<p>Hello, </p>
<p>If got a letter saying that if i become a NM finalist, then i will get 1/2 tuition towards USC. I did get finalist, but do i still have to go to Explore Usc AND interview? Or do i just designate USC as my first choice to get the presidentital scholarship?</p>
<p>Just designate and you get the Presidential (assuming you are admitted). Congrats!</p>
<p>To clarify- FauxNom is correct, but if you were invited for an interview, you would definitely want to go to that because you would have a chance for a Trustee Scholarship. If you were not invited for a scholarship interview, you cannot request one.</p>
<p>How long do you have to designate USC as your first choice school?</p>
<p>May 1st is the deadline, and you do it through National Merit. They have info about it in the paperwork they send you when you make semifinalist. Good luck with admissions!</p>
<p>lolcats4,</p>
<p>If you haven't designated USC as your first choice by now, I think it's too late. The deadline was March 1 or something.</p>
<p>Deadline's actually May 31st, but those who have indicated USC was 1st choice by March 1 will be in the "first wave" that USC considers.</p>
<p>ok excellent. If I get in I'll change it from the state school I applied to.</p>