Should I even bother applying? Low GPA Upward Trend, Good ACT/ Unique ECs

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>I attend an extremely rigorous high school in California. Low overall, big upward trend. Good Standardized Testing and great Extracurriculars.</p>

<p>Freshman: 2.7/3.0 (3 Honors)
Soph: 3.0 (3.2 W) /2.7 (2.8 W) - 1 weighted (1 AP)
Junior: 3.67/3.67 [4.2 Weighted] - 3 Weighted (3 AP)
Senior year: 3.67+ [4.3+ Weighted] - 4 Weighted (4 AP)</p>

<p>Took Intro to Comp Sci and Programming in C at a community college over the summer, got A's in both.</p>

<p><em>Computer Engineering/Science Major</em></p>

<p>UC Weighted (Soph + Junior Weighted GPA) GPA - 3.64
Overall Cumulative Unweighted: A dismal 3.128</p>

<p>ACT - (Took it twice, got 33 each but 35 superscore):
September 2012: 33 Composite - 35 English 36 Math 32 Reading 30 Science</p>

<h2>October 2012: 33 Composite - 29 English [UGH] 34 Math 34 Reading 35 Science</h2>

<p>33 highest one sitting, 35 superscore.</p>

<p>SAT II:
Math Level 2: 790
Bio M: 700</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
150+ hours (Including 2 years as teen tech volunteer at library)</p>

<p>*DECA - Won 3rd for math marketing in Nor Cal, and 4th for presentation, 8th overall for Advertising Campaign at states
**Last week, I found out I won the DECA Idea Challenge, my team placed #1/400+ other teams internationally for our innovation. *</p>

<p>*YouTube: I use YouTube to express my passion for technology with people around the world. My helpful tech guides and reviews have received over 1.29 MILLION views by people around the world and my channel has over 2,900 subscribers. *</p>

<p>Blogged on website based on mobile apps for 2 years
3 years JV Badminton</p>

<p>** The upward trend was caused when I visited India and realized I'm taking everything for granted. I realized I needed to make the most of my situation, and thus I started applying myself junior year.</p>

<p>** I will try to highlight my passion for technology in my application, via essays or whatever. I express my passion for technology via YouTube and help thousands of people on a daily basis. So far, I've got over 2,900 subscribers and 1.29 million views.</p>

<p>What do you guys think about my chances? Should I bother applying?</p>

2

<p>Course you should! USC loves originality, and you certainly have that. Make it clear how you’d change your habits and stand out, and BE SURE to have a 4. or something close to it for mid term grades so they see that your capable. It’s a long shot but definitely worth applying, best of luck :)</p>

3

<p>Yep, I think I can get at least a 3.67 (4.167 W) with the hardest course load I’ve ever taken in HS - 4 APs including AP Physics and AP Calc.</p>

4

<p>It seems like the only weak spot in your application is your GPA, and that does not even matter as much if there is a good upward trend from freshman year. I think you definitely have a shot at acceptance.</p>

5

<p>If you plan to major in STEM, I think the chances are very very good. I recommend you do not dwell on your first year because the upper trend is quite obvious. (Also, candidly, USC is more impressed with high SAT scores.) Instead, explain how your interest in technology grew beginning with your sophomore year and how you became very focused and excited about your new passion. I realize you might have a tendency to want to explain what happened during the first couple of years of high school but don’t focus on that. You will also appear more mature. Best of luck to you!</p>

6

<p>@Seattle That’s exactly what I’m doing. My common app general essay is just on how I share my love/passion for technology via YouTube.</p>

7

<p>Good, USC wants more STEM undergrads. Would you mind privately sending me a link to a YouTube video? Thanks!</p>

8

<p>Sounds good Seattle. I’ll send you a PM.</p>

9

<p>SC does not superscore the ACT.</p>

10

<p>Very impressive knowledge of Apple products; what about Droid OS?</p>

11

<p>@SeattleTW I prefer the simple UI of the iOS platform, along with iMessage which is extremely handy. The superb build quality is a major factor as well - the sides are cut by diamonds! That’s why I prefer the iOS platform.</p>

<p>However, I’ll be purchasing the flagship Android device - the Nexus 4 - second semester :P</p>