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Incorrect. USC is need-blind in admissions for US students. (See post #3 of this thread.) For International students, however, there is a US government requirement that you submit a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support <a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergr...0910/Form8.pdf[/url]”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergr...0910/Form8.pdf</a> (see post #7 of this thread) before USC can send a letter of acceptance. I don’t think it would “enhance” your chances because it is required of all International applicants.</p>
<p>International students are admitted at a slightly higher rate than US students (approx 27% International vs 24% overall), but International students tend to be a very well-qualified group, so the slightly higher rate doesn’t really add up to an advantage. <a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0910/FreshmanProfile2009.pdf[/url]”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0910/FreshmanProfile2009.pdf</a> USC is very interested in geographic diversity, so being from a country that does not typically have a lot of applicants might be an advantage for a very well-qualified applicant.</p>
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nanaboom, what you are saying does not make sense. USC awards merit scholarships to the students they most WANT. They are under no obligation to award a scholarship to you simply because you apply by December 1st, so how do you imagine it would “hurt” your chances to apply by that date? </p>
<p>The process: They go through all applications received before Dec. 1st. They set aside those they are considering for scholarships - which is a tiny percent of the 35,000+ applicants. Those students are admitted and invited for interviews in late February and early March (USC assists in paying for your trip if you are invited, so don’t rule it out). January 11, all remaining applicants - those received by December 1st and January 11th - begin to be evaluated for admissions. There is NO penalty for applying by December 1st. None.</p>