2ND Journey toward USC begins...

Transfer Students
1

<p>As some of you might remember, I applied to USC when I was a senior in high school last year. My optimistic self, along with dozens of counselors, teachers, and others who repeatedly told me that I was a "shoe-in" for USC were rudely awakened upon receiving my rejection letter. I also appealed the desicion, but was again rejected. This rejection came during a very hard time in my life, and totally ruined my outlook upon my future. The last thing I had ever thought about came true: I had to attend the local CC.</p>

<p>Fast forward to December of 2005....I reapplied as a freshman in college, trying to earn a spot in the Fall 2006 class of sophomores. Everything looked good, and I guess it still does.</p>

<p>I just got home a few minutes ago, only to see my parents sort of flushed. I asked what was wrong, and they showed me an unopened USC letter. Worst part was, it was dejavu just like last year....getting the small letter.</p>

<p>I walked into my room and closed my door, got a letter opener and began to cut open the envelope. My hands began to literally shake a bit as all the images of me attending USC started to come back to me. I have quite a few friends who go there, and this past year, all I've been imagining and praying for is that one defining moment where I can be standing on the grass overlooking the campus library, hanging with a few friends, finally proud of myself.</p>

<p>Anyway, I pulled out the letter, already empty on hope and dreams I had created...but alas, it wasn't only one piece of paper. As I glanced at the wording on one side of the letter, I say "spring grades." Okay, I don't know how to explain the amount of relief I felt at that moment (almost 20 minutes ago.)</p>

<p>Well, I guess I can breathe a little easier, right? I mean, I've heard that if they were planning on rejecting me, I wouldn't even get this letter in the first place. Here's some extra information...</p>

<p>Fall Classes/Grades:</p>

<p>Anthropology 102 - A
Sociology 101- A
English 101- A
Art 101- A
Geography 101- A
Geography 111- A
Total Credits: 16</p>

<p>Winter Class/Grade:</p>

<p>Music 120- A
Total Credits- 3</p>

<p>Spring Classes/Grades:</p>

<p>Anthropology 101- B so far...improving
English 102- A
Economics 102- A/B Borderline
Computer Science/IS 101- A
Total Credits- 14</p>

<p>Total sum of credits after June: 33</p>

<p>As some of you might have noticed, I'm done with the prerequisites (was already done after winter semester) and am currently finishing the 2nd semester of english that is required. I was told that I finished my math requirement with AP Calculus in high school, and that I didn't need to worry about it anymore.</p>

<p>What do you guys think? Chances? Gut feelings? Any psychics on the board?</p>

<p>I got into the college's Dean List a month ago, and also was sent an inviation to Alpha Gamma Sigma, a "state honor society for high achieving students." I'm about to enroll in it this coming week, and I'm considering sending a packet with my fall/winter transcripts, currents classes being taken, a copy of the Dean's List certificate, along with a page explaining any additional EC's I've managed to stack up after December. I'm also worried about this semester's classes...the two that are close to becoming B's....will that have a big effect on the decision if I've had all A's and maybe one B?</p>

<p>Any comments will greatly be appreciated. I am praying night and day that, hopefully, USC will open its doors to me. That would truly be a dream come true.</p>

<p>(Reposting this in the transfer students section. Didn't realize we had one!)</p>

2

<p>Requesting a student's Spring semester grades usually means that the admissions committee is in need of more information about your academic competency. I am not surprised that they have requested one from you for it has not yet been a full year since Fall of 2005 when you were denied of admissions to USC. Another reason they might have asked for your Spring semester grades is that you are on the border line of obtaining your admissions to USC.</p>

<p>If your Spring GPA has improved from your previous semester's, it will definately help you. On the other hand, if your Spring GPA has declined from your previous semester's, it will hurt your chances. Moreover, if you are on the border line and you have failed to raise your GPA in the second semester or have failed to keep par with the previous semester's GPA, you are strongly advised to show them why your grades have slipped a little.</p>

<p>Do your best in your Anthropology and Economics courses and try to maintain 4.00 GPA or at least do not have anything less than an A or A-.</p>

<p>Best of luck,</p>

3

<p>I dont know about your chances but I can tell you that you are a colorful writer! ;)</p>

4

<p>My gut feelins is that you are in! :) seriously</p>

5

<p>haha that would be awesome if your gut feelings come true, jslee. I'm trying my best to get four more A's with my classes this semester. Is there really anything else I can do at this point other than concentrate on classes and updating USC with the courses?</p>

