<p>im a senior and im applying as electrical engineering. my parents told me about usc but im not sure if i should apply or not. im wondering if its worth it because it seems expensive even though my parents said money isnt an issue since im doing engineering and they are willing to pay for it and im not sure how good they are at engineering. im not even sure if i how good of a chance i have at getting in but if anyone has an opinion on if i should apply or not please let me know! other schools im applying to are ut austin uw madison georgia tech ucla uiuc penn state and umass amherst.</p>
<p>here are my stats:
3.75 uw gpa
4.35 w gpa
My school only offers APs to juniors and seniors and there are only a few for juniors. I didnt take any junior year which i regret but i still took honors math and bio junior year and also honors math chem spanish and computer science sophomore year. Senior year im taking AP calc BC AP statistics and AP physics M.
2000 SAT (M 740, CR 590, W 670 with an 8 on the essay)
Math II SAT 800
Taking ACT in the fall
ECs :
4 years of the school newspaper and I became sports editor (head of sports) the time we won best sports section my region
2 years football
2 years coaching a community basketball team (volunteer) with some friends and won coaches of the year one year
2 years peer tutoring in chemistry and math
1 year robotics club
4 years playing the trombone in the school jazz band
made/managed a documentary with some friends</p>
<p>If you really like USC go for it! Even if you don’t get in at least you have tried your best. I have lower stats then you number wise but I’m still applying to USC. Although my chance is like .001%, at least I wouldn’t look back and regret not trying. </p>
<p>Good luck and know that the choice is yours whether you want to apply or not. :)>- </p>
<p>Hi-
You might consider retaking the SAT if the ACT doesn’t go as planned. You also might want to consider taking another SAT subject test. I feel like the Math II subject test alone won’t be that great of a help, considering that around 88 percent of people who take that test get an 800. I’d say take the Physics subject test since that would additionally show your interest and strength in engineering. You have a well-rounded profile that shows your much more than just a math-centric person.
One think I’d say is make sure you get to know your guidance counselor well. I know it’s pretty much impossible to get him or her to know you as well as they should, in a couple months, assuming that they don’t already. But their recommendation letter could be the voice that says that you’ve been taking hold of all the opportunities that your school has to offer.
Besides that just follow the general tips:
-Really put time and effort into essays. I’ve heard several times that they’re a deal breaker. I suggest reading On Writing the College Application Essay by Harry Bauld.
-Perhaps visit to show interest?
-Make sure that you’re comfortable with whoever is writing your recommendation letters. Be sure that they know you and that they would write an appealing and well-written letter showing the best sides of you.
-More community service? </p>
<p>You could apply to Dornsife & then transfer into Viterbi (simple to do, just get a B in all science/math/eng courses) to improve your odds. Still a reach, but a lower reach.</p>