I’m a National Merit Semifinalist (pending finalist status) and applied to USC as my first-choice college. If I receive the half-tuition from the NMF Presidential scholarship, can I still receive other minor USC scholarships besides the big four (Stamps, Mork, Trustee, Presidential)?
I just got an email today saying that I wasn’t selected to advance in the selection of the big four, but I was still hoping that there’s a possibility I would get more money from USC than just the NMF Presidential.
Presidential, Trustee, Mork, Stamps, and Deans do not stack. Their total award is subtracted from any FA grant money you’ll be awarded, as well. But many of the smaller scholarships can be added on. But first, in addition to the NMF 1/2 tuition, you will also get a $1000/year scholarship from NMF if you sign up for it. You should search CC from past years to learn more about that, as I think there is an option to turn down that $1K NMF-sponsored award and instead get $2500/year from ?, but my memory is foggy and neither of my kids were NMF. But if you are NMF, and if you are admitted to USC, and if you list USC as your #1 choice by May 1, you’ll be getting some additional money.
Also, many departments/Schools/majors offer smaller awards as well. One of my kids received merit $$ from both of his 2 majors (total about $9000/year). All students should check out the various USC Alumni Clubs and see if there is still time to apply to their scholarships. You do not have to live within their geographical boundaries in many cases, and they often are generous. And of course, any private scholarships or local scholarships will stack.
To conclude, the non-stacking rule involves USC’s Pres, Trustee, Dean’s, Stamps and Mork. They cannot be stacked together. And you cannot stack one of those scholarships on top of a FA grant award, which are based on how USC determines your family’s “need.” If you are granted MORE FA grant money than the merit scholarship, you end up getting the same amount as the FA grant (FA$ minus Dean’s Scholarship amount plus Dean’s Scholarship)–not more.