Hi guys I’m an Indian Male in TN and I would like to know how competitive I am at a few schools.
My stats are :
3.45 UW GPA (this can become a 3.55 at the end of 1st semester senior year).
4.04 W GPA (this can become a 4.13 at the end of 1st semester senior year).
35 ACT (36 Superscore)
1420 PSAT
SAT 2’s Scores Pending (Math 2 & Physics)
Full IB Diploma Curriculum (5 HL classes and 1 SL)
EC’s (simplified list):
3 years varsity soccer
3 years MUN
2 years Robotics
2 years Knowledge Bowl
1 year History Bowl
2 years Badminton Club
Attended Advanced Space Academy for 1 week, earned one undergrad credit.
Attended Harvard Summer School for 7 weeks, earned eight undergrad credits.
10 Week Research with a College Professor
Secretary Badminton Club
Co-President Astronomy Club
Co-President of ACT/SAT Tutoring group
Trend: Very Good 9th grade, OK 10th Grade, Bad 11th Grade, Hopefully Very Good 12th Grade
School doesn’t have class rank.
I do have the legacy factor I believe (my mom went there for grad)
Are you suggesting I’m in the “Top of one heap” category? In that my ACT is above 75% but GPA is below 25% of their acceptances? Or even worse? @WWWard
The answers to your questions are in the thread you were referred to. Madbean, who started the thread mentioned above gives very reliable information that is still spot on today. But yes, your test scores are good, but your gpa is low. That can also be found be checking into accepted student profile. No one superscores ACT, but 35 is great. Legacy for grad school means pretty much zippo. With holistic admissions, it is anybody’s guess if you would get in, all you can do is try and have backup plans for any competitive school you apply to.
Good well rounded bio with great test scores. Write great essays and do your best with your gpa. Differentiate yourself with unique things you have done, for example, maybe find a place to discuss your research experience and it’s impact on you. Leadership in something would be good to add, oh you do have the couple clubs where your are co-pres, that is good. The crazy thing about USC is, you and students like you, could get in with a big scholarship, or not even get admitted - they are just so unpredictable with their holistic approach. Where your are from, your income level, race, and other demographics that are totally out of your control can factor in a lot or a little - depends on what they are looking for that year. You are absolutely in the running, but always have other options that you are happy with as has been mentioned. We have all seen great students that get into Ivy’s, but not get into USC and other extremely perplexing outcomes. We don’t want to see young people with broken hearts and dreams come May - cover your bases broadly by being open to different great schools - USC is one, but there are a lot of them out there. Good luck!