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 the job for admission, and also as the deadlines are approaching fast, you might desire to consider applying to any that pertain to you. For a complete set of merit scholarships and due dates, please visit USC Scholarships and download the PDF at the end of the web page.

One which we want to highlight could be the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund (NTSAF). The point of this scholarship is to provide low-income students who have demonstrated a excellent degree of community solution an opportunity to greatly help fund their higher education at USC. But the scholarship spans beyond the reward that is monetary NTSAF works to make a support system for its scholars through usage of academic success seminars, monthly faculty lunches, general advising, and also a report break program complete with treats and masseuses!

The amount of the award is significantly diffent for every single Topping Scholar on the basis of the USC Financial Aid Package she or he receives, and is intended to be utilized in combination with any state, federal, and/or USC aid. It’s important to remember that first-generation college students (meaning neither parent graduated from college) aswell as neighborhood area applicants are given consideration that is primary. However, this scholarship isn’t limited by these groups that are aforementioned.

Eric Watkins, a junior from Republic, Missouri double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations, is really a present receiver associated with 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 livestrong group at his high college, where he aided organize fundraising events that earned money for cancer research.

When asked about how a Topping Scholarship has changed his life, Eric says: ‘For me, Norman Topping isn’t a scholarship, but a family members; a support system comprised of fellow pupils, faculty and mentors. As a first-generation college student, I’ve discovered to utilize that support system.’ Aside from the monetary award, the built-in network that the Topping Foundation provides certainly assists guide the often daunting transition from high school student to university scholar. Eric says learning to be a member of the ‘Topping Family’ has resulted in other opportunities at USC: he has 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 ways to harness the relationships you have with teachers and counselors. Great teachers and counselors will help you achieve your goals.’ Eric also notes that you should find solution opportunities you’re 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 household, students have use of endless help systems at USC. Fight On!

Holiday Season in Review: A Photo Journey

2013 is already well under way within the Office of Admission once we carry on to read applications. Like our pupils, our staff enjoyed a break that is nice entering the workplace to commemorate the holiday breaks with relatives and buddies. In order to give you a better idea of how our staff spends time down, I’ve gathered a pictures that are few highlight the many activities (and climates!) we experienced during the recent holiday season.

Jessica Howard displayed her Trojan spirit 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 at least one knee to propose to his gf. (She said 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 https://shmoop.pro/1984-by-george-orwell-part-three-summary/ of Italy, which included visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa and making pizza!

 

Sean Ohira, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, shared an amazing view from their journey house over the holidays.

 

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

 

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

 

Wherever you spent time over the holiday season, develop it was relaxing and you were able to spend quality time with family members!