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 teams that award such scholarships include 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 an application that is separate addition to the job for admission, and also as the deadlines are fast approaching, you might wish to think of applying to any that pertain to you. For a list that is complete of scholarships and due dates, please visit USC Scholarships and download the PDF at the bottom for the web page.

The one that we want to highlight could be the Norman Topping Student help Fund (NTSAF) shmoop write my essay for me. The purpose of this scholarship is to offer low-income students whom have demonstrated a exceptional level of community solution an opportunity to simply help fund their higher education at USC. But the scholarship spans beyond the financial reward: NTSAF works to create a help system for its scholars through use of academic success seminars, monthly faculty lunches, general advising, as well as a research break program complete with snacks and masseuses!

The level of the honor is different for every single 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’s important to remember that first-generation university students (meaning neither parent graduated from college) aswell as local area applicants receive consideration that is primary. However, this scholarship just isn’t restricted to these aforementioned groups.

Eric Watkins, a junior from Republic, Missouri double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations, is really a current receiver associated with the Topping Scholarship. In senior high school, Eric was a community organizer for Obama for America, where he canvassed the streets of his hometown registering voters and garnering support for our now president that is second-term. Eric also founded a group that is livestrong his high school, where he helped 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 just isn’t a scholarship, but a family; a support system composed of fellow pupils, 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 claims learning to be a person in the ‚Topping Family‘ has generated other possibilities at USC: he’s become a mentor and frontrunner to many other low-income, first-generation students in the community.

Eric has some advice that is sound future USC and Topping applicants: ‚find approaches to harness the relationships you have with teachers and counselors. Great instructors and counselors can help you reach finally your goals.‘ Eric also notes that it is vital to 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 scholar Aid Fund, including information on the application process, please visit NTSAF.

Between the Trojan Family and the Topping household, students have use of support that is endless at USC. Fight On!

Holiday Season in Review: A Photo Journey

2013 is already well under way in the Office of Admission even as we carry on to read applications. Like our students, our staff enjoyed a nice break from coming into the office to commemorate the vacations with relatives and buddies. In order to offer a much better concept of just how our staff spends time off, I’ve collected a few images to highlight the various activities (and climates!) we experienced through the recent vacation season.

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

One of our brand new blog contributors, Jomar Gomez, dropped down to 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 dog and family 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 an amazing view from their journey house on the vacations.

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

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