<p>I am an in-state student(senior) from California(male of indian origin) and wanted to get my chances of getting into USC and my chances at some merit aid.</p>
<p>Stats:
SAT Score: 2200
SAT 2 Math 2: 770
SAT 2 Chemistry: 760
UW GPA: 3.9
Weighted GPA: 4.23
AP Comp Sci A: 5
AP Chemistry: 5
(Taking AP Literature, AP Gov/Econ, and AP Calculus BC this year).</p>
<p>I have taken a fairly rigorous course-load, have strong recommendations, and have decent EC's(co-founder of a science club that promotes scientific awareness outside the classroom, volunteering at a humane society, Nature Photography(also considering minoring in photography), and speech and debate). I'll be applying to Viterbi School of Engineering and plan on majoring in Mechanical Engineering.</p>
<ol>
<li>Is USC engineering less stressful/competitive than engineering programs at schools like UCB and UCLA?</li>
<li>How liberal with merit aid is USC(and need-based aid as well, although I’m not sure that I’d get too much of that)?</li>
<li>How does the job scene look for USC Engineering grads?</li>
</ol>
<p>If you are a national merit finalist and get accepted, they’ll give you half tuition. Your stats look good to me. That’s about all I can tell you. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the kind Replies. Unfortunately I missed the National Merit cutoff by 4pts when I took the PSAT. Glad to know I have a good shot and I guess I’ll have to wait and see about the financial aid when the decisions roll out.</p>