USC is quite possibly my “dream school” right now, so I’m just wondering if I even have a shot at being accepted next year… (I’m currently a junior)
Stats:
3.64 uw gpa from the last couple years, but didn’t do too well first semester this year…
1480 on the SAT
4 on AP Chinese; currently taking AP Biology and Psychology and will take the exams
taking SAT II Math and maybe Biology this year
Extracurriculars:
dance (+12 years)
used to fence for 3-4 years? (not sure if that’s important; had to quit due to scheduling conflicts with dance)
have been running an online social media account for over 2 years; accumulated around 500k followers
started a business that coincides with my social media account; +500 sales
have sold at conventions and partnered with companies like Elmer’s for campaigns
going to USC this summer for Exploring Entrepreneurship! (I’m very excited)
auditioning/applying soon to a dance intensive held at USC Kaufman (also don’t know if that’s significant, but my friend said it would help show my interest in USC?)
In-School Activities:
dance leader for homecoming performances
performed in several annual assemblies
will be in leadership next year
a member of various clubs
I’m sorry if this is a convoluted mess; I’ve never posted anything before
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. With an admit rate now below 13% and falling, and with 4K+ applicants with 4.0 unweighted GPAs and test scores in the 99th percentile among those not gaining admission, your success will instead likely depend on too many potential factors for anyone to correctly evaluate… making predicting admission nearly impossible.
But this also shows that they admit many without perfect grades or test scores. They are after all seeking to craft a well-rounded and diverse freshman class comprised of those who actually have a strong affinity for or connection to USC. They do aim to admit those who they project will thrive well at USC and bring something unique to the campus environment.
So your individual admission decision will likely come down to a composite and holistic analysis of your stats coupled with writing ability / essays, ECs, potential leadership roles, potential other unique qualifiers (URM, First Gen, geography, demographics, etc.), your Why USC? explanation/reasoning, etc. And that “Why USC?” explanation is likely the most important single component of your application.
You do need to provide a well-thought out and well-researched answer as to why attending USC is truly significant and important to you specifically. And moreover, USC does want to gain a sense as to what you will be uniquely contributing to the greater USC community if admitted.
Before applying, I suggest reading through the very helpful insider’s guide to USC admissions…
