<p>I have a 3.76W GPA and a 2070 (580R 740M 750W, just took it again hopefully got reading around 650 or so) and varsity lax coming from a top 10 HS in the nation. </p>
<p>Super tough courseload, and great recs/school reputation.</p>
<p>How are my shots at these schools?</p>
<p>I want a school that is liberal, and has a great campus with a college feel. I want to be in a place with alot going on and alot to offer in different fields of interest. (oh and I wouldn't mind some pretty girls hahah)</p>
<p>I really like the social sciences, and like the idea of pursuing psychology, philosophy, or something along those lines in college.</p>
<p>I think UsC would be your greatest fit then- it’s liberal, a beautiful campus smack-dab in the city, has a great college feel with lots of school spirit and GREAT alumni connections, encourages people to double major (VERY strongly), and it’s L.A! The pretty girls run amok.</p>
<p>Apply! What’s the worst that can happen? But honestly you have a very good chance, especially because it’s privately run and they don’t distinguish between out of staters and californians. =]</p>
<p>No that really doesn’t mean much unless you’re saying they took a lot of the same classes. What I will say for Usc though is that they read EVERYTHING you put in the admissions folder, so if you want to tell them about the fact that your classes were incredibly hard then by all means… but doubtless they already know =]</p>
<p>And if you can, try to contact those kids that did get in!</p>
<p>Miami also fits your criteria. Campus is gorgeous, the school runs shuttles to the beach and the city has plenty of things going on, (oh, and there are cute girls there too). It may be a bit easier to get into than USC as well. What is your unweighted GPA? The other killer is the 580 CR SAT (at or below the 25th%-tile for both schools); are you retaking the SAT?</p>
<p>This is from the parent of a recent USC grad (2007) whose student was involved in several liberal activities: USC is not a liberal campus. It has a full range of political beliefs among the students but most of them are either in the “I don’t care,” category or are moderate or conservative. The administration is not tolerant of leftist political action involving the university’s own policies,e.g., protests against the production of USC logo items in foreign sweatshops.</p>
<p>I agree with tsdad. I am a parent of a current (very liberal) USC sophomore, and USC tends to be a more conservative campus, especially compared with a school like UCSC. She knew it was conservative going in and felt there would be many opportunities for lively debate with conservative groups. There is.</p>
<p>OP are you a CA resident? If so you are a strong candidate at UCSC (if that is your UC GPA). My D was accepted with a 3.7 UCgpa and lower SATs than you. You will need to take SATIIs though. Have you done that? I think you have to take them at the next sitting in order to get your scores in time. Though UCs only require you to self report on the initial app you need to have soemthing to report.</p>
<p>USC is extremely selective. Its a dream school for a lot of kids around the country. If you are out of state, then getting into a public UC school is also going to be very, very tough. With your stats and scores, while very good (particularly in math), are not in the uber high range 75th percentile or better for the super elites and tough to get into UC’s. I strongly suggest that you consider making another list of schools that are matches and safeties (schools that you like, that are going to take you). Too many kids aim too high and have convinced themselves they will get in. Then comes April and disappointment and shock and they are scrambling for a rolling admissions school or praying they get in off a wait list. Some are left in the cold. </p>
<p>I am not saying you wont get in to UCSC or USC, but you would be well advised to consider some other schools. If California is your goal, then consider Santa Clara University and USanDiego. Private schools but excellent academics and you have match scores for them. Then you are covered in the event that your first three choices don’t come in. </p>
<p>I dont know about Colorado at Boulder. You will have to find someone else to help you with that.</p>