Just saw this article on NY times today. Thoughts?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/us/usc-admissions-scandal-students.amp.html
EVERY top U has really rich kids. USC is no exception.
It also has a lot of really smart kids like your DD [ and my DS]
She will find her peeps there. Be SURE to have her sign up for the Freshman Honors classes that are offered to only top students.
re the article- It’s my opinion that right now USC has a large target painted on its back for all reporters.
This too shall pass.
and BTW- I contacted USC regarding this story and they are in the process of fixing the meal plan issue that was mentioned in the article.
Thanks. @menloparkmom This is a big decision. So great to have your perspective and support. 
Glad USC is getting issues addressed.
The national scandal was as they say in the South a ‘hot mess’. Things happen at various Universities all the time. Yes, there are people with money and some rich kids (rich due to family money) are very humble, while some families and young adults sadly only know the money/fame dimension.
As with other scandals, this will have a negative impact on USC - of course USC is a fine University, but it will have an impact.
Quick Update - we got a letter from USC confirming the Presidential scholarship (Tuition waiver of 50%). Thanks for all your support @menloparkmom, @blueskies2day and team.
Need Help → USC is still at 2X of the cost of UW - CS (program is #6 in US), our local university. Big decision for us. She loves their CS-BA program but hard to justify the 2x!
My D missed the Dec 1st 2018 deadline to apply. – Any other ideas or suggestions to get USC to reconsider any other merit-scholarship? It will help immensely!
Any other ideas or suggestions to get USC to reconsider any other merit-scholarship?"
Unfortunately, there arent any additional big $$ scholarships available. And USC does not stack merit awards.
Those who were offered the full tuition scholarship in Feb did apply before the Dec 1 deadline.
Now if she was eligible for FA, and perhaps recieved some, you could ask the FA office the check if that could be increased.
Thanks for clarification @menloparkmom. She did not get any FA.
@menloparkmom are you aware of the CSBA major? Do you know how that compares to a double major / dual degree at UW?
I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that major. My suggestion is to compare the graduation requirements for a CSBA to those for a double major, dual degree at UW.
here is info from USC and links-
https://www.cs.usc.edu/academic-programs/undergrad/
"The combined Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science / Business Administration offers qualified students the opportunity to gain an educational foundation in both areas. Students must meet the admission requirements for both the Computer Science department and the Marshall School of Business. The degree is administered by the Computer Science department.
Degree Requirements (CSBA)
ABET does not currently provide an accreditation option for the Computer Science/Business program."
https://www.cs.usc.edu/academic-programs/undergrad/computer-science-business-administration/
Just to clarify,
USC CS is ABET accredited, the CSBA is half business so it makes sense it is not. I do not see CS at UW under the ABET accreditation website, but just did a quick search, if important to you, here are links for that.
USC:
http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramsDetails.aspx?OrganizationID=165&ProgramIDs=
UW
http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramsDetails.aspx?OrganizationID=61&ProgramIDs=
CSBA is one of the most in demand majors at USC, and the CS program itself is very strong. Obviously CS is strong at UW too. I don’t think you will find more money, so it just depends on how much student wants a certain school, a certain college experience and how much you want to spend to provide that, or ask your student to be on the hook for whether that is during college or after college.
Personally, I think where one attends college is very important to where they end up in life, the connections they make and the jobs they land. They don’t get a do over of those four years, after that it’s on to real life and all it holds. I don’t see it as all about the money, but that opinion varies by person and family situation obviously. There are also differences between a public and private, but you have two excellent choices. Assume you are direct admit for CS at UW? (Just to be sure.)
Yes. Direct admit to UW CS.
@menloparkmom and team thanks for all your help. My D committed to USC CSBA! Yeah!
She is applying at McCarthy Residence Hall for freshman. I see that the move-in date is earlier on August 19th and a retreat on 20th. We are OOS so not sure what time we need to be there on the 19th. Is it ok to land by 1pm at LAX and be at USC by 2pm?
Congrats!!
RE move in day-I would land much earlier than 10 AM.
Move in day is a ZOO, and you’ll need to give yourself a lot more time to get to USC and in the Que for McCarthy Hall.
My strongest recommendation is to arrive the day before.
@menloparkmom Thanks for input. I will check with the girls and see if we can come out on Sunday (night before).
Not sure what we would do without your guidance.
aw shucks!!
just trying to help!