<p>Barq45, I respectfully disagree with your statement that (outside of a few schools NMSF isnt worth anything).<br>
OP: both UMD and USC are very good schools. Depending on your family’s financial situation, USC, with the combination of merit and need base aid, can be a lower cost option to you. If you end up getting NMSF and eventually become a National Merit Finanlist, then there are many more options open for you and you shall take time to take a closer look at those opportunities.</p>