<p>How much does USC value an upward trend?</p>
<p>My parents went through a really messy divorce spanning my freshmen and sophomore years of high school so my grades during that time period were less then stellar (pretty much all B's with a few A's here and there, but nothing lower). I got almost all A's junior year and plan on straight A's first semester senior year.</p>
<p>Do you think USC will be able to see past low GPA (~3.3-3.5 UW) because of this trend. I have always taken the most rigorous course offered (all honors, pre-IB, IB and AP classes) so it is not like I was slacking off. I can try to post all my classes with grades if it would help.
I also got a 2010 on my SAT in June and a 29 on my ACT but I plan to retake both for higher scores, would this help any?</p>
<p>P.S. please ignore my username, I created this account after a campus tour of UCLA :P</p>
<p>I’d have to guess that <em>any</em> admissions counselor values an upward trend in academic performance by an applicant. As to how much USC specifically values it, we can only speculate. It is pretty safe to assume an upward trend is much better than having a downward trend though so keep that in mind. </p>
<p>Just be sure to explain the situation as best you can in your admission applications.</p>
<p>Realistic situation-
Right now USC is thirsty-thirsty for prestige. Its acceptance rate dropped a whopping 5% last year, and should drop more next year. With its new 6 billion dollar endowment campaign, it is not going to let its donators down… the average SAT is 2130 (which WILL increase next year) and the average unweighted GPA is somewhere around 3.7+, which will rise as well.</p>
<p>That’s the harsh reality, I’m dealing with it also :(</p>
<p>However, you do have a meaningful story and a reason for your bad grades at the beginning of your career, so that’s fine. Adversity and you overcoming it will show a lot.</p>
<p>Good luck, I’m also hoping to become a Trojan…</p>
<p>Your numbers are borderline so you <em>may</em> be rejected, though frankly you are a textbook example of someone who can be admitted on appeal if you finish your senior year strong. That said, my advice is to tackle the issue head on in your essays. Sh-- happens to everyone and the point is that you bounced back and if you can slam the door on your high school career (and yes, maybe improve on your standardized tests) then you can make a good case to the admissions folks that you belong in the Trojan Family.</p>
<p>Having just gone through the admissions process with S, the one thing that struck me about USC is that the admissions office really tries to get to know each applicant. I know that sounds crazy, but I honestly felt it was true. </p>
<p>We got to know a number of admission reps at the early Explore USC session in March and they all talked about how difficult it was to make decisions about admission. They read every file and most are read more than once. I do think you have a compelling story and you have proven you can do the work. Bring them something more in your application - show them why you would be a great fit and what you would bring.</p>
<p>Did you work with your counselor at school during the divorce? He/she could document this for you - sometimes it’s good coming from the school but if not - be sure to explain yourself. The main advice is to explain the grades, yes - but make sure you show who you are in that application.</p>
<p>As USCAlum05 mentioned - the appeal process this year admitted quite few students so that is always an option if the direct route doesn’t work. Good luck!</p>
<p>USC does value the upward trend, but you will need high ACT/SAT scores to confirm that you are the 4.0 student, not the 3.0 student.</p>