Chances at USC

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Hi everyone! I know there are millions of these threads out there, but as a senior in the middle of college applications, I am anxious to know if I have realistic chance of getting into USC (my top choice). Thank you!</p>

<ul>
<li>From Alabama, first generation immigrant from China (if these matter)</li>
<li>GPA/Rank: UW 3.98, W 4.52, Rank 2/304 in my senior class (For now)</li>
<li>SAT/ACT: 2000 (R 650, M 670, W 690); ACT 31 (R 35, M 29, S 29, W 31)
-AP/IB: 3 AP classes (APUSH- 5, AP Euro, AP Psych (will take test)), 6 IB classes (Chem HL, English HL, History HL, Film SL-6, French B SL -5, ToK, Math Studies)</li>
<li>ECs: Varsity Tennis (9-12, 1st seed, Varsity Letter), Model UN (9-12, Staff (12)), Robotics Team (10-12, Head Graphic Designer), Scholar's Bowl (11-12, JV Captain), NHS (11-12, Secretary and VP), French Honor Society (11-12, Secretary (12))
-Volunteering: Art Museum Volunteer (11-12, 150 + hrs)</li>
<li>Employment: Commissioned for art work three times (11-12) </li>
<li>Honors/Awards: Academic Letter/Bar/Honor Roll (10-11), National Merit Semi-Finalist, Red Ribbon Leadership Award</li>
<li>Recs: I feel pretty confident about my teacher recommendations. I asked my English/Theory of Knowledge teacher who has taught me for 2 years. I also asked my AP Psychology/ Varsity Tennis coach for 4 years who I know pretty well and vice versa.
-Essay: Most my teachers have said that my writing is very strong and my essay is about my personal experiences in moving to different cities/countries.
-Other: Organized a charity run for a local organization and I play USTA Junior Team Tennis</li>
</ul>

<p>Any feedback would be most appreciated! Thanks again!</p>

2

<p>Fallen,
Was there a misprint of your SAT scores? Was a 2000 score in Alabama high enough to make you a NM semi-finalist?</p>

<p>Are you a nationally ranked tennis player? Are your tennis skills at the level where you might be a recruited athlete?</p>

3

<p>NM semifinalist standing only depends on PSAT score, not SAT.</p>

4

<p>I had a 212 on my PSAT which was enough to make our state’s cutoff of 211 this year. So I’m hoping to get Finalist standing when they are announced in the spring. </p>

<p>As for tennis, I am not nationally ranked and I know that my skills aren’t enough for recruitment but I have been playing since I was really young. Despite that, I was hoping the dedication will show through in my application and I would definitely like to continue playing at some level in college.</p>

5

<p>Good GPA and AP scores. The only thing I am worried about is the SAT score. USC’s 50% for admitted students is at 2030, that’s just above your score. Your ACT is good though at 31 but I think a 32 or even a 33 would be good for them.</p>

6

<p>Full IB Diploma? That would help. The SL IB tests hurt you. As others have said, the SAT scores MUST come up across the board. You need 740+ in each to lock as an admit. You don’t mention your proposed major(s). Your EC’s, work, and volunteerism are narrowly focused and do not show a person with broad intellectual interests. Your ethnicity does nothing to help you at USC. </p>

<p>Try to refocus your essay on how your moving around affected not only you, but perhaps others. Try to provide insight not only into you, but how others view you. Essays are very tricky and must be completely original. Most essays are me, me, me. Avoid this.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>