theReach

Did any undergrad applicants get one of these or can tell me if I should apply for one? I keep getting emails from it.

Lightja

I've gotten two e-mails about it, and once my forms are done I'm definitely going to apply. It doesn't hurt to try and get more money in my opinion, but I don't know much about it either, I'd be interested if people knew more about it.

oxolojo

drats! no emails about this are sitting in my inbox. stinky stink stinky.

Lightja

well it says it's for people with financial problems, so they may not send e-mails to people that they assume wont qualify, and that I do know. However, I think you can still apply if you think you might have the level financial need that they're looking to assist.

funnypunjabi

i havent got that email, where do we apply?

oxolojo

I still need to file my FAFSA. That might be why, but I would definitely need aid to go to USC.

Lightja

I haven't filed my FAFSA yet because my parents' forms dont get here til late jan, I think it depends on what you put on your application for a general guideline for financial need or w/e, also I'm a first gen. college student, and that's one of the things they prefer, so maybe they contacted me based on that.

This was the E-mail:
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Dear Prospective USC Student,

As a current 2010-2011 USC applicant, I would like to bring to your attention a wonderful opportunity for you to finance your education at USC. The USC Norman Topping Student Aid Fund (NTSAF) is a unique scholarship program that provides tuition assistance, academic development, community service programs, and exceptional funding opportunities to entering USC students.

The purpose of the Fund is to assist students with high financial need who demonstrate an extraordinary level of community awareness in their pursuit of higher education at USC. Initiated by a student referendum in 1970, the NTSAF is the only student-initiated, student-funded, primarily student-administered scholarship in the nation. Applicants residing in areas surrounding the University Park and Health Science campuses, in addition to first-generation college students, are given primary consideration in the selection process. Please note that the scholarship is not limited to these populations.

If you are admitted to USC and selected as a USC Topping Scholar, the scholarship will be renewable for the duration of your undergraduate career as long you remain in good standing with the Fund. The amount of the NTSAF award is based on your individual USC Financial Aid package. Please note the deadline for submitting the online Topping Scholarship application:

Freshman applicants - February 12, 2010

Please visit our website at USC Norman Topping Student Aid Fund for updated program information, current services, and to access the 2009-2010 instructions and online scholarship application. Feel free to contact us at (213) 740-7575 or ntsaf@usc.edu if you have any questions.

We look forward to receiving your USC Topping Scholarship application!

Sincerely,
Christina

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Personally, I'm not going to apply because I don't have like any community service, and that's basically what they're all about, not to mention you have to go to all of their events, and probably have to do community service while in college, as well as maintain a certain GPA. Also, financial need must be greater than or equal to the cost of tuition.

Georgia Girl

The letter gives some information about the Topping Scholarship Fund. Keep in mind along with the funds, if you are chosen, there is academic support and the honor of being selected for a competitive scholarship.

These scholarships are not loans. They may be part of a financial aid package, but the Topping Funds are essentially grants.

If the university has suggested you apply for this Topping Scholarship I urge you to take advantage of the opportunity. The website shows photos of current scholars and gives more detailed information. Call 213 740 7575 if you have questions.

theReach

I received an email from Norman Topping Scholarship long before I filed my FAFSA, so its not that.