<p>I am applying to USC, as my second choice, and i really want to go there. Please be honest and i will respond.</p>
<p>GPA - 3.45 UW, 3.85 W
SAT - 2000, M-700, CR- 660, W-640
Classes - Mostly honors and AP's (4 total), two 4's on the exams
SAT II - USH-690, MathII - 710
Teacher Recs - Very Good
Rank - School doesnt rank, but im probably in the top 10-15%</p>
<p>EC's
Varsity Tennis (4 years, and two state titles)
Varsity Cross Country (2 years)
Quiz Bowl
Editor of Newspaper
Freelance writer for local newspaper (had to apply)
Cycle
Guitar
Triathlon
Charity Runs</p>
<p>Info
Race - White
State - New Jersey
School- Public, but very esteemed and competative (7.5/10 rating)</p>
<p>I would say that you'd be competitive but I wouldn't say that you're for sure in. Your SAT score is in the lower of the average, but at least it's in the 2000s. Your GPA is kinda low compared to their average, especially since they look at unweighted. However, saying that, I know that they take into account the course load and since you said you took challenging classes, that should help. Your extracurriculars are good and should help. I think a lot of it seems borderline, so it will really depend on your essay and recs and if they want more people from NJ, etc. Anyways... it's not up to me; it really depends on a lot a lot more than just stats. Good luck though!</p>
<p>Thanks, the good thing is that i really had a good jump from soph to juniors year, like a 3.3 to a 3.7. My essays are good, i'm a solid writer and my recs are also good. Do they include frosh gpa?</p>
<p>Taken from USC website:
"However, we realize that some bright students, for one reason or another, don't always get off to a great start in ninth grade. In these cases, special attention is given to steady and substantial improvement throughout the sophomore, junior and senior years."</p>
<p>freshman year is still important, but i'm sure your upward trend will help you on the application</p>
<p>Being editor of the school newspaper is really strong. What is your major? I think if journalism/writing is your passion and you connected the school newspaper with superb essays in your application, I think you have an excellent chance. A lot depends upon what you want to study. Also, did you want to be on the USC tennis team? Did your coach write a recommendation for the tennis team if that is a serious pursuit?<br>
Some of the schools are far more competitive to gain entrance.</p>
<p>I'd bet on you, since my son got in with similar numbers (higher GPA but lower boards), though he was film school, which is a different world. </p>
<p>You won an individual state title?! If so, that's impressive. (Or was it a team title, or doubles, or what?)</p>
<p>I know it's too late now, but if your essays conveyed a passion for journalism (and were well written) that would be a big plus, considering you were editor of the paper. I hear they like passion. Also, geographic balance is definitely a consideration, so NJ may be a plus, you never know.</p>