<p>My d was not accepted at USC, her top choice school, and is heartbroken. There is an appeal process if you feel you have "compelling" new information, although the chances are very slim (30/580 last year-9 in the fall and 21 in the spring) of this being successful. </p>
<p>She could send an appeal saying she has been named an Illinois State Scholar, that her Science Olympiad team placed 4th in regionals (she's co-captain of Varsity) and they expect to place first at state later this month,and that her GPA will be closer to a 4.0 at the end of the year...but do any of you think it's worth it? </p>
<p>Should she mention that they are still her top choice and/or that she's been accepted at other colleges but still wants to go to USC? </p>
<p>I thought she was a strong candidate (30 ACT, 3.83 GPA, top 10%, rigorous classes, great EC's and leadership, great rec letters) to begin with, but now I'm not sure how to advise her...</p>
<p>I am surprised she wasn't admitted. She sounds like a good candidate. Go with what you have above. You may want to indicate that she would be willing to be a spring admit. </p>
<p>Thanks for your reply, I was hoping you would after reading some of your other posts and that your son is at USC. </p>
<p>It was significantly more competitive this year- 34,000 applicants for 2,650 spaces. But still not easy to take when they made offers to 8,400. </p>
<p>I will have her mention that she'd be willing to go in the spring, that's a great addition!</p>
<p>Our dd was not accepted into USC either. She'll go to a CSU and try again as a transfer student. The appeal process sounded like pretty rough odds. R. has a 4.0, weak SAT for USC though, strong interview, strong EC's--they really liked the internship she's doing at the local cable tv station (broadcast journalism major). Her form letter mentioned that this was an especially rough year for the admissions people--lots of strong applicants were turned away. R. won't appeal, will plan on a rigorous freshman year at CSUN and try as a transfer student. She was quite sad last night too, and spent time with her friends, licking the wounds.</p>
<p>It was a tough year for the AC, much more competitive than in years past...34,000 applicants for 2,650 spots. </p>
<p>The appeal is rough odds, which is why I'm wondering if it's worth it. My dd had a great interview and did the USC Summer Seminar program last summer so she knows something of what she's missing. </p>
<p>I talked with her after school and she's really considering appealing. If that's unsuccessful then she'll follow the same path as your dd. A strong year at MSU in their honors program and then try to transfer.</p>
<p>Prepare for the alternative and send in the deposits to #2 choice. Allow the appeal but try to get her focused on the new reality. Most better Big 10 schools offer a similar quality education sans the weather.</p>
<p>It's interesting that USC has an appeal process. My S received a rejection letter that I thought was totally obnoxious (from a different university)! It stated in part, "our decision is final."</p>
<p>barrons~ We did send a deposit to MSU even before hearing from USC, so she's covered there. Debating on them vs. another school that accepted her, but MSU is huge (45K) and the other school is very small (1250) which isn't any better. I agree that with the "similar education", but their size (compared to USC's 16K) is an issue. </p>
<p>NJres~ I agree that the letter from that university to your S sounds rude.</p>
<p>I agree that she should try the appeal process. If she doesn't try it she can't get in. However, she needs to prepare herself for a different reality, at least for a year.</p>
<p>While she sound like a great candidate it could be related to the school within USC to which she applied. If it was the film or music schools the odds are slim. Good luck!</p>
<p>Yes, your D should call the school immediately. They do have Spring Admits and deferred admits--and sometimes they are not as organized as they could be about letting candidates know about those options.</p>
<p>Eagle~ She wanted to major in biochemistry. She did their drama program for the Summer Seminars and we knew how tough it is to get into their film, music and drama programs. After seeing what majoring in drama was like this summer, she decided to go with a different strength/passion...science. </p>
<p>cheers~ thank you for such timely advice! We did notice when dealing with them for the summer program that USC is not the most...organized...shall we say?...about paperwork and information.</p>
<p>Be sure she stays on message; ie happy bubbly smart confident--still want to come to USC. FedEx her extra stuff--plus some good essays if she has any.</p>
<p>Use my dad's trick. Ask the adcom for advice on the best way to be successful in an appeal. Get a name. Make a personal connection. Ask them if she can make a visit for another interview. Ask her GC to call to find out if there was a reason she wasn't at least offered a waitlist spot. Maybe they misread something? Maybe they lost something?</p>
<p>Personally, I think their app is trickier than most.</p>
<p>cheers~ she will do all (she's been reading the thread)...thank you very much! </p>
<p>After seeing the stats page here for those accepted to USC, it's clear that she is a strong candidate. Not sure if that makes me feel better or worse!</p>
<p>If she goes for a visit--get that Trojan gear on. When she talks to adcom--be knowledgeable about upcoming events, courses she'd love to take, professors shed' love to study under, history, school spirit etc.</p>
<p>The 'one big family' thingy makes Trojan haters nauseous--but it is a big part of student and alum life at 'SC.</p>
<p>GOOD LUCK!</p>
<p>Also...it might not hurt for your D to post effusively on the USC thread...with identifiable markers...just in case adcom are trolling....Essay quality only though! I thought that might have helped Andison at MIT a few years ago.</p>
<p>I want to appeal to USC too. I have a 4.2 W, 3.7 UW, Good EC, 6-7 Awards, SAT is alittle low (1870). Didnt do an interview though and i think my essay was weak. Does anyone think i have a good case (stat wise)?</p>
<p>You have nothing to lose by submitting an appeal, as long as you don't get your hopes up falsely. Who knows--maybe they would keep a record of your appeal, and when you apply as a transfer later, they will see how committed you are to joining the Trojan family. (They love that!) I would definitely mention that USC is your first choice, and you will attend if admitted.</p>