Poor freshman year grades

During my freshman year of high school I was struggling for months with a severe anxiety disorder that I later got diagnosed with- because of this my grades were not the best; about a 3.0 with my lowest grade being a C+| (I go to a rigorous prep school which didn’t help my GPA.) during my sophomore and junior year I’ve really turned it around though, receiving almost all As and getting a 33 on my ACT on the first try. I do lots of engaging ECs and I’m working to get a 4.0 next semester. My #1 school has always been USC, do I have a chance? And is there anything I can do to improve my chances?

Hey! I was diagnosed with depression freshmen year, and my lowest grade was a 78 then. I didn’t turn my grades around until junior year, getting straight A’s finally then. I also got a 33 on my ACT first time too.
And you know what? I just got accepted into USC as a merit finalist!
I’m not even kidding about all of that. It was kinda scary reading your post because of how similar our experiences are.
So, with all that, know that you don’t just have a chance at getting in, you have a chance of getting merit consideration, too. Grades aren’t everything, and they really do look holistically. Make sure to explain your situation through your writing, and you’ll be golden. Just keep up the growth and progress!
Best of luck!

Thank you so much!! That makes me feel so much better- congratulations!!