<p>I know my chances are on the edge, but I'm still gonna go for it. Any chance at all? I appreciate any input, and I know that reality can bite ;(</p>
<p>Rising senior</p>
<p>Weighted GPA 3.88, have taken 3 AP's and many Honors classes; scheduled for 3 AP's next year.
UW 3.02
ACT 25
Rank 25%, large public HS</p>
<p>Brief EC's:
4 years varsity sport/letter- "Best Improved Award"
Volunteer work, community improvement, leadership role, earned $2000.00 for charity
Tutor for ESL students
Photography club
Mission work
Other stuff</p>
<p>Academic awards: numerous
NHS
Art award
Science awards</p>
<p>Employment: 3 years throughout school year and summers.</p>
<p>Personal: Out of state. No legacy. Under represented minority (Latino-born in Central America)</p>
<p>I think “very high reach” is a little bit pessimistic. You are a little below the average for GPA and test scores, with a ~60% acceptance rate, there are plenty of kids with similar stats who get in.</p>
<p>Do a prep and take the ACT again, and/or try the SATs, some kids do better on the SAT than ACT. If you can get your scores up a little I think your chances will be very decent.</p>
<p>I agree with notrichenough…I definitely think you have a shot…kids from our school have gotten in with your uw gpa and test scores as oos bc of the university’s descent acceptance percentage</p>
<p>3.88 is the GPA that they’ll probably be looking at which is a good GPA. Improve your ACT by one or two points, and I’d say you have a good chance.</p>
<p>I don’t think this is a very high reach for you. I’d say it might be 50/50 for you.</p>
<p>USC mainly cares about GPA, Class Rank, and Test Scores. So your best bet is just to study hard and try to improve your ACT or try taking the SAT and see if you do better.</p>
<p>Also. Make sure to apply Early Action! If you apply by the regular deadline, you may have missed out on your spot. At least with Early Action, if you get deferred to Regular Decision you can send USC your senior first semester transcripts, any improved test scores, and show your continued interest in the school.</p>
<p>I’m in-state, so it’s a little different, but I got into USC with a scholarship with a 3.4 weighted (2.9 unweighted) and a 1230 SAT (and a 25 ACT, I think). So our stats are similar.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the input everyone, I think I see now a clear plan for approaching this application process. Your responses have helped a lot, and also reflects what a nice place USC is :)</p>
<p>Also, by applying Early Action you will be eligible for the out-of-state scholarships.</p>
<p>If you can get your ACT up to 27 or 28, you would definitely be in the running for a Woodrow or a Sims, which are small money-wise but which also come with reduced tuition benefit which is worth $8000-$13000 per year.</p>