@chucknblair honestly there’s probably no way to tell one way or another. The scholarship selection seems to be kinda random. Good luck though! I’m rooting for everyone on this thread.
Hoping the best for everyone on this thread! Just a few questions… First of all, to be considered for the merit scholarships that come out in the next couple of weeks, do you have to be a national merit scholar? Because unfortunately I didn’t test well back when I took the PSAT, but managed to climb significantly with my SAT and ACT scores in my junior year. Along with that, do any of you know just how much an interview might factor into the admission of a student? Thanks for anyone’s help, and wishing nothing but the best for everyone!
@extraordinarypc you do not have to be NMSF for these scholarships. Look at last year’s thread for more but being NMSF is no guarantee of getting accepted OR of getting these scholarship notifications. (Of course, if an NMF gets in and designates USC the top school, they are guaranteed half off tuition but that’s separate from these.)
does NMSF increase chances of getting in significantly?
@Easyhoon - I don’t think it increases chances of getting in by itself. However, NM semifinalists/finalists are typically students who have pretty solid apps. That being said, you can also have a great app without having received a great score on the PSAT.
I hope if does not decrease chances since they are obligated to give half tuition off.
If we do not receive the scholarship, will we get a letter in the mail saying that we have to wait until March/April? Or will we just get no news?
You will get a letter no matter what the decision is. I believe the letter comes later than the packages. Don’t quote me on that.
Yes you will get a letter a couple days after the packages come out saying “no scholarship for you, but you are still being considered for admission.” No rejection letters till spring.
There use to be a week between packages and “no scholarship letter” causing people to have a nervous breakdown wondering if their mail was late or lost, hoping for that scholarship, etc., so it seems in recent years they have tightened it up so the “no scholarship letters” arrive closer to the packages.
The package is an obvious big gold and red package - the no scholarship letter is a standard letter in a white envelope. Good luck all!
Parents, I suggest this every year, sorry if old news to some - it is great if your student can get the mail (granted when news is good). It is their reward after years of their work and rather than just handing it to them or texting the news at school where you miss the reaction, seeing them get it out of the mailbox or come running in with it is a priceless once in a lifetime moment. Totally worth making them wait for it…just like those sappy commercials 
If you sneak a peek just don’t tell them. 
@CADREAMIN When I was in 8th grade and had to apply to attend a specialty high school, I was so excited to open the letter. And then my dad called while I wasn’t home and opened the acceptance letter himself-- I told my parents to pleaaaase never open my acceptance/rejection letters again. They did the same thing when I got into governor’s school -_- I’m probably not gonna get into USC, but it’ll be my first time actually being able to open the letter myself, so there’s that.
Hey guys, I forgot to hit submit last night. It’s not a huge deal to me since I’ve already applied to a list of schools that I am very satisfied with, but I still wanted to ask: is it worthwhile to apply late?
If it helps, my dad received a Masters from USC in '98, and my SAT/ACT/Rank&GPA are all solid: 2070(760 in Math), 32, top 6%, etc.
I’m sorry man 
But is that possible?
Try to see if it will let you submit it. Email the admissions office afterwards. If you submitted all other materials you may be okay
The USC website is vague on the topic, stating that late apps “will be considered late and may not be considered for the term in question.”
Does that mean I should just forget it, or should I apply and hope they will review it?
I would submit it and call them. The longer you wait the worse it is
@pterosprite - I so hope you get that big gold envelope and a chance for your own moment!
A top mom moment — we are sorta rural, so mailbox is at end of driveway…I pick him up from school and stop at mailbox and he grudgingly gets out to get mail as usual - I can still see him opening the mailbox door, must have caught the glimpse of the big gold envelope, then looking back at me with his face just lighting up! Of course with college confidential, I knew they were coming but didn’t let on to him at all. Other kids come running crazy into their house, call mom/dad screaming…tons of these fun stories out there. There are many moments our kids are happy, then there are moments like these which are a totally a different level of crazy happy.
Good luck everyone, hope you get the magical moment you want. And remember if you don’t get in now, you may get that package in March. And when it doesn’t work at USC, that is because there is another wonderful plan in the universe for you.
When I go to the application tracker page, under recieved documents, it only has my counselors letter of reccomendation on file. Then it says “secondary school report” with the description “–we would appreciate recieving either a letter of recommendation written by your counselor or one of your teachers…”. Is this my teacher reccomendation that’s just not labeled “Teacher reccomendation”? I hope this isnt a stupid question, I’m just wondering if I should ask my teachers to resend their letters!
Were the letters uploaded to common app successfully when you sent in your application? Because all that stuff should be electronically delivered once they receive your common app. How many did letters of recommendation did you submit?
My two teacher recs and school report are all listed as received and were uploaded to the common app months ago, and I’m getting the same message when I click the little info button on the right… I’m not worried about it, but if you’re concerned it wouldn’t hurt to email USC.