<p>I thought it looked bad on USC's part for CC'ers to wander into this forum and immediately get bombarded with all of those "Horrible FA" threads, so I decided to start this thread to prevent horrified future USC applicants from scurrying away before they really looked into the wonderful university that is SC.</p>
<p>I'd like to repeat: The purpose of this thread is just to show that USC can be extremely generous, despite the issues some acceptees currently have with the FA office. It's for the benefit of future applicants as well as for those who truly cannot make sense of why they got what they got in FA, so it can serve as a tool to determine whether you should appeal. However, do understand that everyone's financial situation is different and even if your EFC may be similar to that of someone who posts on here, there may be other circumstances causing your aid to be smaller.</p>
<p>For those who did not get enough, I am very sorry about your situation. I can understand what it's like to get accepted to one of your top choices and then be forced to pass it up due to financial reasons. I've got several close friends who are in the same predicament, and I wish so much I could do something about it for them. BUT, know that even though you may not end up at USC, you can still be just as successful in life and have just as much fun at your future school. College is what you make of it after all, right?</p>
<p>To future applicants: PLEASE research financial aid before you apply to colleges. It will save a lot of trouble and potential heartache. Many kids apply and get in to schools thinking they can worry about the finances later on...Well, when later on comes around and you have your heart set on somewhere you can't afford, it really sucks. I knew my parents could not afford much money for my education, so I applied to my preferred schools that had the best financial aid. And it worked out. But ALSO, get familiar with how financial aid works so there leaves no room for surprises. Even if a school has "great financial aid," if your family makes a lot of money, it's very likely you won't get a whole lot. The best thing to do is to sit down with your parents NOW, and go through the research process together. Know what you will be able to afford, and while you cannot predict the amount of aid a college will give you, if you're well-informed you'll know what to expect. Lastly, CHECK OUT THE FINANCIAL AID FAQ THREAD! If you just read the first few pages that alamemom has so wonderfully put together, you'll save a lot of time asking the same questions that have already been answered.</p>
<p>So...to those of you who received satisfactory financial aid from USC, I need your help :)</p>
<p>Please post the details of your packages (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.)!</p>