Every year while the merit scholarship program, awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, is the largest merit-based scholarship program offered at USC and does not require any separate application, there are some merit-based scholarships put on by various groups on campus that provide scholarships to hundreds of students. Some groups that award scholarships that are such 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 fast approaching, you may possibly want to think of using to any that pertain to you. For the complete directory of merit scholarships and deadlines, please visit USC Scholarships and download the PDF in the bottom regarding the web page.

The one that we want to emphasize is the Norman Topping scholar Aid Fund (NTSAF). The point of this scholarship would be to provide low-income students who have demonstrated a exceptional degree of community solution an opportunity to aid fund their greater education at USC. But the scholarship spans beyond the financial reward: NTSAF works to produce a help system for its scholars through usage of academic success seminars, monthly faculty lunches, basic advising, and even a research break program complete with snacks and masseuses!

The number of the prize is different for each Topping Scholar on the basis of the USC Financial Aid Package he or she receives, and is supposed to be utilized in combination with any state, federal, and/or USC aid. It is critical to remember that first-generation university students (meaning neither parent graduated from college) aswell as neighborhood area applicants receive consideration that is primary. However, this scholarship isn’t restricted to these groups that are aforementioned.

Eric Watkins, a junior from Republic, Missouri double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations, is really a current recipient of the Topping Scholarship. In highschool, Eric was a residential area organizer for Obama for America, where he canvassed the streets of his hometown registering voters and garnering support for our now second-term president. Eric also founded A livestrong group at his high school, where he helped 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 is not a scholarship, but a family; a support system comprised 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 says learning to be a person in the ‘Topping Family’ has led to other opportunities at USC: he has become a mentor and leader to many other low-income, first-generation students inside the community.

Eric has some advice that is sound future USC and Topping applicants: ‘find methods to harness the relationships you have with teachers and counselors. Great teachers and counselors will allow you to reach your goals.’ Eric additionally notes you are passionate about, no matter how big or small those passions may seem that it is important to find service opportunities.

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, students have access to endless help systems at USC. Fight On!

Holiday Season in Review: A Photo Journey

2013 is already well under way into the working Office of Admission as we continue to read applications. Like our pupils, our staff enjoyed a break that is nice coming into the workplace to celebrate the breaks with relatives and buddies. In purchase to offer an improved idea of how our staff spends time off, We’ve gathered a pictures that are few highlight the many activities (and climates!) we experienced throughout the recent vacation season.

Jessica Howard displayed her Trojan nature as she skied in Colorado, while Becky Chassin enjoyed a vacation to Cabo, Mexico.

One of our new weblog contributors, Jomar Gomez, dropped down to one leg to propose to their gf. (She said yes!)

While Yamilet Medina Lopez posed near a snowman in Mammoth, Kenley Turville sledded shmoop writing essays service with her family members 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 his journey house within the holiday breaks.

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

Finally, our esteemed Director, Kirk Brennan, shared this photo from their travels to nj.

Wherever you spent time over the holiday season, we hope it was relaxing and you managed to spend quality time with family!