<p>Hi there. I am a rising senior male from a small town in Minnesota. I have always wanted to experience the big university life away from the midwest. My ACT score was decent (math 33, reading 32, english 30, sci 27, comp. 31) while my SAT scores were pretty poor (1870, 660-math, 610-verbal, 600-writing) but I am retaking them in the fall and aiming for around 2000. My class rank as of the end of junior year was around 8 out of 130. My GPA is 3.94 (my school, unfortunately does not weight GPA's so my A-'s came from gym and band), I am on track to graduate with an honors diploma, and I have taken advantage of my schools most rigourous classes (though only 2 AP classes available). I have very good EC's including playing varsity soccer, basketball, and golf, being involved in band then choir, science olypiad, speech team, supporting players, etc. I should be a National Merit Qualifier in the fall and I hold down a job at a prestigous golf course in the summer (40-50 hours a week for college savings). I also have spent time volunteering at the local Ronald McDonald house as well as time spent working church fish fries. I know I have a more than realistic shot at Minnesota and Iowa State, but do I have a chance at USC? Any replys would be amazing. Thanks</p>
<p>What major would you be considering? Some programs are more difficult to get into than others.</p>
<p>As of now, I want to major in Business Administration at Marshall but, my back-up plan is to go the pre-med path and major in some type of biology.</p>
<p>There are a lot of Marshall students on this board, and one of them will hopefully jump in.</p>
<p>Overall though, I think you could have a good shot at USC. The small town background will help you, as the school is always looking for geographic diversity. I think they will also see that you took advantage of the most rigorous classes possible at your school, and still saved time for a lot of other ECs. Like you said though, higher SAT scores would be a definite help.</p>
<p>I agree that the MN background will be very helpful, but you really do need to raise your SAT scores. Make contact with the admissions office and let them know of your interest. Visit if you can. </p>
<p>Also consider UW-Madison since you get the benefit of, near, in-state tutition.</p>
<p>Remember to apply by the scholarship deadline which is around mid december.</p>