<p>The only guarantee for a major merit scholarship at USC is to be named NMF <em>and</em> to be admitted to USC. Beyond that, USC is a private institution who may give their institutional aid to whomever they choose. And it’s a very tough competition. Therefore, it seems to me like bad sportsmanship when people insult the school for not giving them scholarships. Of course it is disappointing–especially when middle class families cannot qualify for much FA and feel squeezed out, and when their excellent student has worked so hard throughout high school. Be that as it may, we are talking about gift aid and a highly qualified competitive pool. If USC chooses to give it to high SAT scorers or top talent winners or top service leaders or top athletes, how can one predict if one your application will shine brighter than the hundreds/thousands of other equally impressive candidates. To prevent disappointment, and worse–sour grapes–it’s best to try hard and then fully understand the odds. Being selected for a USC Deans, Presidential or Trustee scholarship is equivalent to being admitted to Yale or Stanford or MIT. Many highly qualified individuals are passed over, not because of their qualifications, but because there are a limited number of open spots.</p>