FAQs: I Wasn’t Named a Scholarship Finalist… Now What?

In late January, notifications were sent to applicants who applied by the merit scholarship deadline. Approximately 1,000 students were invited to interview for USC’s Presidential and Trustee scholarships. It was an exciting opportunity for some; however, the majority of applicants received an update that they are no longer in the running for merit-based scholarships but are still being considered for admission to USC.

We understand that this update might raise some questions and emotions, and we want to help you navigate what it all means for your USC journey if you were not selected to interview for a Presidential or Trustee scholarship.

Q: Why wasn’t I named a scholarship finalist?

A: The scholarship selection process is incredibly competitive. This year, over 40,000 students applied by the scholarship deadline, and a very select few were invited to interview for our Presidential and Trustee scholarships. Our decisions were based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors. Ultimately, with a limited number of awards, we weren’t able to invite all the deserving students to interview for a Presidential or Trustee Scholarship.

Q: I wasn’t named a scholarship finalist. Is this because I didn’t submit a test score (or because of my test score)? Can I change my testing plan now?

A: Not at all. USC is test-optional, and students who applied without test scores were not and are not disadvantaged in the selection process. Our decisions are based on a holistic review of many factors. At this point in the review process, we are unable to change your testing plan.

Q: Can I submit additional materials to have my application reconsidered for merit scholarships?

A: Our scholarship decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Some students received admission decisions but did not get a scholarship or an interview for one.

If you were not admitted in the EA round and you submitted the deferral form, that is all we need to confirm that you are still interested in an offer of admission from USC. Do not submit additional materials, letters of continued interest or letters of recommendation. Your application is still under review for admission to USC, and you’ll receive a final admission decision by April 1.

Q: If I’m named a National Merit Finalist but wasn’t admitted during the scholarship round, can I still receive a scholarship from USC?

A: Yes! If you’re admitted to USC as a first-year student, named a National Merit Finalist, and select USC as your first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), you’ll receive a National Merit Finalist Scholarship. This notification will follow once your name is confirmed on NMSC’s official roster in the spring. Don’t forget, National Merit Finalists have until May 31 to notify NMSC of their first-choice college.

Q: Am I still eligible for financial aid?

A: Yes! Financial aid is separate from the merit scholarship process and is based on financial need. If you haven’t already, submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as possible to ensure you’re considered. Visit our Financial Aid website for more information.

Q: Are there any merit scholarships available to students who weren’t invited to interview for a Presidential or Trustee scholarship?

A: Yes! While these scholarships typically have smaller monetary values, they can still make a meaningful difference. You can find a list of additional scholarship opportunities here. Please be aware that recipients for some of these scholarships have already been notified or that some deadlines may have passed.

Q: I applied to Thornton/Iovine & Young/Kaufman. Am I still eligible for major merit scholarships?

A: Yes! Merit scholarships for these programs are integrated into their admission processes. If you’ve been invited to audition or interview, you’re still under consideration for a scholarship, and final admission and scholarship decisions will be released by early April.

If you weren’t invited to audition or interview but opted to keep your application in the pool, you’ll still be considered for admission to your second-choice major or for the Undecided Major program.

Note: Applicants for Music Industry and Music Composition are not required to audition or interview but remain under consideration for admission and scholarships.

We know the wait for a final decision can feel long, but we appreciate your patience and are grateful for the opportunity to review your application. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to us via the Find Your Counselor link.

Written By: Tyler Swartout, International Admissions Officer – Office of Undergraduate Admission