<p>Right now USC is about a low reach for me. How can I significantly boost my chances going into my senior year?</p>
<p>Raise my 2190 SAT in october?
Take Subject Tests?
Submit Supplemental Essays?
Do Part 1 of the app?</p>
<p>What can I realistically do to increase my chances at this point?</p>
<p>It would be helpful if you gave us some of your stats. Here are some things that will help:</p>
<p>Have leadership positions in ECs/Athletics
Show a marked improvement in GPA during the first semester of senior year( i.e GPA Freshman through Junior Year: 3.5, GPA 1st semester senior year: 4.0)
Start working on the essay now. Write a really good one
Get your SAT score above the USC average</p>
<p>Also, doing part one of the application will help your chances some because it shows that you really want to get into USC.</p>
<p>Unfortunately it is too late for me to get any leadership positions because in my sports the leaders are already firmly decided and i am not one of them.</p>
<p>I will def shoot for a good GPA in the first semester im not sure if i can pull out an A in AP lit though. </p>
<p>Do you think it would be more beneficial to retake a 2190 or take subject tests in october? </p>
<p>Should i wait until the first semester senior grades come out before i send in my app so they have not already made their decision about me before i can update them?</p>
<p>Your SAT is good, but I would still retake it over taking subject tastes, aiming for 2250+ if you can.</p>
<p>You don’t really have an option for your second question. Typically, the application is due before your first semester grades come out (early December/January depending on if you’re applying for financial aid). </p>
<p>Then, if they have not given you a decision by the time your grades come out, then they will usually request for your first semester grades, whether you want to send them or not.</p>
<p>If they deem you a scholarship candidate, however, than they might admit you before your first semester grades come out (depending on the mail delivery time).</p>
<p>Have colleges usually made a decision by the time first semester grades come out? Or can they be the difference between accept and reject?</p>
<p>The UCs/CSUs/and other public schools do not make decisions based on senior year grades. They will rescind your acceptance if your GPA dips too low(no Fs, a D might be looked over but you will not be rescind for getting those grades in ONE AP class). After you send in your application to USC, they will ask for senior year first semester grades, which will make a difference in your acceptance.</p>
<p>its too late for you sorry</p>
<p>Another thing, it is best to just send in your first semester grades as soon as they become available. The earlier they are sent in, the earlier your acceptance comes in. This becomes a HUGE advantage when it comes to HOUSING choices, Orientation sessions, etc. With a 2190 SAT, USC is definitely in your reach. I’d suggest taking SAT Subj Tests and retaking the SAT(USC superscores so if you foucs in one area, your score can shoot up). You can try to get some leadership positions in clubs or something.</p>
<p>it is too late for leadership for me. But should i take the october SAT and november subject tests?</p>
<p>That is a good idea, but don’t forget that the latest you can take any of the entrance exams is in December so don’t rule that out. I hope you get in to USC. It sounds like you want to really be here.</p>
<p>ya i do! so if i mess up my subject tests then i could take them in dec.? would i send in my app before i get the results back and then just send them later?</p>
<p>On the application, under the SAT 1 or 2 section you can state that you will take the test later (at the latest December). As long as you take them before the deadline, you can send in the application as early as you want.</p>
<p>cool. Lets say i add a 750 lit, 750 hist, 2250 SAT, and a 4.0 for the first semester onto my app. Now how am i lookin? (that scenario is more realistic than you think since i am only taking 1 AP :/)</p>
<p>A 750 in US History(one of the hardest SAT 2 by avg score)! If you can pull that off along with a 4.0 next semester, you should have no trouble getting in. Also, you should start working on your essay. That is another important part.</p>
<p>nvm i will probably not take US history then, i just suggested that because i suck at math and foreign language. Is the 4.0 a big deal with only 1 AP class?</p>
<p>I have already sent my essay to a few people on this site but if anybody else would like to read it let me know!</p>
<p>A 4.0 is always going to be a big deal as long as your not taking all art classes and P.E. The Math Sat 2 is one of the easiest SAT 2s in terms of avg score. The curve is set pretty low.</p>
<p>but alas. I suck at math</p>