<p>I find these boards so useful, so I just wanted to put this thread out there for future applicants. Perhaps our situation was unique, but just in case it wasn't...
My D decided to apply to USC late - and sent her application in a few days after the deadline for merit. She emailed her admissions counselor to explain the somewhat unique reason the application was late and although we didn't expect much, but we still crossed our fingers and kept them crossed until yesterday.<br>
Although my daughter got 20,000 - 30,000 in merit from most schools she applied to (except the Ivys - who sadly do not give merit) - she only received $3,700 from USC. Again, not a total surprise - but perhaps helpful to future applicants who find themselves in our shoes.</p>