<p>I am both- I live near USC and am first-gen.</p>
<p>Well it says the website targets students who are first gen and live near USC, so maybe they sent it out to people who fit those criteria?</p>
<p>I am neither… unless my mom’s two-year degree doesn’t count against first gen? I live out of state though.</p>
<p>Please go to the USC website and click on Norman Topping Student Aid Fund. The page will explain more about the benefits and support for those selected. According to the page students who live near SC campuses and are first generation college enrollees are given primary consideration. Some may be selected with great financial need who do not live near the SC University Park or Medical campuses. Photos of Topping activities can be found on their facebook page.</p>
<p>Benefits include:</p>
<p>Mentoring
Support by the Topping Student Aid Office
New Scholar Breakfast
Topping Scholar Retreat
Faculty Student Luncheons
Academic support through the office before and during final exams</p>
<p>One requirement is 20 hours of community service per semester.</p>
<p>Director of the Topping Student Aid Fund office is: Ms. Christine Yokoyama</p>
<p>Yeah, I did look at it, but I’m not first-gen, I don’t live near the campus, and my need is not going to be equal to or greater than the total cost of attendance, one of the requirements. I was just curious if it meant my application was being seriously considered or if it was just a blanket email sent to any applicant that fit the bill.</p>
<p>It’s a blanket email. I’m a transfer and I got one. I barely submitted my app last week. I can guarantee you it has not been considered for admission yet. I’m assuming They sent that email to applicants that fit the criteria listed for the award.</p>
<p>the packets should have gone out today, anyone notice a change in their admissions status?</p>
<p>In the past several cycles, the online portal status did not change for several days after the mailing of packets. I would not expect this to be different this year. The first reports of scholarship interview invites are usually reported by those living closest to USC (those in the greater LA area). Northern CA usually follows the next day.</p>
<p>Was it confirmed that the packets were mailed today?</p>
<p>I think there was speculation that they would go out today, but only the admissions office knows</p>
<p>No one has reported receiving anything yet- simply speculation at this point and it seems a little bit early given the past few years.</p>
<p>I would assume not so you don’t drive yourself crazy. When they have been sent in the past there is no doubt - someone sees them leaving the office or something more certain like that and it is posted here, versus this speculation. While exciting, it’s also a stressful time, don’t start freaking out at the mailbox earlier than necessary!</p>
<p>Mailmen must hate this time of year! :)</p>
<p>“I’m telling you Larry, next time I see these big ol’ packets, I’m going to keep 'em for myself.”</p>
<p>The past three years they have gone out on the wednesday of this week.</p>
<p>Anyone knows how long it takes for it to get from USC to Northern California Bay Area?</p>
<p>I feel like things might go out later this year, given the issues with the Common App changes and the difficulty schools had trying to download materials</p>
<p>@procracumber… Last year, packets hit Norcal the day after the first reports of Socal getting theirs. But it could take longer, so prepare for that, sometimes the mail just isn’t 100% predictable as we all know!</p>
<p>My USConnect status has said the following ever since I received my login info. Is it supposed to change if I’m being considered for scholarships? I submitted my application on Dec. 1, but my SAT scores arrived about a week late…Also, when I notified them and sent them a copy of my unofficial scores when I realized that the official report would be late, the admissions officers wouldn’t give me a direct reply as to whether or not I would still be considered for a scholarship. </p>
<p>You can track the status of your application here. Check back periodically to see any new information that is requested. Please be aware that all final admission decisions are sent via postal mail. If you are using the Safari browser on a Mac computer or iPhone and experiencing problems viewing a message, please try an alternate browser such as Chrome.</p>
<p>We have received your Common Application and USC Supplement, and it appears we require no additional information at this time. We will be reviewing applications through the month of March, and we expect to be able to meet our commitment to notify freshmen by April 1st. We often like to see the mid-year grades of freshman applicants. If you have not already done so, please submit your final, fall term marks when they become available. Submit a Mid Year Report school form, or click “Mid-Year Grades” in USConnect. Sometimes, in the course of our review of applications, we find that we need additional information. In such cases we will email a request. If you receive a request for more information, please respond promptly.</p>
<p>Just found this now…holy smokes I didn’t know we would hear this soon for scholarship applicants…</p>
<p>good luck. I’m so nervous. :O</p>