As the title suggests, I was wondering how flexible USC is when it comes to negotiating need-based aid. I specifically remember when my brother went through all of this when he was a freshman at LMU, they were very generous and offerred him an additional $5,000 per year after my parents appealed the decision. Right now, I’m looking at about $39k/yr which might be manageable, but I could really use a little bit more. Any current student’s experiences would be very helpful, thanks!
Appeal ASAP. I believe they consider them as they come in. Also provide documentation for one time expenses to increase your cost of attendance budget and sometimes they match it if they’re offering a grant. For example, a film student could claim they need a camera or a comp sci student could say they need a powerful computer. Talking to a FA counselor is the best way to get more info on this strategy.
Tell your parents that it’s like getting audited by the IRS. You want to have all of your documentation together that demonstrates that you’re SERIOUS about this and that you’re committed to USC and just need to plug up the financial side of things. They deal with this all the time and so long as you are honest and forthright - they have good B.S. detectors because too many people are always trying to pull a fast one on them - then they should be able to meet you halfway. The big rule of thumb with financial aid is to just make sure that you document everything.
My experience is that it is very good at saying “no” repeatedly.