<p>Hi, currently I'm a junior and have plans to apply to the gaming development undergraduate program at USC.</p>
<p>My grades currently are (Although this is only fresh-soph)(I take honors everything, however my only AP has been Computer Science which I am currently taking this year): </p>
<p>GPA - 88.5160
Weighted GPA - 92.3960</p>
<p>My grades seem to be staying at this in my junior year as well, although my computer science AP grade currently is a 97.</p>
<p>How important is my math grade on its own? Should I take any SAT II Subject tests regarding math?</p>
<p>What can I do to improve my chances of potentially getting accepted. Currently besides doing 2100+ on the SATs, all I can think of is learning a substantial amount of C++ by next year and my last idea would be to create a visual novel (easy to code, but a lot of work on story development, pics, music, etc.) and have that as showing potential.</p>
<p>I want to go with 2 other friends (we plan on doing our best to form a team or at least stick together in anyway possible as we all share the same goals in creating a game) and I'm wondering is their anyway to also increase our chances of getting in as a group? If creating the VN took the efforts of all 3 of us will that be acknowledged? They have similar grades as me. Or, is this mostly independent and I should not waste my time on the VN and focus on learning C++ solely.</p>
<p>Are you interested in the Comp Sci (Games) major in Viterbi (engineering school) or the Interactive Media major in School of Cinematic Arts (film school)?</p>
<p>An 88.5 average works out to about a 3.3 UW GPA, as you can see from the above link that’s well below the average for last year’s admits to SC. Furthermore a 2100 SAT would be around the mid-point of admitted students. Viterbi is generally believed to have higher statistical averages especially for math & science grades. Given that information I think USC is going to be a reach for you. </p>
<p>As for applying as a team, I know of no way to do that. SC, or any other school for that matter, will review your applications individually. They’ll make individualized admissions decisions. If after that you decide not to attend USC because one of you didn’t get admitted that’s obviously your choice. Applying as a group only really helps the weaker candidates on the team. A student who’d get admitted on his/her own merits now is looked at based on the “company he keeps”. A student with low scores gets pulled up only if the strong student is someone USC really wants. The excellent student gets left behind if one of his teammates doesn’t have the statistical profile to gain admission.</p>
<p>Worry about yourself. Your best strategy is to get all your grades up as high as possible for junior year as well as crushing the SAT/ACT. As time passes you may find that your interests and those of your friends change pretty dramatically.</p>
<p>Since Viterbi will not ask for a creative sample, the visual novel you are planning will only take up one line on your EC activity list on the common app. It might, however, be the source of an essay–which could be great. The amount of time you spend on it is truly a personal decision.</p>
<p>But since Viterbi will not be looking at the work, I suspect it will not in itself be enough to significantly raise your chances at admissions. The sorts of project that <em>can</em> help often include adult professionals, like advisors, mentors or employers who then can write a letter of recommendation and detail the advanced level of your programming and creativity, as well as your work ethic and dedication.</p>
<p>I agree with vinceh that Viterbi and USC will be looking for seriously great stats, rigorous coursework in math and science and excellent test scores, as well as a passion for games.</p>