<p>Apply to USC early. I think the deadline to nominate them is March 1st but I am not sure. If you post this question on USC forum, someone may be able to give you a better answer. Here is the link for USC forum</p>
<p>[University</a> of Southern California - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/]University”>University of Southern California - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>They will give you the decisions by April 1st as per the USC website.
*</p>
<p>[USC</a> Financial Aid - Grants & Scholarships - Undergraduate - Freshmen Only Scholarships](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/grants_scholarships/undergraduates/meritbasedfo.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/grants_scholarships/undergraduates/meritbasedfo.html)</p>
<p>NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Amount Half tuition (approximately $19,285)
Number of awards Varies
Notification date By April 1, 2010
Selection Criteria</p>
<p>Selected on the basis of PSAT performance. Entering freshmen are considered if they have been designated National Merit Finalists and name USC as their first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Application process</p>
<p>Students will be contacted by the sponsoring agency.*</p>