<p>I'm currently an incoming junior in high school. My freshman grades were terrible, I got a 3.0 that year. First semester of my sophomore year, same thing, only worse. My GPA dropped from a 3.0, to a 2.8. I buckled down my second semester though and it is back at a 3.1 now. I know these grades aren't great at all, especially in the competitive world today.</p>
<p>I took the SAT my sophomore year as well, after the PSAT, and ended up getting a 1900. I plan to take it again and try to bring it up to a 2000-2100 my junior year. Entering my junior year I plan to keep straight As for the rest of my high school career. My four AP classes this year should really help my GPA. I know that although my GPA is not strong as of now, improvement in the later years is always a good indicator of current study habits.</p>
<p>And my ECs include:
-President of SIMS club for the past 2 years.
-Competed at an international level for DECA.
-Varsity golf for the past two years (next two years as well).
-400+ hours of community service.</p>
<p>I'm very interested in attending a school for music composition, such as USC Thornton, NYU Steinhardt, Berklee, or Frost. I'm aware that an audition is mandatory and quite frankly, I am not all too worried about that. I would audition for piano, been playing since I could move my hands, and my theory is above average. Academically, however, I am concerned. I am not entirely sure how the admission process would work..? Could someone please explain this to me? Will an outstanding audition (piano) and interview be accounted for when applying to these schools?</p>
<p>When I apply to USC's Thornton School of Music, for example, does that mean I'm applying to USC itself, or are they separate? Also, does a rock solid audition/interview have ANY weight on the admission process? If so, how much? Does it vary school to school?</p>
<p>What do you believe my chances of getting into one of these schools are, if I really buckle down this year? And if not those, what are some other more likely target schools I should apply to? </p>
<p>All help is appreciated! Thank you in advance!</p>