Can I get into USC? High GPA, mediocre PSAT

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am a current junior at a college prep school. I am currently taking the only two AP classes offered for this year, AP English/US History. I have an accumulating GPA of 4.08 weighted and 4.0 unweighted. I had a 4.0 freshman/sophomore year and 4.33 Junior year. I am planning on going into the journalism field for college. I have several mediocre leadership positions at my school, including the newspaper and an ambassador program my school offers, as well as writing for online publications ( a pretty well-known one too). I am planning on taking three AP classes next year, for senior year.</p>

<p>My chief concern is my relatively "low" PSAT score in comparison with my high grades. I am planning on taking the SAT in two months and my PSAT score is on the cusp of an 1800, and I imagine it will remain stagnant. My writing and reading skills are above average and very high in the high 600s-700s, but my math score is absolutely atrocious (400s). I was wondering if this would affect my admission into relatively competitive schools (i.e. USC Annenberg), or if my mathematical inadequacy will be somewhat overlooked due to my intended major and high GPA. I am decent at math if I am taught it, but not standardized math, where a potpourri of problems are thrown at me. I am an extremely strong writer and very hardworking and my essays for college applications will be very strong, and I intend to send in additional writing supplements. </p>

<p>Is USC Annenberg a reasonable reach for someone of my abilities? Of course I will have backups, but I really would like a school with a strong journalism program. Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>Thanks! </p>

2

<p>I don’t think there are a lot of “of courses” in admissions to great universities in the U.S., but you definitely have a good chance. Universities don’t look at PSATs, and I’m sure you can improve your math score, given the room for improvement there, if you really try to. Even if your score remains around 1800, it wouldn’t disqualify you from admissions. You have a great GPA, and just build up ECs and write great essays to make up for what you consider to be your weak PROJECTED SAT score, which through practice, can definitely go up a couple hundred points.</p>

3

<p>Just practice for the SAT before you take it. You have two months; if you really want it, you have to work for it and get your score up. Not only will you feel better about it, but you’ll also look better to USC.</p>

4

<p>also practice and try the ACT. the math problems are more straight forward than the sat. Definitely get a practice book from the library and try it out first. The science section is ‘different’. just for a refernce, my D got 1930 on her SAT and got 33 on the ACT. Good luck to you.</p>

5

<p>I got a 188 on my PSAT and then without much study got a 2140 on the sat, so there’s definitely a chance you’ll do better with a little bit of practice (I got a review book and only took 3 practice tests)</p>