@MM6364 , My son got a NMF Presidential Scholarship. In addition to the presidential, you get another 1 or 2 k each year, just for being a National Merit Finalist. (I can’t recall the exact amount. If you win one of the NM 2500 Scholarships, I think you are better off declining it, because it is a one-time reward, whereas the award through USC is renewable. But check with NM Scholarship Corporation to be sure.) After his freshman year, my son also got a generous SCion scholarship, which is for children of alumnae, but that is from the Alumni Association, not USC.
There may also be awards from various departments. Will you get scholarships enough to make up the second half of tuition? No. But every bit helps. Also, USC will meet your need. Some of that might be loans, but my son got generous grants as well.
The difference between grants and scholarships is that the grants are based on need and that can vary from year to year, so nothing is guaranteed. But, as long as you maintain your grades, the scholarships aren’t going away.
@couplemoreweeks , The SCion scholarships vary. I don’t think they are offered for incoming freshmen any more. Son #1 got a couple thousand per year. Son #2 is getting 7k per year.
I know you are all losing your mind waiting for the mail this week, I think it is like waiting for Christmas to come when you are 4 years old. Luckily my S doesn’t go on CC so is oblivious that they are coming out this week, and I’m saying nada.
Something to pass the time…a question that may seem obvious - would you rather get the packet or an email notification? And particularly for those that already got the packet, was it really super fabulous to get it in the mail or would it have been just as satisfying getting an email?
I think the parents like the old school way, but I wonder, is it still cool to wait and get the package to those that are students?
@CADREAMIN I’d rather get the results online (or at the very least, an update on the portal at a predetermined time that is clearly stated on the USC admissions website) because I would probably go crazy waiting for a package in the mail from USC and hoping that I would get extremely lucky and obtain an invite to interview for a scholarship. I picture myself waiting behind my glassdoor for the mailman, shedding tear after tear as he fails to bring my beloved, yellow packet. sigh.
@CADREAMIN At the end of the day, I think I’m old fashioned and prefer getting that packet in the mail because its so exciting not knowing and then getting one in the mail by surprise, but right now not having any clue if a packet is coming or not is what is driving me insane. I realize that my entire argument just collapsed on itself haha. If it was like regular admission where I knew for certain that something was coming I’d be in a little better state but with the update letter and the select few admission packets (which sound SO beautiful and amazing) coming a few weeks apart its terrible… Nevermind my entire post doesn’t make any sense haha I JUST WANT THAT ADMISSION PACKET FROM MY DREAM SCHOOL haha why does this scholarship have to be so competitive and selective haha
@CADREAMIN I definitely find myself torn. Of course there’s a part of me that just needs to know RIGHT NOW, but I can’t deny the special moment that comes with tradition. Either way, an excruciating wait for all! Haha
