<p>Hello CC...</p>
<p>I just wanted your feedback on a difficult decision I have to make. I live on the east coast, and right now I am debating between USC spring admission and Northeastern with a 16k/yr scholarship. I know it should seem like a no-brainer to choose NEU, but USC has been my dream school from the start and I really want to make it work. I am majoring in EE. Is there any chance that I can somehow bargain with USC to at least guarantee housing or even bump up to fall admit? Thanks for any input.</p>
<p>My answer depends on your financial needs. If you can afford USC do not hesitate for a moment to be a spring admit. I have 2 daughters at USC - one is a freshman and one is a senior. The senior was admitted as a spring admit but felt she didn’t want to miss starting in the fall. So she accepted Emory and decided even before winter break that she would be happier at USC. Best decision she ever made. No shame in Spring admits. The caliber of the class is amazing. You wouldn’t believe how welcoming the community is and how the freshman class can’t wait for you to arrive on campus. And you will have guaranteed housing. One of my freshman daughter’s best friends started in Spring and couldn’t be happier. Northeastern doesn’t hold a candle to USC in every aspect. The reputation of the school, the atmosphere, the people, the weather, the sports, the spirit… My daughters have loved every moment they have been at school and every student I have met feels the same way.</p>
<p>zz,</p>
<pre><code>Have you received your complete financial aid package from SC? Did you qualify for the Town & Gown, Topping or alumni scholarships? These organizations are just now notifying their recipients.
If you can handle the SC expenses why not follow your dream and go to the school you love? You HAVE BEEN ADMITTED! There is a chance you will be brought forward at Viterbi.
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<p>Many students have found the high school senior year to be a pressure cooker. You now have some time to take core classes that qualify for SC, work to earn funds for your education expenses or even start your own business. </p>
<pre><code>Places in freshmen dorms do open up second semester as some students prefer apartment living, others move into Greek housing and many take that semester to study abroad. A number want to switch roommates.
My suggestion is write a polite letter to your Viterbi admissions counselor stating you would be happy to move to fall if a place becomes available. Keep in touch in the next two/three weeks and be positive about your flexibility and desire to attend. Decision Day is not until May 1. You have an entire month before you need to commit to another college.
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<p>Actually USC does not guarantee housing for spring admits…BUT an admissions officer told me last year that they have never not been able to find university housing for all spring freshman. That was a big concern of ours also.</p>
<p>A large number of spring admits were bumped up to fall right around May 1 of last year, OP. If you think you might want to go to USC, send in that card. If I recall correctly the spring admit deposit is not due until July. All spring admits who send in the card accepting the place are automatically put on the list for possible bump to fall. (They are well aware that everyone would rather matriculate in the fall - and if you read the fine print, it asks that spring students not contact faculty and staff at the university begging to be bumped up.) Even if you then decide to accept the spot at Northeastern, you might feel differently if you get that call in 6 or 8 weeks.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the feedback guys. I have not yet received the financial aid package, and I am aware this will be a large factor regarding my decision. However, my parents are very gracious and told me that no matter where I choose, they would make it work financially. The three main concerns I had were the housing, social aspect and on-time graduation. You guys make it seem like the social and housing shouldn’t be a problem, but as far as my actual degree goes, would I be able to graduate with the fall admits without taking CC courses? I plan to have taken 6-8 AP tests (assuming 4’s and 5’s on all) by the time I graduate. Will this assist me in staying academically on track?</p>
<p>My daughter’s friend, also a spring admit, did not go to cc. She worked instead. She came in with AP credits and should have no trouble graduating in the spring with her class. All depends on you and if you change majors, add minors, go abroad. But graduating with your class is very doable and encouraged by the Administration. They really want their spring admits to feel a part of their class - no difference. If you lived in the area, you could take full advantage of the campus by receiving your USC card in the fall - going to games, events, eating on campus…I know of one girl who played club volleyball in the fall before entering in the spring. Spring Admits are welcomed with OPEN ARMS!</p>