Hi everyone. I’m a rising senior at one of the 150 “best” and most rigorous high schools in the country. Lately I have felt very down about my chances at getting accepted into colleges. I am equally as concerned with tuition with many of these institutions. However, that is not the purpose of this thread. I am determined to get into the Honors College at the University of South Carolina. Unfortunately, my stats are are on the low side. But I’m really trying hard not to beat myself up over this. It was an extremely difficult year for me. My home life was extremely bad this year and one of my teachers (who I was exceedingly close to) was killed. I’m not trying to make excuses and I realize many people have it far worse. It’s that that this is my reality and I cannot change it. Instead, I am trying to improve my stats and likelihood of getting accepted int the Honors College. Thank you for everyone who took time out of their day to read this and give feedback, it truly means so much to me.
GPA: 3.5 (unweighted)
ACT: 25 (yes i know that this is really bad. I’m really studying and am going to do everything that I can to get a 30. Also note that this was my first attempt at the ACT and I did not study)
AP Classes (including what I am taking this year): AP Euro, AP Comparative Government, AP Biology, AP English Language, AP U.S. History, AP Spanish Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Government, AP Econ
ECs:
Model UN
3 yrs
I have received numerous awards in that time
Youth in Government
3 yrs
I have also received awards in this EC
Gay Straight Alliance
2yrs
(does it help that I am part of the lgbt community?)
Common Ground
2yrs
Spanish Club
4yrs
This year I am the treasurer
Red Cross Club
3 yrs
Theatre Club
2 years
Theatre Company
I was involved for 4 years, but then it got shut down
Creative Writing Club
Relay for Life
Participant 1 yr
Captain 1 yr
Spanish Language Tutoring
Girls United
Beta Club
Spanish National Honor Society
Volunteering at a local food bank
Volunteering at a local elementary school
Volunteering at a local animal shelter
(over 150 hours, it will be more by the time I apply)
Internship at my state’s Democratic Party
Involved/volunteering with a congressman’s campaign
(I have given countless hours of my time to both of these and I love them both dearly)
Party-time job at a music store
piano lessons for 10 yrs
Also, I know of at least two teachers who are willing to write me some stellar recommendations.
I plan on double majoring in Political Science and Spanish. Again, thank you.
Your ECs and course rigor look great, but the Honors College would be a reach in terms of GPA as well as ACT score. It’s worth a try if you get that ACT up to 30, but you might want to think about whether you’d be happy at U of South Carolina if you aren’t admitted to the HC. Don’t know if the application is on line yet, but in the past it has included at least two supplemental essays that will be time-consuming, so start working on them as soon as possible. Also note that the deadline for the HC is earlier than the regular deadline. Good luck!
Is there another ACT this year? If so, take it. If not consider the SAT in June. Even though you can take again in fall (and you should to get the best score possible after summer of studying), that’s really late to start making good list of colleges. If you need merit money, you need to look where your scores and stats put you top 25% of students at least.
Are you out of state? I ask because even though you said finances weren’t issue, you need to start looking at that now if it is an issue. That goes for looking at all your potential schools. Run the NPC and get your parents involved so that you truly know what your can afford.
As OOS student, you can get in-state tuition rates based on stats without being in honors college. Please spend some time on website looking at admissions to see class profile of recent honors students (mid-range ACT 31-33), honors college page to see additional admissions info, and the money matters page that explains the available scholarships and what it takes to get them. There is link somewhere on admissions or search on money matters.
If you can, visit and have someone in admissions look at your GPA since they will recalculate with some weight to AP which may make your GPA stronger. The admissions officers are on your side and will give you the best advice on how to position yourself.
An ACT score of 25 isn’t “bad,” but if your goal is to get into the Honors College, yes, score higher. I believe USC’s Honors College SAT score, for the class of 2013, ranged between 1390-1470 (Critical Reading & Math). Converted to ACT scores would be between 30-32.
I’m going to be a freshman in the HC next fall and if I remember correctly on the application, the opportunity to apply to the Honors College was gated based off test scores. Unless you had at least a 26 or 27 (I can’t remember the exact score) you weren’t even given the option to apply for it. Really, really work to get that ACT up. Study your ass off and really look into why you missed the ones you did. Best of luck.
While Honors at USC may be difficult to achieve, look into College of Charleston’s Honors college. It’s very good, well-located, and a good choice for Political Science/Spanish .
What’s your budget for college?
Are you lower income? Can your parents pay their EFC?
Don’t beat yourself up. You should be proud for what you’ve achieved. That said, there are a LOT of factors involved in getting accepted, and a lot of luck. There is much more pressure now than there ever was in getting in “the right school,” and in the right program, and in all honesty, I don’t think there is a huge difference between the schools and the programs. Most of it is subjective. My suggestion is to apply to a lot of schools, then see what they offer. After they make their offers, go visit and weigh the factors. There is absolutely no telling who will accept and who won’t. My daughter had her heart set on a few programs, but on closer examination of the offers and schools, decided on USC, which was almost an afterthought in the application process. I know it’s hard, but don’t get your heart set, as you don’t know what will happen.
ACT score and GPA may keep OP from the Honors College at College of Charleston as well @MYOS1634 . It’s getting more competitive for admissions as well. It is a great program worth looking into though.