USC and international applicants.

<p>Ok so i've heard that USC is into diversity (more than other unis) and it has the largest international student population among top unis. So my question is this, would i have a better chance getting into USC as an international than any other unis? would being international give me more "diversity" or an automatic hook? And should i promote my international culture in their application or all uni applications for that matter? i'm 1/4 myanmar, 1/4 chinese, 1/2 german, grew up in HK but my first language is english...so i'm pretty much diversified by birth lol. advice pls?</p>

<p>Don't expect too much push from diversity unless you are a Native American.</p>

<p>oh native americans are highly regarded? sorry, not so familiar with the US lol</p>

<p>im an international student too. well incoming. for spring. i think int'ls have equal chances like local students. it all depends on the grades, the essays among other things.</p>

<p>being international doesnt hurt at all</p>

<p>I agree... i think you guys have the misconception that international students almost guarantees your admission. I mean it gives you a little edge, but really, don't try to bank on international status. Just get do well in school and send in your best app.</p>

<p>no i didn't conceptualize that being international guarantees admission. Just that would it be a better idea for me to talk about 'culture' in essays to unis that want diversity...or stick to talking about my ECs? I was just inquiring if we had a higher chance of getting into USC than Berkeley..because i heard that international requirements at UCs are higher than California residents...whereas USC is a private school so they wouldn't be biased on the fact that a student is from california or not right?</p>

<p>Yes, I would agree on that one.
Also, public universities are generally for the students of that particular state, so it's easier for them to get into. Private schools want the best kids they can get, regardless of citizenship (other than the hispanic/AA slight advantage over asian/caucasian).</p>

<p>why do hispanics/AAs have a slight adv?</p>

<p>Because California is about 40% Hispanics but USC only have 15% of the population who are of Hispanic background. Public schools are already more than enough pressured to take more Hispanics and blacks so the public demands private schools to take actions as well.</p>

<p>I'm from the Midwest so I am kind of surprised to experience that being an Asian does not mean minority.</p>