<p>While your 4.0 is impressive, Stanford expects grades like that in honors and AP classes. Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet, or done any practice tests? What kinds of scores are you receiving? Unless your high school didn’t offer higher level classes, or you have extremely impressive ECs, your chances at Stanford are very slim. USC is a bit better, but you need a safer school. The UCs are a great option, or a private if you can afford it, and they accept transfers (i.e. Loyola Marymount). </p>