<p>I am a Pennsylvania Resident, finishing my app to USC tonight. I have a 3.91 GPA and a 30 ACT.</p>
<p>This should qualify me for some merit aid, right?
Can I receive merit aid WITHOUT being in Honors?</p>
<p>My daughter, a USC freshman also from PA, had about the same GPA and scores as you do (perhaps a point lower on the ACT/low 1100s on the SAT) and she did not receive any merit aid. Keep in mind, however, that the current Freshman class at USC was the most competitive class that the University has ever had; perhaps this is the reason. I will tell you that she did receive some local scholarships which did help. With or without merit aid, she could not have chosen a better school and home away from home. She thoroughly enjoys everthing about USC. I wish you the best.</p>
<p>S's year (2006/07 entry) there was a poster here whose D received an out of state merit award (McCormick I think) without being in Honors or Capstone.Maybe she'll read this and respond with her D's stats.Her D chose to go elsewhere though USC was a major contender in her consideration.
Any merit award is enough to get you eligible for in state tuition status, which makes USC a real bargain.
You can still be considered for Capstone w/o doing the Honors App.Maybe that program will appeal to you?</p>
<p>Based on your GPA and ACT numbers, you should receive merit aid.</p>
<p>I have been trying to figure out if my daughter will receive any merit aide - her USC re calculated GPA is 3.8 and her SAT's 1240 (580 CR, 660 M)
Yeah - it's the in-state tuition we are going after -
Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I am a PA resident as well and I had basically the same stats as you (except for a 29 on the ACT) and I got a $2000 scholarship. But with this scholarship I also received instate tuition which is basically like a $13000 scholarship in itself. I am NOT in honors; however, I am in Capstone which is like a lesser, easier version of honors.</p>
<p>so admissions at USC is rolling then?</p>
<p>And can anybody provide a link on this policy where any scholarship entitles an OOS student to in-state tuiton? Thanks.</p>
<p>Academic</a> Scholarships</p>
<p>All Non-resident Scholarship descriptions end with this statement...a very nice benefit.</p>
<p>All nonresidents students receiving this scholarship receive a reduced tuition benefit as well.</p>
<p>In addition to scholarships awarded by the University, be sure and check with the College/School to which you have been accepted about any scholarships they may have. If you receive a scholarship of at least $500 from them, you may also be eligible for the tuition waiver.</p>
<p>what exactly is a "Reduced tuition benefit?</p>
<p>Well, for out-of-state students, if anyone receives a scholarship of at least $500, then that student would pay instate tuition instead of the usual out-of-state tuition. In the case of USC, it's like a $14-15k difference.</p>
<p>When we visted for the open house this fall we were told the minimun was $250 ...</p>
<p>but the amount doesn't really matter. Any academice scholarship qualified out of staters for in-state tuition. It is part of the reason applications are up and USC is attracting quality students.</p>
<p>We were also assured that in-state and out of state students compete against each other - they are held to the same standards in admissions.
I don't believe there is a quota on numbers of oos students as there is in other states (UNC- cough, cough).</p>
<p>The tuition waiver requires a minimum $500 scholarship per year. A $500 scholarship would be allocated over two semesters, $250 each semester.</p>
<p>Thanks again for all the replies....Last question.</p>
<p>I submitted my application on November 28th. Will I still be able to qualify for scholarships or was this too late?</p>
<p>studentathelete
didnt see your post until today.the only deadline you missed was for the Honors College/Carolina Scholars/McNair Scholars, which was Nov 15.
they state on that app that they wont consider apps for those scholarships passed that date, but will consider the app for Honors College admissions passed that date as space considerations dictate.
all other scholarships,which if awarded would make you eligible for the reduced tuition rate, are considered from the regular admissions app and you didnt miss that deadline
best of luck to you!!</p>
<p>Do you have to apply for regular merit aid - which might qualify you for in-state tuition - or do they just select people for it from the data on their applications?</p>
<p>Your application and stats are all you need.</p>
<p>If you have a great ACT or SAT - top 1 or 2%, do they demand comparable grades? Or will such a strong score qualify you in the absence of bad grades?</p>
<p>They use a grid; they have GPA/Test Scores on a grid. Higher test scores may be able to offset a slightly lower GPA but I wouldn't think that a 1400 plus SAT and a 2.9 would necessarily be looked on favorably since it might imply that someone underachieved in high school.</p>
<p>They told us the way the grid worked when we visited in 2005 but also told us that the information they gave us was based on the previous year's class and that they anticipated a higher bar (which did happen the last two years); you might call admissions and ask them if they could offer some clarification.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>S's year (2006/07 entry) there was a poster here whose D received an out of state merit award >></p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>DD is that student. She received the McKissick Scholarship. She had 1230 combined CR/Math SAT scores, was top 5% of her HS graduating class, AP Scholar, excellent essay (commented on by the adcom), and aggressive courseload...plus strong commitment to EC in music. </p>
<p>She did complete the honors college application (a LOT of work and time) but did not get accepted into honors or capstone. So...at least in 2007, you could get a "named" scholarship and NOT be in Honors or Capstone.</p>