<p>Even though this thread’s intent was results only, it looks like it’s turning into a discussion, so let me add my point of view. Hopefully this will help future finalists, and is not just a seemingly whiny post on my part. Yes, USC needs to adjust their process in setting expectations for merit scholarship finalists. As it was explained to me, scholarships are doled out to each college and possibly even down to which specific majors. I know my D was 1 of 2 Trustee finalists invited for a specific major in one of the professional colleges where only 1 Trustee was allotted. There was no Presidential and no Dean scholarship to award. We didn’t know this initially, so for 2 months (from acceptance in late January until notification in early April) we figured she had a shot at Trustee, with perhaps worse case being Presidential. Heck, in hindsight, we may have even accepted a Dean’s! So both Trustee finalists showed up for the interview and D only got a Director’s. D was heartbroken. Did she fail miserably in the interview? Did the panel re-think their acceptance of her in the school? </p>
<p>Something is always better than nothing, so I guess we should not look carelessly at a $4000 award. But it sure feels like a booby prize when the school thought highly enough of her to consider her a Trustee finalist. And as the school has reminded me after my many appeals for reconsideration, we should be grateful she was in such a highly select group for consideration. It’s frustrating when it seems like the bigger schools (CLAS, Viterbi) have more wiggle room for their scholarship recipients to make single jumps up/down.</p>