Hi everyone! I’m a native South Carolinian hoping to get into the Honors College at USC. I’d like to hear your thoughts on how I’m doing so far, what my chances are, and what I could do to improve my resume!
Extracurriculars:
Most Outstanding Camp Counselor award (JROTC summer leadership school)
Beta Club Vice President
JROTC Deputy Corps Commander
Key Club President
President of Dungeons and Dragons Club at Local Library
Three year Varsity Letter and Captain for Cross Country
Four Year Varsity Letter and Captain for Track Team
Student Government Representative
Interact Club
APs:
All 5’s on all 6 of my exams. I’ve self studied four of those exams.
I have about 175 community service hours logged in right now. I am also aware that my GPA, SAT, and class rank are a bit low, but I am currently logging in a lot of AP classes to improve my class rank/GPA. I’m also working hard to improve my math SAT as well. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Are you a senior? I don’t think USC looks at mid-year grades, so not sure increasing GPA helps at this point if you’re a senior. But upping the SAT score could definitely help. Take plenty of time and care on essays. They can make a big difference.
@scmom12 I am a Senior. This is my cumulative GPA throughout high school. I really want to up my Math score. I’m just a bit insecure about my ECs and class rank since I was fairly lazy academically up until Junior year.
Your currently ranked below the top 10% of your class, your SAT scores are at the low end of the accepted students range, and your GPA is a little low. From what I’ve heard , it is extremely competitive to get in. You do have excellent ECs, so that may help. Your current stats seem more consistent with the Capstone program, but it all depends on this year’s applicants. It’s hard to know. Spend a lot of time on your essays to make yourself and out to give yourself your best shot.
I am not trying to be discouraging. It is very hard to hear. My son and I went to an Honors seminar for another SC school and we’re basically told everyone in this room is smart and has similar stats . What sets you apart from everyone else. That’s why your essays are so important.
@carolinamom2boys As far as hooks, I was for the entirety of Middle School in a foster home because my biological mother, who got addicted to drugs, became negligent and I missed two months of school as a result. Since my Freshman year I now live with a legal guardian who is in the upper income bracket. Pretty much my life prior to high school was not a healthy situation. But I applied what I saw of my family’s behavior and realized I did NOT want to head in that route. And so I worked hard and overcame my past to be where I am today. That’s the most unique thing I have going for me.
