National Merit Finalists

<p>can anyone tell me if NMFs who apply after the december 1st deadline, but designate USC as their first choice, are still eligible for the half tuition award?</p>

<p>If admitted, National Merit Scholars are eligible for the half tuition scholarships which SC awards. Also given are NMFoundation scholarships in addition of $1,000 per year. You do need to state SC as your first choice university, but that does not have to be until late April after you have studied your other choices and financial packages.</p>

<p>Another plus is your scholarship will “follow” if you decide to study abroad while you are at SC. This is not always the case at other universities.</p>

<p>A recipient must take 32 units per year and maintain a 3.0 GPA or above. </p>

<p>There are hundreds of scholarships for continuing students. If you enroll at SC and shine academically you MAY become eligible to apply for one of these at the end of your freshman year. Use the search function to find my long posts about continuing student scholarships at USC. I have not completed the list for all the various schools.</p>

<p>ok thanks… so, the dec 1st application deadline for scholarship consideration does not apply to NMF? </p>

<p>that is the one bit of information i couldn’t find confirmation of on the USC website. it seems like that would not be a fair requirement since NMF aren’t even announced until well after that deadline.</p>

<p>You are correct, but it would certainly be good to get your application in as soon as possible.</p>

<p>thanks for the clarification. i am actually a junior graduating early so national merit stuff doesn’t apply to me. i did get my app in before the deadline and am hoping for merit aid consideration. : D</p>

<p>i was asking on behalf of a friend who is a NSMF and will likely be a NMF but wondered if it was even worth it to submit the application at this point. your response helps a lot so thanks again!</p>

<p>Bella,
Are you applying for the Resident Honors Program? If selected and you enroll SC will award you a Dean’s Scholarship, which is 1/4 tuition. That does not mean you may not qualify for a larger scholarship. Resident honors program selectees take part in the challenging Thematic Honors program.</p>

<p>As you noted SC does consider the National Merit Finalist scholarships after the usual Dec. 1 deadline. </p>

<p>Do remember SC is a private university. These scholarships are not given by the government. Every dollar has been donated by a SC graduate, foundation or friend of the university.</p>

<p>In addition, students who enter USC early (RHP) and are awarded NMF (they would be notified in their freshman year), will be upgraded to the Presidential (1/2 tuition) for each year following (Soph-Senior). So it will still pay off.</p>