<p>Stats:
sat1-1980(cr+m-1350)
sat2-taking in october(expecting 700+ on math2 and chem)
im an international student,
academics-
school doesnt have a gpa system
9th grade- 73%
10th grade-95.2%(national exam)
11th grade-69%
the reason for my bad grades is that my school gives out horrible grades to everyone. that 95.2 wasnt checked by the school but was evaluated by the national council since we have to give a board exam in the 10th and 12th
all 4 yrs of high school ive been in the top 5% of my school</p>
<p>ec's:-
4 yrs soccer(captain senior yr)
4 yrs tennis
3 yrs volleyball
a couple of MUN's
gold medal in national science olympiad for coming 1st in school
creative writing competition
regional debate competition</p>
<p>Reccommendations-havent recieved them yet but expecting amazing one's
essays- will be good hopefully
so will i get in for mechE???( i was told not to apply because my chances are slim to none)</p>
<p>On your recommendation, ask one of your teachers explain the grading situation at your school and ask him or her to explain how the national board’s grading system shows your academic promise. </p>
<p>Your chances are possibly good, but not great. Your SAT score is fine, but applying to Viterbi as an international student can be competitive. You have the potential to be admitted, so I suggest trying to improve your SAT score. For some students, the ACT is a better for them while others do better on the SAT. If you want, you can take a practice ACT and compare what you get in a practice ACT to the SAT you have taken. If the SAT score is higher stick with the SAT and if your potential ACT score is higher change your testing strategy to the ACT. Then, you can find a testing center for the ACT or SAT and take the exam you choose.</p>
<p>Your ECs are fine, but here’s a tip: if you have any activities in the provincial or national level, that can help you as well. How did you place in the national science olympiad and how did you place in the regional debate competition? </p>
<p>You should also apply to other engineering schools as well to give other choices and to give yourself some back up school options.</p>
<p>Good luck from an 'SC alumnus and current grad student!</p>
<p>thanks nhs harvard, i am applying to other schools to but im really keen on usc beacuse its a great school and i have family in the area so its really a good fit for me(and the weather is amazing).
i am retaking the sat(expecting a 2100+ which i think i can get as the 1980 was the lowest ive ever gotten when i was doing the practice tests)
i will definitely get a letter explaining the grading system but my main concern is that the univ wont count that as important because they will get applications of students with straight a’s.That is probably what im most concerned about</p>
<p>Your country has a different grading system, so an explanation from one of your recommendation letter writers will definitely be considered. If you are still concerned about your grading situation, I would recommend contacting the USC undergraduate admission counselor (assigned to your region) with your question about how your grades will be treated because your school sounds very rigorous compared to other schools in your country. Ask the USC undergraduate admission counselor about how you should mention the grading situation on your application (via your recommendation letter by asking your recommendation letter writer or another part of the Common App). The website for contacting the USC undergraduate admission counselor assigned to your country is here:
<a href=“https://camel2.usc.edu/admceebsearch/ugappfindcounselor.aspx[/url]”>https://camel2.usc.edu/admceebsearch/ugappfindcounselor.aspx</a></p>
<p>USC looks at applications holistically and they know different countries and different schools in each country have different grading styles. Again, if you are worried about your grading situation, contact the USC undergraduate admission counselor for your country. The national grade given to you for 10th grade should help show that you have good grades and additionally, your class rank should show that you are in the running for admission. Your test scores and your Personal Statement/Quick Takes should show your personality, interests, and character to help you set yourself apart. You should ask your friends who were admitted to 'SC/other highly regarded universities and possibly, the USC undergraduate counselor about what USC expects to see on Personal Statements and Quick Takes.</p>
<p>Good luck! Hopefully, you are admitted to Viterbi!</p>
<p>thanks a ton nhsharvard, hopefully ill be at usc come next year</p>