Chances to get in USC/UCSD?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello, I am a rising senior and I was wondering about my chances for getting into USC/UCSD respectfully. I am a California resident.</p>

<p>Asian Male
Junior GPA - roughly 3.5 U/W International Baccalaureate.
SAT: 2050 700 math 670 Writing 680 CR
SATII Bio E - 690
SATII US History - 690
SATII Math2c 750</p>

<p>I have a few ECs because I believe in quality, not quantity.
German Club cabinet
Member of a solar car group
Voluntereed Tutoring at an after school program for about half a year
Member of California Scholarship Foundation</p>

<p>I am interested in biology major and maybe computer science as a second interest... </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Well, 80% of students UCSD admits has a high school gpa of 3.75 or higher, so your at a disadvantage there. I would definitley retake the SAT for both universities. I think you have a slightly better chance at USC though.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, but would IB be factored in to my GPA? I know it is low compared to those college admits, and how do colleges consider weighted GPAs? Also, I do plan on retaking in Oct, attempting 2100-2200.</p>

4

<p>Forgot to include ACT: 31 . If I send in the ACT without the SAT, would that be fine, or should i send in both?</p>

5

<p>Your scores should not be your main concern for USC unless you want a scholarship. I would focus on writing a great essay and scheduling an interview. Remember, USC’s admissions are holistic.</p>

6

<p>Well USC only considers your UW GPA, while UCSD considers both W and UW.</p>

7

<p>How does it look… my chances for either? I really want to go to USC over UCSD though.</p>

8

<p>You have a better chance at USC. Remember to retake the SAT and shoot for 2150<, and start working on you essay. You should also look to see if you can get an interview.</p>

9

<p>Hey thanks for the reply, SeattleBulldog. How does the interview process work? What would they ask you?</p>

10

<p>Well It’s probably going to be like a regular conversation ( so don’t be nervous). This is your opprotunity for them to really get to know you. They’ll ask you questions like what attracted you to USC, and what you hope to study, etc…</p>

11

<p>Okay thanks! Do you have any suggestions for me? Besides from retaking the SATI in oct, I also plan on retaking the SATII Bio and maybe US History</p>

12

<p>I think you have a better chance at UCSD; I got into UCSD but was rejected to USC. Both schools are going to be competitive. If your weighted GPA is above a 4.0, it’s probably going to come down to your essays for both. I’d say you have a pretty good chance for UCSD, and USC is an okay but not great chance.</p>

<p>My only advice is to really study for the ACT/SAT and retake them. You do not need to send both your ACT and SAT I scores for USC, but I believe the UCs requires that you do not use score choice with the SAT (meaning you have to send your SAT I if you send your subject tests.) Also, do really well your first semester senior year; go for straight A’s if at all possible. USC requires a midyear report, and I think my C first semester may have ruined my chances (which weren’t great to begin with.) Oh, and get a good teacher for your letter of recommendation. Get opinions from past students on who writes the best ones.</p>