I was wondering if it is possible to receive in-state tuition if you have the right test scores, but don’t have the GPA listed on their website. Example: 31 ACT but only 4.1 GPA Thanks!
The school will recalculate your GPA according to their own methodology. This might work out in your favor or not. It is my understanding that the merit awards have some “flex” in them, which is why the descriptions say that applicants “typically” have certain ACT/SAT and GPA. And remember that there are other awards that aren’t as much as in-state tuition but are still significant. Good luck!
Yes, my S had a 31 on his ACT and a lower GPA and he received the Flinn scholarship rather than the McKissick but it still was in state tuition and a great value…
I have been wondering the same thing. My son fell in love with USC but we would really need some tuition reduction. He has a 4.0 on their 5.0 scale but only a 1080 on his SAT. He is taking the ACT in September. Any chance that he could get tuition reduction, even half off?
From the website: “In 2016, recipients of the Sims Scholars Award had an average SAT score of 1237 (ACT score of 28) and an average weighted high school GPA of 3.71. Recipients of this award also receive a significant tuition reduction.”
The Sims has the lowest of the OOS scholarship requirements. So if he gets a 28 or higher on the ACT, he should qualify–but his current SAT score is probably too low.
@LuckyCharms913 Any idea how I could calculate my son’s GPA at USC? Do they have a model or calculator I could use?
Sorry, I have no idea how they do it. But if you contact Admissions, they could probably help you.
@STEM2017 I looked for something to convert my D17’s gpa last week. I couldn’t find anything. We are going down in 2 weeks and I will let you know what I find out.
My understanding is that they first calculate grades using 4.0 scale. A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0 and D=1.0. They then add 1.0 for all honors and AP classes; so essentially honors is just as “valuable” as AP. I believe they only include the USC required classes in the calculation, not every class you took in high school (not positive of that).
That is my understanding of how they do it, but not really sure how someone gets to some of the high GPAs I see posted or they show for the averages for some of the scholarships (McNair 4.80 or Alumni 4.89). I would some of the required classes would not be offered as honors or AP, which would enable a GPA that high even if one received straight As. Do any schools actually offer a honors or AP version of fine arts or Phys Ed or even multiple years of Foreign Language? Please post if someone disagrees with my understanding of how they calculate them.
That is exactly right, PennyDad. We were there two weeks ago and that’s what we were told. Honors and AP are weighted equally. They also said they take your highest grades. For example, USC requires 2 years of foreign language. If you have had 3 or 4 years, they take your two highest grades. And yes, there are several AP Art classes. I don’t know of any AP PE classes though.
was his gpa lower than the one listed on their website for Flinn? Or lower than McKissick?
Both, he went to a Jesuit school which does not weight their classes. He had a 3.56 unweighted and I have no idea what his weighted average would be. They do recalculate with only the classes they require so I am thinking he may have been around a 3.9 with his AP and honors classes depending on which language they used as he had both Latin and Spanish.
@funboysmom thanks! So do you think that if you have the test score, but your gpa is a little lower than what’s posted, you’ll receive in-state tuition?
Chances of scholarship with 1290 SAT 27 ACT and GPA 3.77UW 3.99W
@Math557 I would say your chances are high. Your sat score puts you in line for a Woodrow scholarship which is great money.
Two questions:
- with a GPA lower that normal (3.96 USC weighted I believe) but a 34 ACT, chances I get in state?
- When’s the earliest people find out what they qualify for (Applying EA for Honors, but heard they don’t give out scholarship til later)
thanks
- I live in-state so I'm not sure I can be much help but I think there's a decent chance.
- Honors applicants find out acceptance starting in December, and I believe that if you're accepted then as opposed to February, you're on the short list for Top Scholars. Not that you should bank on that (I was accepted in December and received no Top Scholars money). You'll be invited to the Top Scholars interview, or you'll get a letter later on saying you didn't get Top Scholars but to lookout for other scholarships.
@Kryskov The Top Scholars interview is just for the two full-ride scholarships, correct?
My daughter got accepted and we are from nj. Was hoping to get some money but she has a 4.5 GPA but a1210 SAT. I know the scholarship page says what the average scores sndGPA is and she’s higher in one area lower in another. Just wondering if it’s possible for her to get any money?