@pama3115 Thank you, great information. This is the exact feeling I received from the email sent to my son from his admissions person. I think your summary is on point. Although my son’s test scores are well over the range, his GPA is not. That, coupled with the major, his second review is understandable. Happy it’s not a rejection. Have a great holiday!
Thank you all for all the updates and explanations- - it really helps those of us waiting in limbo.
Has anyone who was deferred actually received a deferral letter or was the only notification via phone calls?
I just spoke to an admission rep who said the admissions leadership gave the green light last night to give applicants the decision over the phone if they call (not the parent-only the applicant). They feel terrible about the delays and the stress it has caused. She shared that they heard from the USPS on Monday (of this week) that their letters were delayed significantly (and because there are literally thousands, they mail them throughout the week including last Friday). Who knows where the letters are- they will likely meet with delays at every post office given this week of the heaviest mail load…we are waiting in CA, so I am trying to decide whether to have my daughter call or let it unfold in God’s good timing…
Letters are in the mail, but we have not received it yet. I’m glad the admissions team is releasing information over the phone. They do a good job explaining that 2nd review is not a bad thing and there is still a good chance to be accepted, just at a later time. @2023collbound bound
We just spoke with admissions, still haven’t received anything in the mail. My son is in the 2nd review, not accepted ffor early answer. OOS in NC. 1240 sat. 4.1 / 3.65 gpa
One last thing…They told us that when you are in 2nd review, your portal does not change. They want to maintain the checklist view so if they ask for additional information, which is not likely, they will put the requirements there. Also, they told us not to send them anything that they do not request such as additional recommendation letters or first semester grades from this senior year, etc. By the way, we never shared stats: Applied to Engineering College, GPA 3.99, SAT 1190, Engineering Internship, Very Strong Recommendations from Counselor and Teacher, Full Time Job, Varsity Baseball, Many HS EC’s and Leadership roles, Volunteer Coach Youth Football, several other volunteer experiences. The admissions counselor also mentioned looking at 2nd Review applicants in a “more holistic way” which indicates to me that the first cut of admitted students were heavily weighted on their impressive and well deserved scores. I’m sure they also have great EC’s and leadership qualities as well.
so helpful!
I just called my admissions rep and he said the first round of honors college notifications were sent out today! Good luck everyone!
I also emailed and was chosen for 2nd review
Good luck to all and especially the Honors Hopefuls
Well…we finally called the admissions office and found that our son is on 2nd review (deferred). I’m glad I called and got an answer. The letter should be here on Friday she said. Ugh! Still hopeful! We now need to set up a new thread for the deferred students.
here you go started a post for us deferred students http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/university-south-carolina-columbia/2117348-usc-columbia-2nd-review-deferred-students-2023-p1.html?new=1
Thank you!
So basically if you have not gotten a letter as of now you’ve been deferred
I also emailed received a nice response back from our counselor, my daughter was also chosen for 2nd review.
It appears so - which is still good. I haven’t called my son’s counselor but am definitely prepared for deferred or even rejected. I think things have changed where it used to be early decision was for those above average but not exceptional students to secure their spot by committing early, now it seems to be for the honors colleges to start their process. This is good to know for upcoming applicants. Good for USC for being so in demand, I have to say I have a good bit of state pride by hearing all of these students from all over the country wanting in to USC!
I just don’t understand if they know the letters were so delayed why they just dont’ update everyone’s portals?
Same here regarding Second Review and the nice email from the recruiter. Decisions will be mailed out Mid March so looks like we wait!!!
Same here with second review. Still no letter but I’m happy they emailed me back. Hopefully my son won’t look at this as discouraging. I’m happy it wasn’t a rejection so he still has a chance:)
DS portal was updated a short time ago with a message stating he was placed in second review & would bear by week of 3/11