PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

2008-2009
APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE!

For your convenience, the NTSAF Scholarship application for the 2008-2009 academic year is now available to download in Adobe PDF format. Simply download, fill-out on your computer, complete your application packet and drop in the mail! Make sure you download both the application instructions and the application.

Application Deadlines:
Freshman Applicants - February 15, 2008
Transfer & Graduate Applicants - May 15, 2008

Please note that applicants may not know of their USC admission decision at the time of applying for the NTSAF scholarship. Applicants will continue in the selection process based on their eligibility, including admission to USC. Please refer to the scholarship eligibility requirements below.

(If you entered USC in Spring 2008, please contact the NTSAF office for eligibility information.)

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DOWNLOAD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
DOWNLOAD A FILLABLE PDF VERSION

The PDF version requires Adobe Reader. If you do not have it, download a FREE copy by clicking here.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Fund offers supplemental scholarships to entering USC Freshman, entering Transfer, and entering Graduate students. The criteria for selection is a focus on high financial need students who demonstrate extraordinary levels of community awareness. Given the spirit of the Fund, applicants who reside in the local community and first-generation college students are given primary consideration in the selection process.

ELIGBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for a scholarship, candidates must:

• Be an entering USC freshman, entering transfer or entering graduate student;
• Have high financial need (usually defined as having a need greater than or equal to the cost of tuition by the USC Financial Aid Office); and
• Demonstrate community awareness.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria for a finalist interview:

• Financial Need
• First-Generation Status
• Community Awareness
• Volunteer Efforts
• Extraordinary Circumstances

Applicants who reside in the local community and first-generation college students are given primary consideration in the selection process.

SELECTION PROCESS TIMELINE

2008-2009 USC FRESHMEN
October 2007	Applications available at www.usc.edu/ntsaf
February 15, 2008	Freshmen Postmark deadline for complete application packets
February through Mid-March 2007	Application processing
April 5 & 6, 2007	Finalist interviews & selection of Freshmen Scholars
By April 11, 2007	Award notifications for Freshman Scholars
2008-2009 USC TRANSFER & GRADUATE STUDENTS
October 2007	Applications available at www.usc.edu/ntsaf
May 15, 2008	Transfer & Graduate Postmark deadline for complete application packets
May through Mid-July 2008	Application processing
Late July 2008	Finalist interviews & selection of Transfer and Graduate Scholars
Early August 2008	Award notifications for Transfer and Graduate Scholars

August 9, 2008 New Scholar Welcome Breakfast**
Aug 15-17, 2008 Annual Topping Scholar Retreat**
**Required for All Entering 2008-2009 USC Topping Scholars

SPECIAL APPLICATION NOTES

• The Norman Topping Student Aid Fund application POSTMARK deadlines for the 2008-2009 academic year are:
  • February 15, 2008 for Entering USC Freshman Applicants
  • May 15, 2008 for Entering USC Transfer and Graduate Applicants
• In all cases, the NTSAF Governing Board Executive Committee reserves complete discretion to determine an applicant’s eligibility.
• Selected scholars are only eligible for the Topping Award once during their tenure at USC (either as an undergraduate OR as a Graduate student).
• All applicants must obtain, complete and submit all forms required by the USC Financial Aid Office by the required deadlines.
• All selected members of the 2008-2009 entering cohort are required to attend the NTSAF Retreat or forfeit their scholarship eligibility.
• All decisions made by the NTSAF Governing Board are final and are not subject to appeal.
• Application materials submitted to the NTSAF become the property of the University of Southern California and will not be returned to the applicant.
• If the completed application (including signed application, autobiography, and two letters of recommendation) is not postmarked by the applicable deadline, the application will NOT be reviewed.
• NTSAF applications are not automatically forwarded to all who are eligible for USC financial aid. Applications must be obtained by writing, phoning or visiting the NTSAF Office or website.

For more information on the programs and services offered by the USC NTSAF, please contact us:

NORMAN TOPPING STUDENT AID FUND
Division of Student Affairs
University of Southern California
Student Union 202
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0890
(213) 740-7575 ntsaf@usc.edu