USC class of 2023 Applicants Thread

did anyone get the dean’s scholarship or anything?

@fanofthemcu My S19 received the dean’s scholarship. As I posted the other night, he was not asked to interview for scholarships. He received his acceptance to USC last Saturday.

@gungablue I also got a small “university scholarship” and I would also love to know what that means and if that is renewable or not. I wasn’t expecting anything, so it was a nice surprise, but I don’t know what it means or if I am guaranteed to get it every year.

Is there any reason that a scholarship student would not want list McCarthy as their first choice dorm? My son is trying to decide whether to go for McCarthy or to forego the honors housing and go for New North. Thanks.

@kdew01 @gungablue Within your financial aid summary, university grants are basically need-based gift aid. It would be listed within your financial aid summary under the Gift Aid section under grants.

If you are talking about something different… an actual scholarship… I do not know what that is or the nature of your qualification. But those are usually recurring as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA.

University Grants are based on your financial circumstances this year… and it is generally renewable if your financial situation stays the same. It can actually go higher or lower based on how the overall family income and financial situation alters over time. If you do not predict any changes over the next three years, then the university grant level should stay the same or actually increase a bit to cover new higher charges.

Basically… USC FA calculates your ability to pay as they see it & set an expected family contribution #. That is based on income of both parents + existing net assets or equity. They then work backwards… offering federal work study, the maximum amount they can for federally backed loans… and then they apply any federal grants. Whatever # is left-over, they just do not charge you… by in essence applying an university grant for that amount. But they would also apply any scholarships received to the # they would have provided as Gift Aid. Your EFC does not go down necessarily if there was going to be applicable need-based aid in the mix. They will apply it there first.

@lkbux64 Everyone’s wants related to housing are different. Some want a typical dorm setting with a perceived higher social index and are willing to forgo A/C and private baths to gain such. Others want A/C and private baths and as much space as possible. USC Housing at least offers a variety of options… from very basic no frills dorm style rooms with community baths and no A/C… to Suites and Apartments. I would study the various floor plans and amenity descriptions carefully before deciding.

@WWWard @CADREAMIN Thanks so much for all your information and support! We really appreciate. Can you tell me what the best (most comprehensive/exciting) revisit program is? We already visited, but are considering making the trek back from the east coast.

@DorothyDay You’re welcome. In our case, once both of my daughters saw USC at least once, we skipped other events and just attended summer orientation. In my older daughter’s case… her first visit was the admitted students weekend. Her second was orientation. My younger daughter, having already seen the campus, simply went to orientation.

Do any of you know where to connect with recent admits like a facebook page or something?

There is a link in your portal to connect with admit students with facebook. @tdampadu

@WWWard – this is definitely not need based aid so I’m still confused. The student in question also received the Trustee, so it was an added bonus to this. I’m super grateful for the Trustee, but in comparing offers, I’m trying to figure out whether this is renewable to get a sense of total cost.

Just another random thought, does anyone know how they come up with a travel budget of $553? Maybe this is average taking into account the west coast and CA kids, but it’s going to be a LOT more than that from across the country.

@filmmomvt completely understand you. Our family’s situation is even worse. My S missed the deadline for scholarship and we don’t qualify for financial aid. This $70000+ per year may keep us away from USC. Too bad!

D missed the National Merit Scholarship by just one point.

So, Two Kids with private college about 160K per year…

@lkbux64 for social reasons. It comes down to a trade off of physical comfort for social opportunities. Sure you will meet people in either. But there’s no disputing you will meet more people in an open door traditional dorm than a closed door suit style. Just have to decide what is important to them. We are old and intolerable, some kids could be happy in a tent - it all about the adventure. I would let him decide if he has researched it enough. The kids know what they want, parents always want the shiny new, the kids may not care about those things. Also high stat amazing kids are everywhere at USC nowadays, it’s not like some schools where there is more of a separation in achievement and programs offered. It’s just a housing choice at USC.

@f2000sa I’m in the same boat as you with twins (1 who missed NMS by 1 point despite taking SAT 1 week earlier than PSAT & scoring 1560 in his 1 & only SAT sitting). This process SUCKS…

Even though RHP kids no longer automatically receive deans we were still hoping they would give it to this group since they changed their policy day before deadline. My D will still get National Merit years 2,3,4 I guess as long as she does well in the fall. I saw somewhere that we will have to submit grades from USC? Does anyone know how National Merit works with RHP kids. Also is missing admitted students day a big deal? She wants to go to Prom and unfortunately it’s the same day.

if FA is requesting further documents, is there any chance I still qualify for scholarship/grants/other money?

Anyone here still not get their financial aid package? My kids’ portals still say “Under Review”. UGH.

Does anyone know if there are more Deans awards coming or if those have all been given out?

@lakergirl6232 FA asked for additional documents from us on Monday. When I asked when we will get the final aid letter, the rep said around April 1. I guess I’m not holding my breath that we will receive good news. My D also missed PSAT SI number by 1 point to quality for NMSF. It’s in the past and we can’t dwell on it. If the numbers don’t work out, we will move on to other options.