I am currently struggling with a dilemma.
I applied to UChicago in the EDII round after being deferred in EA. Last week I received an email from USC telling me that I have been selected to interview for the Trustee and Presidential scholarships.
UChicago has always been my first choice, but a full ride would make me choose USC. If I do not receive a Trustee scholarship I would rather go to UChicago if admitted.
If I were to change my decision round to RD right now would that negatively impact me? Is that the right move in this situation?
If you pull out of ED2 I think your chance of acceptance is slim to none so you have to weigh the risk reward. If you don’t need the scholarship Id probably stick with the ED2 and pull out of USC if accepted and be happy with the opportunity if Chicago doesn’t work out.
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Congratulations on your acceptances!
USC’s Trustee scholarship is not a full ride. It covers full tuition, but you would still be responsible for student fees and housing.
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Is U Chicago affordable or would you be reliant on aid?
You might call USC anonymously and find out the odds of achieving an award.
You’re not the first in this situation.
Maybe they can let you know if it’s worth your while to move off U Chicago. If 10% earn the full tuition, then maybe it’s not worth the risk.
Also, ask your family - they may say - stick with Chicago, we’re willing to pay.
This is one of those - I say kiddingly - you hope you get rejected - just so it makes your SC decision easier…but I know, Chicago is your tops. And that matters!!
You win no matter what you choose - both are fantastic.
Best of luck.
The email sent to finalists said, more than half who interview will receive a Presidential (half-tuition) scholarship. Roughly 12% will receive the Trustee (full-tuition) scholarship and roughly 12% will receive a Deans (quarter-tuition) scholarship.
Ahhh -
so now it’s - if you get half tuition - it’s $33,500.
Would you go to USC?
Before you said full ride- but it’s not full ride we’re told - it’s tuition - so let’s say $67K - this year $66,640 - could be $68-69 next year. Is that enough? You have a chance - 1/8 - good but not great.
If you were only going full ride, then keep what you’re doing - Chicago ED and interview.
If you’re a full pay student, ask your family. They may say - for $33.5K and the odds are good, you can’t ED. Or at $67K.
Or they might say - the money doesn’t matter - stick with Chicago.
They are paying - let them help in the decision.
Are you a National Merit Semi-Finalist? If so, you are guaranteed at least the half-tuition scholarship and will be interviewing for the full-tuition scholarship. That increases your odds a bit.
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I would ride it out personally. If you get the trustee scholarship at USC and that makes it your top choice, then you can call Chicago and withdraw your app. If you get into Chicago then call USC and withdraw from consideration for the trusteee scholarship.
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Not sure if it matters but USC merit scholars don’t find out which scholarship they receive until late March. Last year they were notified on March 25.
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