6

<p>man, you should have used that post as one of your essays</p>

7

<p>good luck! this will probably be me next year for uchicago. coming from duh-duh-duh, new orleans.</p>

8

<p>I agree with elsi...maybe include that story in a letter to the admissions office?? it sure caught my attention, and it definitely wouldn't hurt your chances.</p>

9

<p>yeah that story made me want to let you into usc so bad, haha</p>

10

<p>i usually could care less if people get into the college of their choice but i want you to get in. let us know how it goes!</p>

11

<p>Hey I am in the exact same situation. Actually last year as a freshman, I got a transcript request, got a 4.0 that semester and still didnt get in. I'd say dont worry your self too much and just wait it out. Everyone is desperate to get into USC, but writing a letter, in my opinion, is wasted effort. Trust me I would love to get in just as you do, but best thing you can do is do well in the things that you control. Keep getting good grades, keep doing what your doing and when its all said and done, we will both see eachother there.</p>

12

<p>for the most part, admissions officers want to see something that stands out. an additional letter or "supplemental form" to an app can really help in some cases...writing a letter like that not only expresses his/her burning desire to attend, but also further exemplifies good writing skills. if you want it that much, why not go the extra mile and write the letter in the off chance that it will help?</p>

13

<p>Okay, so you guys are telling me to send a letter to USC along with my updates for classes....are you saying I should send them a letter just like the one I wrote for the forums? I'm kind of confused...Someone give me an example of what your talking about.</p>

<p>I guess y'all mean I should write them a letter with the beginning of my thread as an intro, and then tell them why I want to go?</p>

14

<p>sure...why not? tell them you're working hard this semester, and that your grades should reflect your hard work and continued desire and ability to excel at usc...or somethin along those lines. include anything else, any awards, etc. maybe it wont help, but my approach is that you'll feel a lot better knowing that you did all you could possibly do to increase your chances. good luck!! we're all pullin for u! :)</p>

15

<p>I haven't gotten a spring grade request yet... I'm so worried... I'm a freshman right now (i was admitted as a senior in high school but couldn't go...) and so I thought I had a chance but I've heard absolutely nothing... this wait is killing me... I had to send a deposit to my second choice because it was due. I just hope I hear soo before I have to pay for housing. I've heard that getting asked for spring grades is a good sign so congrats chris! i really hope you get in (and i hope i get in too!) Good luck everybody... this wait is sooooooo long....</p>

16

<p>As you may remember, I had gotten the spring grade request a few weeks back, which is good news. </p>

<p>Okay....Time for an update.</p>

<p>Things aren't going exactly as planned for me this semester. I recently got an injury and was confined to my house for two weeks, missing a few tests/quizzes from a couple of my classes. Grades are actually being posted at this point, and here are my current results:</p>

<p>Anthropology 101- B
Computer Science 101- B
Economics 101- B
English 102- A* (my guess)</p>

<p>I was totally not expecting a B in my computer class, and have actually tried to contact my teacher many times to discuss the grade, but he is actually giving me the cold shoulder, and after sending him 3 emails, he simply responded by saying "Don't talk to me about your grade at this point, everything is done."</p>

<p>I don't know what to really say, other than I'm very nervous. I've had seven classes since fall/winter of this year, and all have been A's. Now, all of a sudden, I'm going to land up with three B's and one A during spring semester. Is this going to affect USC's decision for my one-year transfer? What can I do about this?</p>

17

<p>you can't do anything. sit and wait like the rest of us. i know it hurts, but this is a waiting game now. no one knows their fate. i know how you feel though, i want to go so bad... the funny thing is, that your here...dependent on your competition for advice and support. thats the funny thing. </p>

<p>i'll pray that both u and i are admitted, but ill be praying harder for myself. u gotta carry your own weight...
MY ADVICE: pray all day every day, kid, its your only hope</p>

<p>p.s. Do you have a #2. if you dont, you may be settn urself up for heartbreak.</p>

18

<p>
[quote]
What can I do about this?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Provide an explanation, along with any supporting documents (ie. doctor's note, and such) with your grade report.</p>

19

<p>I agree with Nspeds- send an explination along with a doctors note when you send your grades. </p>

<p>I think you'll be fine though. Three B's and an A (assuming this is what you get) is not the end of the world. If your grades were B,B,B,C- you'd be in trouble.</p>

20

<p>Interesting comments...</p>

<p>By calculating GPA, I still come out to a 3.66 at this point, which is pretty good. The only thing I worry about is the trend they'll notice...All A's in one semester and then almost all B's in the next semester.</p>