<p>I didn't think I did, but my guidance counselor keeps insisting that I do...</p>
<p>3.84 W GPA
3.67 UW GPA
rank (Somewhere in the top 10 out of 355, they messed up on my ranking and I think they're redoing it.)
took all aps offered except for ap physics c and ap psych (took psych at cc)
SAT: 1830, will retake
SAT IIs:
650 - chem
680 - us hist
ACT: 31</p>
<p>not-so-great ecs:
orchestra - 4 years (officer senior year)
some clubs (no positions held)
xc - 10th and 12th
piano - 5 years
chinese school - graduated (10 years)
volunteering at humane society and pharmacy</p>
<p>awards:
national forensic league
possible ap scholar (still waiting for one grade)</p>
<p>majors: chemistry, chemical/environmental engineering, or pharmacy </p>
<p>Sure, you have a chance, particularly if you get awesome recs from your teachers & counselor. For one thing, you add some diversity, since they have fewer MI applicants than CA, TX or HI applicants. Since your GC believes you have a chance, s/he will probably write you a good rec to help you get in & probably knows kids with similar credentials who did get in.</p>
<p>My S had a weighted GPA of about 3.8, class rank of about the middle of his class of 240, ok ECs, very high test scores & is a happy freshman in engineering at USC. In any case, you will never know if you don't apply! One tip is that engineering is a very challenging major & has pretty tough admissions standards. Might be easier to get in as a chem or undeclared major--ask your counselor.</p>
<p>You have a chance. Your extracurriculars aren't as bad as you think- they have the benefit that some of them are actually related to your intended major! I would be far more skeptical if you wanted to major in art or business, but you've demonstrated interest and competence in your field. If you get your test scores up, then it'll just look like your school grades really hard, since you're ranked highly despite them.</p>
<p>I think you have a fair chance, though I'd suggest that you study for your SATs some more. Considering a hard sciences major is difinitely helping your case. Do you play the piano in orchestra or some other instrument? You might want to consider possibly making a CD of your musical skills as a supplement to your application; USC really likes to see that you're well rounded.</p>