<p>DS 2015 would love to go to USC for undergrad and it is his #1 choice. Normally he would love to major in Interactive Media or Animation. However, he wants to go to USC so much that he would be willing to major in something else, just for the admission to USC, than major in interactive media or animation at other schools,</p>
<p>Stats: elite private school, 3.22 UGPA, 3.45 WGPA, 35 ACT, 6 APs by Sr yr, SAT2s 760,710,690, ADHD-inattentive type, has made a video game, will submit portfolio. As you can see, his stats make USC a very high reach for him.</p>
<p>My question:
If he applies first choice to Interactive Media (or Animation), then for his "second choice" what are easier majors to get accepted to? What about the BFA in Technical Direction? Or Economics? I know that USC automatically evaluates students for undeclared as their 3rd major. Or does he apply to Animation as his second major because maybe the only thing that will compensate for the GPA is his portfolio? </p>
<p>Any suggestions for the best strategy for applying to ANY major at USC in order to get accepted? </p>
<p>If you are not sure of another major, then selected undecided as a second choice. Here’s how USC and Cinematic Arts works. The student has to be academically qualified for USC before he can be accepted at SCA. USC reads the primary application (grades, scores, teacher recommendations, etc.) on the Common App. Cinematic Arts (SCA) reads the supplement to choose the students they want.</p>
<p>ADHD is no big deal on campus if the academic performance is good. The dean told parents that they have a good system for accommodations as it is common in highly artistic students. So I suspect its not as much of a reach for SCA as you think.</p>
<p>Still, the school of Cinematic Arts takes only 4% which you know. But the odds at USC are a bit better. It isn’t that uncommon for students who are not admitted to SCA to be admitted to USC as undecided.</p>
<p>So if USC is his mission, have him really put as much effort into the main part of the Common App as the Cinematic Arts supplement. SCA can campaign for the students they like but the student has to convince USC they’re a good match for the campus in general.</p>
<p>One caveat, though. USC had over 51,000 applications this last round. So the school is a reach for just about anyone. But its worth a try.</p>
<p>Have a back-up plan. A lot of CC students got bad news this spring so find a second choice he can love. I like CalArts and they don’t look at grades and scores - only portfolio. And if he’s determined to stay in soCal also look at Chapman. His ACT may gain him an automatic merit aid and their film and animation departments are pretty nurturing.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>