<p>I have always wanted to go to USC. I am an IB Diploma Student living in Dubai (dual US Citizen) and have a predicted score of around 39/42. (TOK and EE are not given grades at our school.)</p>
<p>IB Econ HL-7
IB Business HL-7
IB Arabic HL-6</p>
<p>IB Maths Methods-6
IB Physics SL-7
IB English A1 SL-6</p>
<p>I know that my IB Diploma predicted is decent and I am hoping to raise it further during my january mock exams. The problem is that my SAT score is terrible, I scored a 1700. I honestly do not know what happened. I am waiting for my ACT score to come out in a few days but I do not expect to score very well as I messed up the last passage of the reading section, which was my strength.</p>
<p>I am not sure where to apply anymore! I was hoping to get into USC to study economics, however, my test scores seem to show otherwise!</p>
<p>My EC's are also good if that makes a difference? </p>
<p>-UAE U18 National Team basketball player
-Pro basketball Dubai.
-Varsity Basketball Captain.
-JV assistant coach.
-Business/Economics tutor.
-Finance Internship during the summer.
-Part time job in Finance.
-Community service helping kids with autism.</p>
<p>For essays, I am writing about my job in finance and my passion for business/economics and why i want to pursue. I am also writing about how I overcame obesity and being cut from the JV basketball team at school to becoming the varsity captain and a UAE national team player.</p>
<p>I am just really really concerned that my SAT will prevent me from getting in to good schools. Do I stand a shot? I am planning to take the January SAT and rush the scores but I know that i can not rely on them reaching in time. What else can I do?</p>
<p>USC is a far reach with that SAT score, unfortunately (they would want a 2100+). You can still get into “good” schools, but those schools will have to match your scores. </p>
<p>I recommend you check out this list of America’s best schools for kids who may not have near-perfect scores:</p>
<p>Those IB scores are “decent”? Damn, I got straight 4s, with a 5 and a 3. If those are “decent” then I totally sucked. Don’t expect to get multiple 7s. Heck, don’t even expect multiple 6s. There’s a reason that the 30-point diploma is considered good.</p>
<p>What are your regular grades? Just submit your highest test scores, whatever those are, and write good essays and get good recommendations.</p>
<p>I don’t usually do chances, but…
USC really looks at the whole application. Alrais, you have IB courses with great scores, in courses related to your intended major, your ECs are good in athletics and again in the field you are pursuing, and your two essays sound interesting too. Plus a student from Dubai would add to the international diversity at USC.</p>
<p>However, yes, the SAT score is too low for USC. I don’t think a 2100+ is a necessity, but if you could bring that up to a high end 1900s at the least, pref. in 2000s, I do think you might have a chance. Not sure though whether Jan scores are too late, but I would inquire, and if ok, let them know you are retaking and to make a note of that in your file. If you haven’t sent in your application yet, mention it in the extra info box. USC sends acceptances till end March, and also admits students for spring semester.
Hope you have good news with your ACT score.
Best of luck.</p>
<p>Dude Im sure that your firs SAT was just unlucky - solid IB scores show that youre obviously not dumb. The Jan Sats will reach USC in time, Ive seen people do that before, but you better be sure you own that SAT and register USC as one of your score recipients before you take it. </p>
<p>On a side note, IB is ridiculously nerfed in USC i think, compared to AP. IB is definitely more rigorous and demanding, but isnt awarded as much. I got an IB score of 41 (all 7s and 6s, which are actually pretty useless because straight 5s gets you the same perks) and only received 20 credits - the maximum amount. AP can go up to 32 I think</p>
<p>Try searching the CC archive for the Xiggi method to study for SAT’s. (Xiggi was a very helpful student poster and many students used and liked his approach.)</p>