While the merit scholarship program, granted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, could be the largest merit-based scholarship program offered at USC and does not require any separate application, you will find some merit-based scholarships placed on by various groups on campus offering scholarships to hundreds of students every year. Some teams that award such scholarships consist of the Latino Alumni Association, the Black Alumni Association, Town and Gown (for Southern California residents), the Lambda LGBT Alumni Association, etc. These merit scholarships do indeed require a split application in addition to your application for admission, and as the deadlines are approaching fast, you might desire to think about applying to any that pertain to you. For the list that is complete of scholarships and due dates, please visit USC Scholarships and download the PDF in the bottom of this page.

The one that we wish to emphasize could be the Norman Topping scholar Aid Fund (NTSAF). The reason of this scholarship would be to provide low-income students whom have demonstrated a level that is exceptional of service a chance to simply help fund their higher education at USC. But the scholarship spans beyond the financial reward: NTSAF works to make a support system for its scholars through use of academic success seminars, monthly faculty lunches, basic advising, as well as a research break program complete with snacks and masseuses!

The number of the award is significantly diffent for each Topping Scholar in line with the USC Financial Aid Package she or he receives, and is meant to be utilized in combination with any continuing state, federal, and/or USC aid. It is vital to note that first-generation university students (meaning neither parent graduated from college) aswell as local area applicants get consideration that is primary. However, this scholarship just isn’t limited by these groups that are aforementioned.

Eric Watkins, a junior from Republic, Missouri majoring that is double Political Science and Public Relations, is a present recipient associated with the Topping Scholarship. In highschool, Eric was a residential district organizer for Obama for America, where he canvassed the roads of his hometown registering voters and garnering support for our now second-term president. Eric also founded a group that is livestrong his high school, where he aided organize fundraising events that earned money for cancer research.

When asked about how the Topping Scholarship has changed his life, Eric says: ‘For me, Norman Topping just isn’t a scholarship, but a grouped family; a support system composed of fellow students, faculty and mentors. The built-in network that the Topping Foundation provides certainly helps guide the often daunting transition from high school student to college scholar as a first-generation college student, I’ve learned to utilize that support system.’ Aside from the monetary award. Eric states becoming a member of the ‘Topping Family’ has led to other possibilities at USC: he’s become a mentor and frontrunner to other low-income, first-generation students inside the community.

Eric has some sound advice for future USC and Topping applicants: ‘find approaches to harness the relationships you have with teachers and counselors. Great teachers and counselors can help you reach your goals.’ Eric also notes that it is critical to find service possibilities you are passionate about, in spite of how big or small those passions might appear.

For more detailed information about the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, including information on the application process, please visit NTSAF.

Between the Trojan Family and the Topping family members, students have access to endless help systems at USC. Fight On!

Holiday Season in Review: A Photo Journey

2013 is already well under way within the working Office of Admission as we continue to read applications. Like our pupils, our staff enjoyed a break that is nice shmoop online essay writing service coming into the workplace to commemorate the holidays with family and friends. In order to provide you with a better idea of how our staff spends time down, We’ve gathered a pictures that are few emphasize the different activities (and climates!) we experienced throughout the holiday season that is recent.

Jessica Howard exhibited her Trojan character as she skied in Colorado, while Becky Chassin enjoyed a vacation in Cabo, Mexico.

One of our brand new blog contributors, Jomar Gomez, dropped down to 1 leg to propose to their girlfriend. (She stated yes!)

While Yamilet Medina Lopez posed near a snowman in Mammoth, Kenley Turville sledded with her household and dog in Utah!

Samantha Schreiber experienced the wonders of Italy, which included visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa and pizza that is making!

Sean Ohira, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, shared a view that is amazing their trip house throughout the holiday breaks.

Like lots of our staff, Anne Aubert-Santelli enjoyed the snow within a household journey to upstate New York.

Finally, our esteemed Director, Kirk Brennan, shared this photo from his travels to nj-new jersey.

We hope it was relaxing and you were able to spend quality time with loved ones wherever you spent time over the holidays!