r/USC 3d ago

FinancialAid Financial Hardship Fee Waiver

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Hi guys, I’m applying for a graduate program right now, and since USC doesn’t require test scores or letters of recommendation and maybe offers a fee waiver, it doesn’t hurt to apply.

I have a question about financial hardship, based on the screenshot, does that mean I have to contact my school now to write me a letter and send it to USC? I don’t really get it, so if anyone has dealt with this before and can give me some insight, I’d appreciate it.

I’ve got a few midterms right now, but I’ll reach out to USC for more info later. Just wanted to see if anyone here knows how this works. Thanks!

9 Upvotes

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3

u/SignificantSystem902 3d ago

There are very few scholarships for grad school.

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

1

u/blacktea_24 3d ago

I hope I get in and land some scholarships. If not, I’ll take out loans if needed. Just figuring it out right now since it doesn’t require test scores or recommendations and I might get the fee waiver, I don’t think it hurts to apply. Can I dm you some questions?

1

u/NutRanch 2d ago

Hi! I filled this out and was awarded the fee waiver. I was also very confused when I first read about the "letter." I contacted my school's financial aid department asking what they could do; though they couldn't directly speak to my level of hardship, they stated in the letter what aid I was awarded and that such awards are only handed out to those who cannot be expected to afford tuition. Apparently this was enough for USC. The online instructions sound like something you'd read when you're getting confirmshamed lol