Whether it’s officially stated or not, I prefer my alma maters strongly consider DI. Stats of course aren’t everything.
It amazes me when people believe that universities are always being truthful when checking boxes in the CDS or when making declarations about financial aid.
Clearly, (as others have mentioned) understanding the university’s mission and being familiar with the department for your intended major, curricula, campus culture, etc. IS demonstrated interest. In that sense, virtually all universities should check that box in the CDS. Why do folks assume that it means just visiting the campus?
Similarly, do you really think that any university would admit an entire class that requires financial aid? No, of course not. So, no university (even those with huge endowments) is truly need blind. The box about financial aid on the app could be suppressed by so-called need blind universities, but it isn’t. Ask yourself why not.
It cuts both ways. USC has become tremendously more selective in the past 20 years and (to my surprise), competes with Harvard and Stanford in fundraising – something that will pay prestige dividends over the next few decades.
On the other hand, it still suffers from the “U of Spoiled Children” moniker for those who don’t follow higher education trends.
I expect that moniker to slowly die, assuming USC continues to ascend as it has been.
@JohnInLA USC may compete with Harvard and Stanford in fundraising but its financial aid still seriously lags the Ivy League and places like Pomona. From experience I know that at the Ivies your EFC is much lower and there are loads of grants for internships, travel, winter clothing, health insurance etc. USC isn’t yet playing in that league.