<p>At our Explore USC, 2 different financial aid counselors told us (and other parents) that USC does not increase need-based aid or merit scholarship because a student receives a higher merit scholarship offer or a better financial aid package from another school. We were also told that because each college uses their own formula to come up w/ the financial aid package, USC does not look at another school’s F.A. package. However, if a family’s financial situation changes, then it’s a good reason to appeal. One USC F.A. counselor even expressed her frustration to us that she received too many copies of merit scholarship offers that students received from other schools because parents/students wanted a better F.A. package from USC. She said parents were upset at her because USC would not match the other schools’ offers.</p>
<p>This has come up before. I think other highly selective universities will not match SC’s package…if it is better.</p>
<p>Can you imagine thousands of parents negotiating packages from college to college across the U.S.?</p>
<p>Does USC notify recipients of other merit scholarships via regular post mail or email? Cause Im an international student and I received my acceptance package via DHL. And idk if I should wait for anything else. International Post Mail takes like 2months or more here. Seriously. Like I got my letter saying I “wasnt going to get a Presidential or Trustee scholarship, but I was being considered for others” 2 weeks ago but it was sent on the 31st of JANUARY. I just need closure</p>
<p>Charlie101, may I know if you have received a notification for the merit scholarship in the end? Or at the very least, received a notification that you didn’t get one? I am in the same situation as you now and waiting for my notification.</p>