Is it necessary to apply for FA for someone interested in Merit only scholarships? Any forms need to be filled out?
I can’t speak to the initial scholarships, but I can tell you that my D was awarded a half-tuition Presidential scholarship, and then later also received an additional University Scholarship. The University Scholarship was awarded from the financial aid office. She would not have received it if she had not applied for FA. And we did not qualify for FA based upon family income, so the University Scholarship really had more of a merit component though awarded through FA Office.
Thank you @vistajay DD will not qualify for FA, but she will only be able to attend USC if she gets substantial merit aid. She most likely will be a NMF. Do we have to submit both forms in order to be in the running for large merit scholarships? I believe the deadline is in February.
I suggest that you call the USC financial aid office and ask for clarification about required paperwork. With a high stakes outcome in play, I’d trust their staff first and foremost.
You are absolutely right @mamaedefamilia I will call them tomorrow.
Do note if your student is accepted and is a National Merit Scholar SC offers a half tuition scholarship. In addition, there is a $1000 per year scholarship. From what I have read here many of the individual schools add an additional smaller merit scholarship. National Merit Scholars MAY also receive alumni scholarships given by a particular school.
My frosh D is NMF and received from USC half tuition, $1000 per year stipend, and additional $3875 per year University Scholarship. The FA package included the University Scholarship first, then was updated to include half tuition and the $1000 once USC received first choice election paperwork from NMC.
@vistajay Congratulations! This is great. Did you have to file FAFSA and CSS Profile?
yes we did