Chances for International who really wants to get in :)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Well hey everyone!</p>

<p>I'm an Asian, and Dutch/Chinese. I currently am applying from Shanghai, and I have to say, I'm in love with USC, and I have no doubt in my mind that it is my top choice. However, I am worried about a few things:</p>

<p>Although my SATs are decent (770CR, 800 Math, 710 WR) (790 Math IIC, 730 Physics, 680 Literature), my GPA is ...abysmal. As of now it is a 3.87/4.5, although I did achieve a 4.12 for my first senior year test! Yet, I can't help but shudder at the thought of applying when the average GPA is like a 3.7 out of 4 O.o</p>

<p>My ranking is also not that impressive: 21/189 Will that lower my chances?</p>

<p>Also, I'm an international, so I'm not sure just how high exactly the chances are of someone with my credentials. Here in China, all the applicants are crazy because they work their butts off, so I have some major competition.</p>

<p>I am pretty satisfied with my ECs and Recommendations though, and I have volunteered over 300 hours. Also, I will definitely try to perfect my essay as much as possible.</p>

<p>So that's pretty much it for me. I know you guys probably have a lot of knowledge on what kind of applicants are accepted every year, so I'd really appreciate some feeback! (For example, will my SAT scores compensate for my low GPA?)</p>

<p>Once again, thanks for reading through my post!</p>

<p>P.S (I'm most interested in Marshall, which should come as no surprise)</p>

2

<p>It can be very difficult for anyone here to compare your GPA to the current USC Freshman Profile. If you can, talk to a counselor at your school. Find out if anyone has been accepted to USC in the past and see how your stats measure up. If others from your school have applied in the past, USC will know the profile of your school and will evaluate you accordingly.
<a href="http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0910/FreshmanProfile2008v3.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0910/FreshmanProfile2008v3.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Everything else sounds great. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Since your school is probably very hard to compare to the American system I would have to guess that your SATs scores which are very good will be sufficient in showing off your capabilities. If your ECs are strong as you say and you right a good essay I think you should be fine.</p>

4

<p>I think your GPA is fine, not low at all. Your Math SAT scores are great, especially for Marshall.</p>

5

<p>Do your best on the application and apply.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for all the feedback! I really feel a lot better about it, but I'm still not that sure how the school will look at the GPA. I do take IB courses, which are the most challenging my school has to offer, but I have no idea how much that helps in compensating. Also, just how much weight does USC put on the essays?</p>

7

<p>I attended a SC admissions night/reception recently. The admissions officer remarked the application was considered as a whole. One of the more important factors was the difficulty of the courses taken. The admissions committee is well aware of the IB curriculum. The essay is important, but the committee looks to see what each candidate brings to the university. Proofread the essay carefully.</p>

<p>Do apply. Also, if SC is your first choice university be sure to write that on your application.</p>

<p>Good luck on your college search.</p>