California merit

USD does give 25k scholarships, I don’t know how many but I know a student who got one. Very attractive campus. Quality Jesuit education. I also know someone who got the Presidential at Chapman 25k IB program and good scores but not super high as your dd.

For USC, you could browse the forum to see what the students who got the Trustee and Presidential looked like. There should be a thread with results and ‘stats’. Although I too know high stats kids that didn’t get any of that, or invited for the interview, but did get need aid, it may not be only stats, it is likely strong stats but something in the overall student profile. So just because you have 34 doesn’t rule you out. If there is something special maybe that is what they are looking for. A mover and shaker type, a special talent etc.