<p>So yesterday I got trustee, and so now im in the process of trying to compare it to other schools. The only real benefit of the scholarships i know of is obviously the financial one, but can anyone address any benefits that it can have when finding research opportunities, internships, or if anything else is organized to assist merit scholar winners in particular?</p>
<p>Well, as you mention, the main benefit is that your tuition is paid - for this year it is $40,384. The Trustee Scholarship is not a fixed amount: if tuition goes up, your scholarship will be increased to cover it. So over four years it is worth *at least *$161,536. You also become eligible for “exceptional funding,” which is for units beyond the typical 18/semester. For example, if you choose to take classes over the summer - or a summer study abroad program - the tuition portion may (the program would have to be through USC) be covered by your scholarship up to 8 additional units. (Each extra unit would normally cost about $1,300, so that is worth up to $10,400. </p>
<p>The other MAJOR benefit is priority consideration for Thematic Option.</p>
<p>You also are automatically a member of ATPS [Trustee</a> and Presidential Scholars](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/arp//scholars.htm]Trustee”>http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/arp//scholars.htm) , and there are events availble there. </p>
<p>As far as research opportunities, ALL USC students have incredible opportunities for research. It is what you do as a student from the day you arrive on campus that will most impact your opportunities for research.</p>
<p>*Presidential Scholars receive all the same benefits, but tuition is covered for 1/2 the amount - so your exceptional funding is for 8 half-units. You cannot exchange that for 4 full units.</p>
<p>**Just found out about a program to allow any student - not just Trustee or Presidential Scholars - who have at least a 3.75 in 32 units total (12 of which must be at USC) and are pursuing multiple degrees (Double major or major+minor) to take up to 20 or 21 units per semester for no extra charge. [USC</a> Academic Achievement Award | Undergraduate Education](<a href=“http://undergrad.usc.edu/renaissance/achievement_award.html]USC”>http://undergrad.usc.edu/renaissance/achievement_award.html)</p>
<p>The Trustee Scholarship is the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship at USC. This designation will mean you will be part of the Associated Trustee and Presidential Scholars, ATPS. This designation will be recognized by employers after graduation.</p>
<p>ATPS brings together the two groups of scholars for academic, social and cultural events. A nice part is there are no structured meetings or dues. In Marsh 2010 ATPS students went to a retreat at Catalina Island, toured the Wrigley Institute and also had snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and hiking available. There was no cost to the students. </p>
<p>In the spring members have a special luncheon with the university president. SC is very involved in community service and ATPS members participated in two service projects.</p>
<p>Another benefit is special attention given to Trustee Scholars when applying for highly competitive scholarships/fellowships such as Rhodes Scholarships. </p>
<p>Trustee Scholars have the opportunity of choosing the honors dorms.</p>
<p>Keep in mind SC is a private university. As a Trustee Scholar you will receive about $160,000 for tuition. This money does not come from the government. Alumni or friends of the university have donated these scholarship funds out of their own pockets. </p>
<p>I know there are other advantages. Perhaps a present Trustee Scholar can add to this list.</p>
<p>Congratulations.</p>
1 Like
<p>Speaking as a Presidential Scholar (half-tuition), I can definitely attest to the value of the Trustee scholarship. Tuition is free. FREE. You can take extra classes above the 18-unit limit and not pay a penny. This is great for when you’re full up on academic courses for your major, but you want to add a 2-unit fun class like sailing or ballroom dancing, or perhaps a class in another subject area that you’d simply like to learn in.</p>
<p>Is stuff just going to be handed to you on a silver platter? Besides your tuition, no. Having a Trustee scholarship gives you more opportunities, sure, but falls upon you to actually take those opportunities.</p>
<p>And the retreats are awesome, by the way. I just got back from the Catalina retreat and I am so incredibly jealous of the students who get to spend a whole semester at the Wrigley Institute taking classes and doing research. Everything is better out there: the instructors are happier, the housing is better, and even the dining hall food is amazing! Last year’s retreat was at a camp up at Big Bear, and it was almost as good (with better food though, I’ll give them that).</p>
<p>By the way, the Catalina campus is open to all students, and the cost for doing all the activities is low low low.</p>