<p>Are you saying that the only thing standing between you and USC is a few dollars? Not the fact that you got into Stanford? Have you publicly stated anywhere (hint: CC) that USC is not your first choice school? A lot can go into who gets offered money, and yield is one factor. Don’t be bitter, if you want to attend USC, call admissions and ask them if there is any chance to be bumped up for more money. Tell them you don’t want to be forced to attend Stanford due to a lack of merit money from USC. At the very least, they will hear you out. But, if all you are after is an offer of money that you intend to decline, then don’t be bitter if USC recognizes that and chooses to pursue students for whom USC is first choice. If you are smart enough to get into Stanford, you are smart enough to understand how USC admissions might play the game of getting as many top students as possible. Good luck, whichever school you attend. Fight On!</p>