<p>In the past, getting or not getting that letter meant nothing.
In the past, USCconnect and the USC website stated that SOME students will be asked for mid-year grades but encouraged everyone to send them anyway.<br>
If it says THIS YEAR year that all students will be asked, then that is new.
Last year, one student we know got the letter and was rejected; another never got the letter (but sent in his grades anyway) and was accepted.</p>