Is putting deposit good enough for now, or we need to go all the way to choose a roommate to secure a spot?
It’s good to attend Explore, if at all possible. The competitive Presidential often comes with a surprise University Scholarship (Trustee’s get often get this too) of around $2500-4000/year added on to the half tuition as compared to NMF Presidential who will get an additional $1000/year. In addition, coming to Explore and interviewing may give you a chance to get bumped up to Trustee. The cost to attend Explore will be the plane fare (minus the $200 USC will help cover for out of state) for the student, as most other expenses like food and overnight accommodations will be covered.
For those already admitted, registering for housing now is a smart bet. The cost is minimal (around $45 I recall?) and the housing choice priority is key–first registered, first granted their choice of housing. The good part is–you can change your housing choice up to May, so no need to worry about choosing the perfect spot now. The bad part is–if you decide to go to another school, you forfeit that $45. For many, it is worth having assurance of getting the dorm you most want.
a deposit is enough.
@menloparkmom and @madbean - Thanks for the info! Are all scholarship recipients (including NMFs) guaranteed a spot in Birnkrant, though? If they are, it wouldn’t make much sense for me to waste $45 if I’m going to end up in there anyway. (I don’t care about a single v. double or triple.)
There was mention in an earlier thread of a postcard, what is that about? I got a postcard but we threw it out as it was about visiting and I’ve wondered if it was more
You just need to pay the housing deposit- -and you can continue to make changes until mid May. It is non refundable, but worth it to secure your first choice housing option. There are only so many slots in Birnkrant and whether you get a slot depends on when you paid the deposit (and whether all the slots are actually filled by scholarship students who want to live there). That said, D waited to make a decision until almost May 1 and wouldn’t deposit until then. She still got Birnkrant- although she wanted a triple and got a double. Who knows how it will be this year, but if you can afford to deposit early, it would be to your benefit.
"Are all scholarship recipients (including NMFs) guaranteed a spot in Birnkrant, though? "
no .so that is why IF you want to live among MOST of the other [ smart] scholarship students who DO send in their deposits , its worth sending it in NOW.
Since its only 45 dollars, I am filling out my housing application now to reserve my spot, but I am a little overwhelmed by all the options. I see that choosing Birnkrant is the most popular, but what should I put for my other 4 preferences? Also, should I add some apartment or suite style preferences to my list, or is it best to live in the residential colleges?
Are NMF Presidential candidates allowed to live in Birnkrant as well?
Birnkrant will probably be full by the time regular admissions results are mailed. So if you are admitted early then apply asap, as it is first come first serve.
@southeastkid - I’ve also heard good things about Fluor–plus, you only share the bathroom with your suitemates 
I’m most likely just going to sign up for housing after Explore. That way, I can get a feel for all the options beyond just looking at the website.
@ClassOf2020x - Yep, National Merit Presidential Scholars are given the same benefits as normal Presidential Scholars.
For the mid-year report, do you have to enter your grades yourself and send in an official report, or can you just send in an official report?
you or your CC send in a official report.
Usually your school counselor submits your mid year report via Common App. Or at least thats what my counselor did!
I’m also a NMSF who got Presidential! That’s good to know that we might get an extra few thousand if we do well, didn’t know that. I live in Ohio, so it’s quite the trek, but was going to go to Explore just for the small chance of a bump to Trustee
any transfer students from community colleges that applied to USC ? If so have you gotten accepted or rejected ? and what are your stats ? very curious to know because I am considering USC to major in marketing
thanx !
@stilesstyles Transfer student applications were due Feb 1. They don’t find out till June unless you are reaching out to people from past years…
@CADREAMIN yes I am reaching out to anybody with information on what it takes for a transfer student to get accepted like gpa
Stiles, there is a separate forum for Transfer threads and they usually have an active USC transfer thread going. If not, just search in the Transfer forum and you’ll find a lot of info.
any female applied for industrial engineering?