<p>Hi everyone! I'm an out-of-state student looking to complete my application to USC this week and am wondering about my chances for admission. I'd also like to hear any thoughts on whether or not I have a shot at the Honors College and a top scholarship (McNair, Horseshoe, Cooper, etc.). Here are my stats:</p>
<p>(I'll find out Oct ACT results this week and just took the SAT on Saturday.)</p>
<p>I've played a sport all four years of high school (3 years varsity), volunteered extensively, worked babysitting jobs during the summer, and am involved in various clubs at school: NHS, Spanish NHS, Spanish Club, Book Club, etc. I am president of two of those clubs and vice president of another.</p>
<p>I know my numbers don't give me a great shot at Honors College admission by themselves, but I'm wondering if combining them with my extracurriculars and leadership would give me any kind of a chance.</p>
<p>Might depend on new scores. Right now you are solid for Capstone but below mid-range for Honors. Of course that means some students are admitted to honors with similar stats. I would say your essays would be determining factor there - they are very important (especially for McNair/horseshoe). You would be in good shape for other, non-competitive scholarships (based on stats only). Last year McNair/Horseshoe candidates had average 1507 SAT, 34 ACT and GPA 4.6. Good luck and definitely make those essays shine!</p>
<p>Since you’re applying Regular decision - (too late for Early), I’m not sure you’ll still be considered for McNair / Horseshoe scholarships though. Last year my daughter got her Honors acceptance in December - some got it in December while others didn’t get it till February; but we were told those that got the notice in December were the ones being considered for the invite to the McNair / Horseshoe Scholars weekend. That’s not to say everyone who got notices in December were invited … ultimately my daughter did not get the invite to that weekend, but that December group was the initial candidate pool they decided from apparently. </p>
<p>That said, even the other scholarships are good and if it makes you feel any better, my daughter’s ACT was a 34 and she didn’t get McNair / Horseshoe… She got the Cooper for comparison. </p>
<p>@scmom12 and @coleman4, thank you so much for the helpful responses! As far as deadlines go, I think I’m still okay for scholarships. The Early Decision deadline is in October; however, I was told that the students who are applying to Honors are given until November 15 because of all the supplemental essays.</p>
<p>I really appreciate the feedback! Hopefully I’ll be happier with my October ACT score that comes out tomorrow.</p>
<p>Don’t count yourself @coleman4 ! I am a current McNair at USC and genuinely believe in their holistic reviewing. I banked on strong recs and relentless work on the essays.</p>
<p>I had a 1350/2060 SAT, 32 ACT, can’t even remember the GPA because of the ridiculous scales these days…</p>
<p>Put all you’ve got into the application. If you get admission to the Honors Program, don’t be down on yourself regarding the “Top Scholarships.” The Honors Program is incredible and offers so many opportunities. Heck, Capstone is an incredible program too.</p>
<p>@CockNotTrojan … you must be directing that at @gracie96 b/c my daughter is currently a freshman in the Honors program already. She was in the early pool of Honors applicants (got her acceptance last Dec.) but didn’t quite make the Top Scholars. Her stats (34 ACT, 4.5 GPA), recs and essays were really good (of course, I’m biased!) but obviously there were others who were better. It’s all good. She loves the Honors program and is very happy to be there. </p>
<p>We are out of state and have 2 kids going to USC, so that’s a testament to our family’s love of the school. </p>
<p>Oops, thank you @coleman4 . I was on the run and pulled the wrong username. That was meant for @gracie96 .</p>
<p>Great to hear you are loving the school & program. I am very happy here and strongly believe in the Honors Program. I think any general Honors student has extraordinary opportunities. The difference with the Top Scholars is that they really keep us in the loop on these opportunities, but everyone is very very qualified in SCHC.</p>
I know I’m late commenting back but just wanted to say that I did end up being accepted into the Honors College!! I wasn’t that confident about my chances and was expecting a rejection letter, so it was a pleasant surprise to find an acceptance letter in my mailbox right before Christmas break Thanks so much for the input and encouragement, @scmom12 , @coleman4 , and @CockNotTrojan !
My OOS DD also received her Honors College acceptance last month. Does anyone have an idea of how many recipients are accepted in December VS February?
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Thanks so much for the input and encouragement,