<p>I realize that USC is a reach for me, at least that's how I'm looking at it, but I'd appreciate anyone's input who is willing to give it.</p>
<p>Basics:</p>
<p>1330/1600 SAT</p>
<p>29 ACT</p>
<p>3.4 UW, 3.8 W, 4 APs this year</p>
<p>No traditional hooks - I'm an undesirable white male :)</p>
<p>My ECs are my hook, actually, as I spent last year (my junior year) working for the US govt in Washington DC. It was cool and looks great "on paper" and was, in fact, great in every other respect.</p>
<p>My GPA is my primary worry. I had one rough semester, and as you all know, one bad semester is all it takes!</p>
<p>Yeah, the 3.4 UW GPA could definitely hurt. Do you have a valid reason for having a rough semester? Sickness or a death in the family, et cetera?</p>
<p>USC looks at the writing score on the SAT, too, so what’s your full composite and what’s your breakdown?</p>
<p>Two deaths in the family (one long and drawn out, one unexpected) had everyone unglued. A bunch of Cs really messed me up. Supposedly my counselor recommendation mentioned this, although I didn’t see the letter so I don’t know how it was handled. I guess I would have been at around 3.7 UW/4.0 W if I had made my usual As and Bs.</p>
<p>A 1940 composite slightly low for USC, especially if you have a below-average GPA. If your counselor described your situation, though, you might be in a decent position for admission. No one can really say for sure because we don’t know how USC will view all of these different factors in your application. I’m really sorry to hear you had two deaths in your family, and I wish you luck on getting into USC! You should join us over at the USC 2014 Hopefuls thread. :)</p>