While the merit scholarship program, granted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, may be the largest merit-based scholarship program offered at USC and does not need any separate application, there are some merit-based scholarships placed on by various groups on campus that offer scholarships to hundreds of students every year. Some teams 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 separate application in addition to your application for admission, and as the deadlines are approaching fast, you may wish to consider applying to any that pertain to you. For a list that is complete of scholarships and deadlines, please visit USC Scholarships and download the PDF at the end for the web page.

The one that we want to emphasize could be the Norman Topping scholar help Fund (NTSAF). The purpose of this scholarship would be to offer low-income students who have demonstrated a excellent amount of community service the opportunity to simply help fund their greater education at USC. But the scholarship spans beyond the reward that is monetary NTSAF works to make a help system for its scholars through access to academic success seminars, monthly faculty lunches, basic advising, as well as a report break program complete with snacks and masseuses!

The number of the award is significantly diffent for every Topping Scholar based on the USC Financial Aid Package she or he receives, and is intended to be utilized in combination with any continuing state, federal, and/or USC aid. It is important to remember that first-generation college students (meaning neither parent graduated from college) also as neighborhood area applicants get 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 a current recipient regarding the Topping Scholarship. In highschool, Eric was a residential area 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 college, where he assisted organize fundraising events that earned money for cancer research.

When asked about the way the Topping Scholarship has changed his life, Eric says: ‘For me, Norman Topping is not a scholarship, but a family members; a support system composed of fellow students, faculty and mentors. The built-in shmoop.pro 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 learning to be a member of the ‘Topping Family’ has generated other possibilities at USC: he’s become a mentor and leader to many other low-income, first-generation students within the community.

Eric has some sound advice for future USC and Topping applicants: ‘find methods to harness the relationships you have actually with teachers and counselors. Great teachers and counselors will allow you to reach finally your goals.’ Eric also 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 scholar Aid Fund, including information on the application process, please visit NTSAF.

Between the Trojan Family and the Topping family, students have use of endless support systems at USC. Fight On!

Getaway Season in Review: A Photo Journey

2013 is already well under way in the working Office of Admission even as we continue to read applications. Like our pupils, our staff enjoyed a break that is nice coming into the office to celebrate the holidays with relatives and buddies. In purchase to offer a much better idea of just how our staff spends time off, I’ve gathered a pictures that are few highlight the many activities (and climates!) we experienced through the holiday season that is recent.

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

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

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

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

Sean Ohira, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, shared a view that is amazing his journey house within the vacations.

Like a lot of our staff, Anne Aubert-Santelli enjoyed the snow within a household journey to upstate ny.

Finally, our esteemed Director, Kirk Brennan, shared this photo from their 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!