USC Alum (2015) Presidential Scholar Taking Your Questions!

Hi everyone,

I graduated from USC Annenberg a year and a half ago, and during my time at USC I was involved in a multitude of organizations that I’m sure many of you have questions about.

A quick highlights reel: I was an Annenberg Scholar/Presidential Scholar and consequently interviewed candidates who were being considered for Trustee/Presidential scholarships, participated in Greek Life, choreographed for Xpressions Dance Company, studied abroad three times (it’s possible! Spring semester of Junior year, and summers after Freshmen and Sophomore years–both of which were partially or fully funded), and interned at three different companies/organizations.

I currently work in LA at a major film studio and would KILL to be able to relive my college experience. Or, as my friends and I always say, re-live a different USC experience–because there were way too many things that we all still wish we could’ve tried or participated in while we were still students (but sometimes there is not enough time in the day!).

I went to an extremely high achieving high school in the SF Bay Area and distinctly remember lurking on CC every day. Fast forward to six years later, and I would love to share some of my experiences and help anxious students and parents navigate the USC and college admissions process.

Happy to answer any and all questions about USC, the college admissions process, the job/internship hunting process, etc. Fire away!

Just applied yesterday and the wait is ALREADY killing me! When did you hear back? Also, how many out of state students did you know? Are our chances more difficult?

What were your grades/test scores like? ECs? (in high school)

Nice of an experienced Trojan to share from their time there. Look foward to hearing about your time at USC. Sounds like it was a great four years. @futureauteaur - you can find than info on the USC website.

So great you are doing this!! My son is a junior going to be a senior in a public school in southern California. He is passionate for both science and dance. Academically he has about 4.6 GPA (strong science/math), 99 percentile in SAT and PSAT (qualifying for NMS according to 2017 stats), and has taken 7 AP’s with 4’s and 5’s. In dance he’s got many scholarships including full ride to ballet summer programs. He is also very involved in helping the community with music, running a nonprofit org, providing funding for music therapy research as well as performing at senior homes. USC offers the best opportunities for double major in Kaufman dance and science. Dance is super competitive and he can’t get in if not choosing it as his 1st choice of major, but he is probably not the best among the dance major applicants. Is presidential scholarship tied to the major? What’s the chance for him to get the scholarship?

@SCMHAALUM if he gets national merit finalist standing, and gets into USC, it’s a guaranteed half tuition scholarship