<p>Here’s what I would do if I were you…</p>
<p>Name USC as your first choice, but I would also apply to a school that gives a huge NMF scholarship as a financial safety (a school that doesn’t require being named #1 until spring). </p>
<p>Then, if for some reason your other choices won’t work for whatever reasons…didn’t get accepted, didn’t get a good FA package, have an unaffordable family contribution, etc…you will still have an affordable financial safety with a big NMF scholarship. :)</p>