Can I Make It In?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Okay, I know that I’m not a contender for a merit scholarship, but do I have a chance of making it in?

White Male
GPA: 3.7/ W GPA: 4.4 (I don’t think they take it) I also had a C last semester
ACT: 34

AP Scores:

World: 3
Lang: 3
US History: 4
Biology: 4
Calculus: 5

Extracurricular:
Swim Freshman and Sophomore Year
Tennis All Four Years
Football Junior and Senior Year
Theatre Freshman and Sophomore Year
Boy Scouts All Four Years
NHS Last Two Years
Student Council Freshman Year
Chess All Four Years (Captain Last Two)
Band All Four Years (Section Leader Last Two)
Choir Last Three Years (Section Leader This Year)
Volunteer For Republican National Committee (This is a little sketchy, because I don’t do anything, and they just spam me emails. But I’m ‘technically’ a volunteer.)
Worked at Sears Senior Year (Cashier)

Recommendation Letters:
I had my Calculus Teacher (who I’ve been with for two years) write it. One of her other students got into Yale, so I think her letter is pretty good.

Essays:
I had my English teacher look over it, and he said it was fire. Enough said.

I know I’m not the strongest applicant, but do I have a chance?

2

Probably. Your stats alone are right in the middle range of enrolled applicants, with your ACT score offsetting your lower GPA a little. Your ECs aren’t game changing, but solid. Sports + work exp. + leadership roles is good. If your essay is “fire” then I think you can have a decent expectation that your application will be considered seriously. If you went to a competitive private high school, your GPA won’t hold you back as much as if you went to a random public school. You just sound like the median high-achieving white male at this school, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for your chances - “fit” and all that. It’ll depend on how “diverse” USC admissions wants to be this year.

3

FWIW, my brother got in 2 years ago with similar qualifications and profile. Your ACT is even a bit higher. If I had to be critical, it would be your volunteer work. He had 2 years of solid volunteer work at a hospital. It’ll be a heart-pounding walk to the mailbox. Best of luck.