<p>codini, you have an excellent chance of being accepted. I hesitate to ever suggest anyone is a sure thing because we can’t possibly see the letters of rec or read the essays–but barring something weird, you should get accepted. </p>
<p>I understand your interest in chancing for a merit scholarship and that is a little beyond the reach of most of us on cc since we can only look at the stats of winners in the past and try to read the tea leaves. My son was invited to interview for the Trustee last year, went to Explore USC for the interview and was ultimately awarded the Trustee Scholarship. That’s about $160,000, after taxes. This made attending USC possible for my S and we’re even more delighted that he has had a fabulous first semester with amazing professors (he’s in TO and found the coursework challenging, and the SCA which has been great), and a group of smart, talented, and hilarious friends. So basically, all good. </p>
<p>From what we have observed, your chances to be invited for a merit scholarship interview is dependent on the level of applicants in your own major. Some majors/school (like Viterbi engineering, or pre-med) attract a large number of extremely high-stat applicants fishing for a full-tuition scholarship to compare against any future ivy acceptances. USC knows this and most likely uses these merit awards to lure away the very top students to whom the huge merit award will trump paying for an ivy. In fact, a great student from a lower-income household may be able to get almost the same deal or close to in in financial aid from a well-endowed ivy, but the kids from middle income homes are often caught in the middle.</p>
<p>This is a long answer to your original question. Your stats and grades are impressive, and the major you applied to is ultra-competitive for applicants just like you. Your essay, letters of rec, and any independent leadership-quality research you’ve been involved with will probably make a big difference in which of these fine students are called in to interview for the Pres or Trustee.</p>
<p>Best of luck. This is a wonderful school.</p>