Chance Me USC 2023

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Intended Major: Political Science with a Minor in either Cinematic Arts or Journalism

GPA:

  • Freshman Year: 88.2 - There were circumstances that would explain the lowered GPA (if needed)
  • Sophomore Year: 90.7 - Did better Second semester than First
  • Junior Year: 96
  • APs/Honors: AP Euro, APUSH, AP Gov, AP Lang, AP Psych, Spanish 3 Honors, Pre-Calc Honors

ACT/SATs:

  • SAT: Taking in May
  • ACT: 34 (E - 35, M - 33, R - 34, S - 34)
  • SAT IIs (I know they aren’t needed for USC): US History, Literature, Not Sure (Most likely Math I or II)

ECs:

  • Co-founded my city’s chapter of the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence - Large time commitment. Help to organize rallies and marches as well as raise awareness for gun legislation. NOTE: Not fully against guns, just certain types of guns (Assault Rifles)
  • Youth Leadership [Insert City Here] - Helped to teach us about our community, the leaders in our community and how to become better leaders. Did a service project throughout the year where we raised money and volunteered at a nonprofit in our community.
  • Varsity Golf (3 years), Squash (2 years, though since it started as a varsity sport), and Tennis (2 years)
  • Model UN: Pretty self explanatory, one a few delegate awards. Chance of leadership position next year.
  • Youth and Government: Went to state capital to do a “mock legislature” with other schools in our state.
  • Young Democrats Club: Will be president next year. Met to discuss current political events as well as debate the Young Republicans (A significantly larger club).
  • Broadcasting Club: Broadcasted several sporting events for my high school.
  • American Civil War History Club: Met to discuss the Civivl War. Battle strategies, Kahoots etc. Chance of officer position next year.
  • Went on a service trip to the inner city for 6 days to work in a Soup Kitchen, School and “Mall”. May write essay on this.
  • Decent chance I will be going to Kenya this summer to work in a hospital for 1-2 weeks. May write essay on this if (and hopefully when) it happens

Other:
State: New York
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: White
I know my freshman and first half of sophomore year grades were low, but hoping my Junior and First half senior year grades can help make up for them. Also will be interviewing at USC in the summer.
With a strong essay and recommendations, do I have a shot?

2

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. I suggest reading an excellent thread on the topic from the beginning…

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/1558825-what-are-my-chances-read-this-first-p1.html

I also suggest reading through the following very helpful insider’s guide to USC admissions…

https://tfm.usc.edu/a-guide-to-uscs-college-admissions-process/

Good Luck…

3

USC’s admissions process is one of the few that doesn’t consider bad Freshman grades if academic excellence is exhibited during the next three years, so don’t worry about the 88 - just explain it and you’ll be fine. You definitely have a lot of experience with debate and public leadership so obviously highlight that further through your essays and short answers.

Academically, 2022 was the most selective class to date, but your 34 puts you in the clear. Try getting an 800 on the SAT II’s.

If you can, and if you have time, it may be beneficial to publish a research paper in the field of IR over the summer. Research indicates massive intellectual curiosity and will help you incredibly. Also, don’t make your essay extremely cheesy with the Kenya stuff. Everyone applying to an elite 25 does similar stuff and with the new 12.8% acceptance rate, you really need to show USC why you’re different - the paper helps.

Best of luck.