<p>I think you are absolutely right that USC has shown, through offering the scholarship and publicizing the number of scholars, that it values National Merit status. In terms of helping with admission, being a finalist certainly doesn’t guarantee it but it probably enhances your application if you also have the grades and scores to qualify. </p>
<p>I also think you’re right that USC has used the NMF scholarships to attract top students. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if USC reduces or stops the scholarships at some point in the future since, as you have stated, the school is now very well regarded and admissions statistics are improving every year.</p>