Chance me for USC c/o 2024 (Merit Scholarship)

Demographics:

Current Senior, Indian Male, CA, Medium-sized competitive public school (1800 students)

Intended Major(s):

Biology

ACT/SAT/SAT II:

34 (34 E, 36 M, 32 R, 35 S)

SAT Math II: 800

UW/W GPA and Rank:

UW 3.91, W 4.57, School doesn’t rank

Coursework:

Full IB Diploma program (HLs: English, Biology, History; SLs: Mathematics, Anthropology, Spanish)

Extracurriculars:

  1. Created a website that outlines affordable housing programs in my city (Recognition received from 2 of my city’s housing agencies) - ALL 4 YEARS

  2. Epilepsy research at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles; Co-author/co-researcher; Name is on PubMed - GRADES 10-11

  3. Co-founder/VP of an organization that teaches robotics to elementary students from low-income schools - ALL 4 YEARS

  4. Varsity Baseball (Captain Grade 12, 4-year Varsity starter, All-League awards) - ALL 4 YEARS

  5. Speech and Debate (Public forum competitor, Regional champion, state qualifier) - ALL 4 YEARS

  6. COSMOS summer program @ UCI - SUMMER BEFORE GRADE 12

Essays/LORs/Other:

Pretty good essay writer (8.5/10); “Why USC?” is an excellent essay - PM to read supps

Recs are strong (7/10); My Chem teacher and Spanish teacher both love me and counselor said she was blown away by ECs

Visited USC (SoCal)

In terms of getting “Chanced” for USC, it is virtually impossible for others to predict what may or may not occur in your specific case. With an admit rate now below 12% and falling, and with 4K+ applicants with 4.0 unweighted GPAs and test scores in the 99th percentile among those not gaining admission, your success will instead likely depend on too many potential factors for anyone to correctly evaluate… making predicting admission nearly impossible. But this also shows that they admit many without perfect grades or test scores. They are after all seeking to craft a well-rounded and diverse freshman class comprised of those who actually have a strong affinity for or connection to USC. They do aim to admit those who they project will thrive well at USC and bring something unique to the campus environment.

So your individual admission decision will likely come down to a composite and holistic analysis of your stats coupled with writing ability / essays, ECs, potential leadership roles, potential other unique qualifiers (URM, First Gen, geography, demographics, etc.), your Why USC? explanation/reasoning, etc. And that “Why USC?” explanation is likely the most important single component of your application. Hopefully you provided a well-thought out and well-researched answer as to why attending USC is truly significant and important to you specifically. And moreover, USC does want to gain a sense as to what you will be uniquely contributing to the greater USC community if admitted.

Good Luck…

@WWWard Thanks. I totally understand where you are coming from. I’m just trying to occupy myself so my anxiety doesn’t get the best of me. I just wanted to see if people thought my app was unique.

I think your ECs are amazing and your scores are right up there. How it matches up and the rest is up to them, best of luck!

@CADREAMIN i appreciate the feedback… im praying

I completely understand. And from what you posted, of course you have an excellent opportunity to gain admission. You are certainly well qualified. If you do not secure admission during January, I suggest, in mid-February, sending a single, brief, but well-worded email to your admissions counselor (copying the admissions email of your chosen school) reaffirming that USC is your top-choice (if true) and possibly even committing to attending (again, if true). As USC states in its own Insider’s Guide to Applying, they welcome such statements, if accurate. They are looking for people with a strong affinity for USC who may actually fare well there and add to the greater Trojan community. Letting them know that’s you is not only appropriate… but wise.
Good Luck…

@WWWard Interesting. Thank you for the advice. I’m just worried my ECs and essays won’t stand out to the admissions officers.

you’re welcome

@WWWard @CADREAMIN spring admit… thank you guys a lot

@johnschmick1234 You’re welcome