not qualify or apply the first year - so aid in years 2, 3, and 4 might be a possibility IF your status becomes resident alien.</p>
<p>The gap year plan sounds like a good idea at this point - that way you could get your green card and meet financial aid deadlines.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>[USC</a> Financial Aid - Applying & Receiving Financial Aid - Undergraduate - New Students](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates2/newstudents.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates2/newstudents.html)</p>
<p>P.S. If you are OOS, Berkeley is not a good option with or without the green card. The OOS cost is ~$50,000, and you would only be eligible for Federal aid.</p>