<p>moshot,
USC is need blind in admissions. I spoke with the head of the financial aid office at an USC information/reception held in Atlanta for prospective students. There was a short meeting with alumni after the reception was over.</p>
<p>It was clearly stated the financial aid office did not even see any applicant forms until AFTER admittance. </p>
<p>As of this date there have been no reports of Dean’s, ethnic, certain alumni, Associates,
leadership or Town & Gown scholarship notifications.</p>
To expand on Georgia Girl’s post, the merit aid and need-based aid processes work independently at USC. The admissions office, the schools and departments select their merit scholarship awardees and give that information to the financial aid department. Aid packages are then coordinated with the merit aid included - for the Trustee, Presidential, Dean’s, Director’s and some others, that means USC grants will likely be reduced. For the University Scholarships and departmental awards, often the work/study component is replaced by the scholarship.</p>
<p>At NO time does the financial aid office transmit or communicate to admissions, schools or departments the private details of the financial aid applications or financial status of applicants or their families.</p>
<p>In the case of scholarships such as Norman Topping (NTSAF) that specifically state they are a combination of merit AND need, you had to request to have your financial need information included with that application and give your permission for them to do so.</p>
<p>There is no need to make your commitment deposit until late April - it is due May 1st. Accepted students can make the much smaller $45 housing deposit and apply for Thematic option without making the commitment deposit.</p>
<p>While it is not “binding,” it is non-refundable if you change your mind, and it is not really “good form” to deposit to more than one school - they have to make their plans for the upcoming year. Also, at USC there is the issue of offers of Spring enrollment - it may be that someone offered Spring enrollment can be moved up to Fall, but they would not know that if you have made a deposit without clear intention to attend.</p>
<p>Again, there is no need or advantage to submitting your commitment deposit now - hold off until late April.</p>
Thanks to you both for taking time to explain things to the newcomers.</p>