Hi I am applying to the Darla Moore School of Business for International business
GPA - 3.26 / 4.00
SAT - 1070
Yes I know my grades are bad but under some circumstances I had it was tough for me to perform to my actual ability. (Family reasons)
Although due to my experience within International business running two companies under my own LLC and self teaching myself International marketing through social media grossing myself thousands a month alongside personal friends I took under my wing as I went along I feel like my experience could potentially put a strong narrative to explain my bad grades. Do you think they care about the experience of an individual or is it just a waste of time for me applying?
I think the better question is whether you are a decent candidate for admission to USC overall. It’s going to be tough with your stats since you’re about 200 points below last year’s SAT average and I think about 0.85 grade points below the weighted average GPA (I assume the 3.26 is unweighted). Do you have time to retake the SAT to see if you can bring your score up?
USC will be a stretch for you. Most colleges will be with that SAT score. I would see if you can retake the test and try to really boost it up. That’ll also make up for your GPA. If I were you, I wouldn’t apply for International Business. I would apply undecided. That way you can actually get into the school first and then work your way to that program.
I think it would be worth applying regardless of your gpa and sat. Your scores are low compared to the admissions average, but it’s still worth a shot. USC is very holistic in their admissions process, and while you can always look at their averages for a general idea of acceptance chances, you’ll truly never know if you’ll get in or not unless you just apply as USC really does look at each application individually and thoroughly. I have several students/friends who got accepted this year EA with an SAT lower than 1100 because they had outstanding essays and extracurriculars.
Myself personally, I had a 1220 SAT, and while that wasn’t bad, several of my fellow 1220ers got rejected while I knew several well under that score that got accepted. Same principle applies, you never know just by score and gpa if for certain you will get in, and if you have extenuating circumstances that may actually work in your favor for admissions, it’s definitely worth a shot, in my opinion. USC does value your extracurriculars and experience, especially if it’s relevant to your major.
Be sure to showcase your experience within those companies as well as explain your circumstances for lower scores/grades— like USC says on the essay portion, don’t be shy— let them know what you’ve done and fill in any gaps you have. I’d rather apply and get rejected/accepted rather than not apply and wonder what would have happened. Good luck!