Should I even bother applying for USC's merit scholarships?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

I’m an international student who can only pay 20k/ year. So I’m really conflicted right now whether I should apply to USC. If I don’t get the Trustee Scholarship, there’re no way I can afford the school, since USC doesn’t give financial aid for international students. (Actually, I’m applying for a competitive outside scholarship that’s worth 30k. But I won’t hear from them until March, so I can’t know anything for sure right now.

I know that it’s extremely competitive to get the scholarship, and those who are offered scholarships are HYPS-caliber students. I already finished the supplemental essays, but I still hesitate to submit the application (with $80 fee - my family is poor so I can’t decide rashly). Do you guys think if I should apply?

Here’s my stats:

  • Asian female majoring in Computer Science
  • GPA: 4.0 UW
  • AP Physics, AP Cal, AP Biology and Advanced Chemistry during junior year, and AP Computer Science, AP Lit, AP Stats, and Multi-variable Calculus at a local university. (That’s basically what my high school offers. We’re not even allowed to take AP classes until Junior year)
  • SAT 1570/2320 super-scored, ACT 35, SAT Chem 780, Math II 780
  • Essay: Risky, but really well-written. About how I got introduced to CS and created an application.
  • Supps: Should be decent.
  • Recs: Decent --> Great (?!). My two teachers adore me. Guidance counselor’s might be generic.
  • ECs: Leader of Art club for 3 years, Founder and leader of Science Bowl, Built an educational website, Math club, Soccer Team (haha not varsity though .... ), Calligraphy (performed in a large event where officials attended once, but it was in my home country, not US), Key Club (minimal role). The usual stuffs, nothing really stands out.
  • Volunteering: About 100 hours or so? Mostly tutoring or art teacher.
  • Awards: 3rd place at 2 state-level math competitions, another economic state-level award, third place of a hackathon event in my home country ( I was the youngest participant, and 1 of the only 10 females), AMC school winner twice, but not qualified for AIME, AP Scholar, and some trivial school awards.

Thank you!

2

I don’t see any reason not to apply, as long as you recognize that the chances of winning Trustees are about the same as getting accepted at Stanford or Harvard .

3

You seem like a competitive applicant, so you should at least try. Is there a way you can get a fee waiver?

4

I don’t think so, because it seems like only those who are eligible for the Federal Reduced Lunch something, or SAT/ ACT fee waiver, can get a application fee waiver. I’m an international student, so my parents don’t pay US federal taxes, and the usual guidelines won’t apply. But thanks though. I’ll still apply, although I’m not that confident about my chances :smiley:

5

No one can be confident about the Trustee’s scholarship, and it is thoughtful of you to be concerned about the $80, which many applicants are simply donating to USC. Honestly, you are a competitive applicant, but for acceptance in general, I think the Trustee’s would be like winning the lottery. I know many that were accepted with stats and ECs like yours, and many that were not accepted with stats and EC’s like yours. USC is so fickle on admissions. Good for most to have back up plan. But if you can afford to take the chance or will regret not doing so, then go for it, ya never know with them. Good luck!

6

Thank you :slight_smile: I’ll go for it.