USC National Merit Scholarship: A Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Deadlines

What is the USC National Merit Scholarship?

The University of Southern California (USC) offers prestigious National Merit Scholarships to exceptional high school students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to qualified students pursuing higher education at USC.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a USC National Merit Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented immigrant
• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at USC
• Have been recognized as a National Merit Finalist or Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
• Meet USC's academic and admission requirements

Benefits of a USC National Merit Scholarship

USC National Merit Scholars receive a comprehensive package of benefits that include:

• Full tuition scholarship for four years
• Guaranteed room and board in a university dormitory
• Priority registration for courses
• Access to exclusive academic and research opportunities
• Mentoring and support from faculty and staff

Deadlines

The deadline to apply for a USC National Merit Scholarship is November 15th. Students must complete the following steps before the deadline:

1. Apply to USC through the Common Application or Coalition Application
2. Submit their official transcript and test scores
3. Accept their National Merit Finalist or Commended Student status

Eligibility for Different Scholarship Levels

USC offers three levels of National Merit Scholarships based on the student's final standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program:

Additional Information

• USC awards approximately 140 National Merit Scholarships each year.
• The value of a USC National Merit Scholarship is estimated to be over $300,000.
• National Merit Scholars are eligible for additional scholarships and financial aid from USC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the academic requirements for a USC National Merit Scholarship?

Students must meet USC's admission requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.7 and SAT/ACT scores in the top 25%.

2. What is the difference between a National Merit Finalist and a National Merit Commended Student?

Finalists are the top-scoring students in the National Merit Scholarship Program, while Commended Students are those who score below the Finalist cutoff but are still among the highest-scoring students.

3. What is the deadline to apply for a USC National Merit Scholarship?

The deadline is November 15th.

4. How do I apply for a USC National Merit Scholarship?

Students must complete the USC application and submit their official transcript and test scores. They must also accept their National Merit Finalist or Commended Student status.

5. How many National Merit Scholarships does USC award each year?

USC awards approximately 140 National Merit Scholarships each year.

6. What is the value of a USC National Merit Scholarship?

The value of a USC National Merit Scholarship is estimated to be over $300,000.

7. Are National Merit Scholars eligible for additional scholarships from USC?

Yes, National Merit Scholars are eligible for additional scholarships and financial aid from USC.

8. How do I increase my chances of receiving a USC National Merit Scholarship?

Students should focus on achieving high academic performance, participating in extracurricular activities, and demonstrating a commitment to community service.