<p>The theory is that when the process is so easy to just add one more college to one’s Common App list (from their handy drop down menu), why not? Whether USC constitutes an honest match, a merit award shot, or a Hail-Mary reach, a nervous student now has the impulse option, right? In the past, students would have to find USC’s own app by going to the USC admissions website specifically, which indicates more deliberate selection rather than just adding one more school for good measure?</p>