My kid was fortunate to be admitted to six elite schools, but only got Presidential scholarship from USC. What is the protocol to appeal? We like USC, but it does not make any sense financially and prestige wise to attend it on Presidential scholarship.
I don’t think there is one… 
If your child attends the on-campus interviews for the scholarship, there is a small chance that he or she may be bumped up to a higher scholarship level.
I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the Presidential scholarship either. A half tuition scholarship is no joke. In addition, make sure you look at the entire financial situation for attending a school, rather than just tuition.
That time has passed, the interview should have been done and they didn’t feel inclined to offer the Trustee to your student. They had all the information they needed at that point to make a decision. Process is done. Sounds like you have 5 other schools to consider, congratulations. Hopefully they gave you offers you can afford.
However, two years ago, several weeks after my son was awarded the presidential scholarship, he received two more merit scholarships–one from the business school and one from the university. During my son’s interview for the presidential, he was asked what would it take to get him to attend USC. He said he’d love to be a Trojan if the finances could be worked out. We were completely surprised when his financial aid page was updated in April with two more merit awards. So, ultimately, he came close to the Trustee level of merit support.
Be happy you were given a scholarship lol
Does not make any sense financially or prestige wise to go to USC on a presidential scholarship? uh, ok. Apparently your student didn’t meet the criteria of a USC Trustee. Time to move on.
OP, the Presidential award is prestigious enough; I don’t think that should be an issue.
However, if you can’t afford it, then yes, it’s not worth taking out big loans for. Did you apply for financial aid?