I was selected as a Johnson finalist but I didn’t get the Johnson. They gave me a different kind of scholarship though- one that is basically a full ride all four years. Does anyone know what the W&L Scholar is- does everyone who was accepted in W&L (ED or RD) get it? I think everyone who was a Johnson finalist got it, just different amounts based on need, yet it is classified as a merit scholarship. W&L is my cheapest option right now- my other top choice is USC. Should I still go to W&L even if I didn’t get the Johnson?
Are they both affordable?
Is USC CA or SC?
Have you visited both campuses? Impressions?
What are you studying?
1 Like
Why does one need the Johnson to go to W&L. They give to 10% of the students.
Sure it’s great - but so is being a student there as a full ride which you claimed.
Can you afford USC?
Do you want a large school in a large city or a tiny school in the small mountains and a small town in Virginia?
If both schools are affordable, choose the one you like best.
If W&L gives a full ride to everyone as a Johnson finalist, it’s not likely merit as they meet need. They have full tuition scholarships too - and you likely don’t know what all others got - and it doesn’t matter.
Both are fantastic schools - so even if the price were the same, two kids could pick different ones.
If you’re asking if one is superior - no. Is one superior for you? Yes but only you can decide which is.
2 Likes
USC is 30-40k/year. My parents say they would be willing to pay for it if I want to go, but I feel like W&L is a smarter choice, especially in the long run.
4 Likes
I’m planning on studying Business and International Relations. Also, University of Southern California. I was also thinking about law school, but I don’t want that to change my decisions since I might not end up going.
I’m a bit confused by your question. Since you say you received a full-ride why does it matter if it was through the Johnson scholarship, a grant or some other scholarship? Obviously there are a few Johnson perks you would not have, such as the experience stipend, but otherwise the end result is essentially the same.
Since both are affordable, which campus did you prefer? They are very different so I would expect most to have a preference.
If you were dead set on law school (or med school or grad) and funding that was a concern, I would have a budget discussion with your parents about applying undergrad savings to the post grad plans. If that was the case, I’d give a tip to the lower cost option. But as it seems it is not, it really comes down to your personal preference.
If you ask specific questions, we may be able to help you more.
3 Likes
I’m not familiar with a merit scholarship with that name and don’t see one on the website. I do know that merit is not automatic for students who do not get the Johnson. I know two full pay current students who were finalists but did not get the Johnson. And I know several who did not get the Johnson but were able to attend due to the generous need-based aid.
Bottom line, no, everyone does not get that aid package. So big congratulations to you!!! 
5 Likes
If W&L were full or mostly paid, I’d pick it over SC in a heartbeat even if my parents were willing to pay.
If you’re going to law school, both will work just fine. Doesn’t matter.
I’d probably pick W&L even if cost were neutral. But I like LACs and have a somewhat unenthusiastic view of LA. So that’s a subjective POV.
Sorry; meant to reply to the OP.
2 Likes
It is, also subjective, the nicest small school in America 
And you roll down the hill into a cool little town with good eats.
And while I don’t know if it’s relevant, there’s a recent thread on SC/Syracuse and a lot is devoted to safety - and frankly, SC came out looking good but there’s caution to be had in the surrounds. I imagine you need caution anywhere but I would think Lexington overall is safer. Just a hypothesis though - nothing to back that.
W&L is heavily Greek - but @DramaMama2021 has spoken about that on many threads too and you can probably find one if that’s a concern - I think the gists of her posts is that it necessarily shouldn’t be.
2 Likes
I’m not sure what you mean by “necessarily shouldn’t be”.
My comments have been that Greek recruiting is more casual and inclusive than the stereotypes many think of when Greek life is mentioned.
But the OP hasn’t asked about Greek life, campus culture, academic offerings or anything specific yet. So I’m holding off with more details until I understand what information would be most helpful to them.
5 Likes
S24 was also a Johnson finalist but didn’t get it in the end. W&L did offer him a merit scholarship named “W&L Scholar” as well. It was pretty generous, but not full pay. I would say it covers 2/3 of CoA. He is into IR & Global Health, plus premed.
If you are getting a full ride based on the merit scholarship alone, go for W&L. Plus W&L has a law school, all the better.
4 Likes
Yes - I’m saying for someone who is concerned with Greek life that the gists of your posts are that maybe they shouldn’t be - which you just confirmed.
Yes, it’s hard to guide OP if they just give you two choices and the reason not to go to W&L is because any ex Johnson gets a full ride - so it lessens its appeal (not what I’m saying but what they intimated).
1 Like
My student was a finalist, but did not get the Johnson. There was a scholar award offered, but definitely not anywhere close to full ride. If he had received even closer to 50% COA, he would be enrolling at W&L in a heartbeat. Even with an Ivy acceptance and a full ride elsewhere. I think it is best to consider what you like specifically about each school, if you see yourself thriving in one environment or the other (since they are quite different), and remove the Johnson factor from the equation.
3 Likes
Assuming that USC is affordable, it basically comes down to whether USC is a $120-160k better fit (academically, socially, etc. other than financial) for you.
2 Likes
What are you looking to study? If you’re seeking a job in creative media, 'SC is probably your best bet. If you want to work in politics, W&L has some amazing internship programs in D.C. W&L’s finance network is on with USC.
Here was the big thing for our DD: do you want to attend a school with 2000 kids or attend basically college city. W&L has a few nice restaurants and a really cool bar but “downtown” isn’t really set up for student social life the way as compared to certain other schools.
As someone who considered both of these schools, it’s going to come down to what you want to study and how comfortable you will be seeing the exact same people just about every day.
1 Like
If the COA was the same for either school, which would you choose ?
Have you informed USC of your need-based scholarship from W&L ? If so, then ask USC to reconsider their financial aid offer if you prefer USC. Otherwise, accept W&L offer since you plan to attend law school.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.