<p>I don’t mean to throw fuel on the fire, but Columbia_Student is saying something that bodes true in our (albeit anecdotal) experience. Student 1 w/ superior GPA/rigor, test scores and ECs gets less merit money than Student 2 w/ good (but lower than 1) GPA, rigor, test scores and ECs from same HS. Student 1’s parents’ profile put him in an obviously financially comfortable situation. Student 2’s does not. FAFSA and Profile not filed yet for either, Student 1 checks “not filing for FA”, Student 2 checks “filing for FA”.</p>
<p>Or maybe Student 1’s essays sucked. But I’m just saying this is a business that looks at all angles. Can we get this kid at full pay? At the end of the day USC wants to recruit the top students they can while footing the bill.</p>