<p>National Merit Finalists get a half tuition scholarship to USC. In the letter I received, it specifically said, “If you are admitted, named a National Merit Finalist…you will receive a USC Presidential Scholarship.”</p>
<p>Now, in the housing application it says, “If you are a Trustee Scholar, a Presidential Scholar, or In USC’s Thematic Option or Resident Honors Program, you are eligible…” for the Dean’s Halls.</p>
<p>I called USC today and spoke to a guy who didn’t seem to know what was going on. He was quick to tell me that I’d get a half tuition scholarship, but then said I wouldn’t be a Presidential Scholar. He said (in a way) that I would not be eligible for the Dean’s Halls.</p>
<p>Is there a separate distinction between regular Presidential Scholars and NMF Presidential Scholars?</p>
<p>Should I call again and hope to talk to someone more knowledgable?</p>
<p>Or, should I put the Dean’s Halls down as one of my housing choices, and let the housing committee decide whether I’m eligible or not?</p>
<p>Thank you for any help. It’s much appreciated!</p>
<p>i think you ought to put it down. the worst that can happen is that you won’t get the dean’s halls. you can try seeing if there is anyone more knowledgeable that you can talk to, but my guess is that there is no set-in-stone rule and they make exceptions. </p>
<p>actually, i know for a fact that they occasionally make exceptions, so i don’t think you’ll lose anything by putting it down.</p>
<p>I’m a NMF Presidential Scholar, there is no distinction between us and those who got the scholarship through an interview. You are free to apply for Dean’s Halls. I lived in Trojan freshmen year. I would also recommend that if you are interested you should apply for TO, even if you didn’t get invited you can still be accepted. All that being said I didn’t particularly enjoy my Dean’s Halls experience, but I really like TO. Your mileage may vary.</p>
<p>I’m on the other end of the spectrum from jessetfan: I enjoyed my Deans’ Halls experience (but in Marks Hall), but I dislike TO (but I’m still doing it).</p>
<p>
Parkside isn’t really a dorm; it’s either suites or apartments. It’s much better, but you pay for it in terms of housing costs. Take a look at both places and then choose.</p>
<p>Yes, NMFs ARE merit scholars & can apply for & live in Deans Halls. My S chose not to apply for them (chose & got Pardee instead) but his friend who is a NMF applied for & lives in Troy. The friend liked it, but not enough to apply to live there for sophomre year, tho some kids do apply to live there every year.</p>