USC chances with bad sophomore grades?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>So basically my reach school is USC (southern california) but its a pretty far reach as my sophomore year grades were pretty low (around a 3.0). Apart from that, I had a 3.8 GPA in my freshman year, and i have a 3.4 unweighted currently in Junior year. I plan on getting around a 3.5 during my senior year, unweighted. I took the SAT once, achieving the score of 1960, but I'm taking it again, and throughout my practice tests, I usually manage to get around a 2100. I'm in a relatively competetive high school, and I take the full IB. I attend many clubs in school such as Amnesty Youth, SADD, and a few more. I do a lot of working out in my free time, but do not participate in any school-organized sports.</p>

<p>If this makes any difference: I grew up tri-lingually. English is my strongest language, followed by my father-tongue German, and my mother-tongue Chinese. (My dad is from Austria, and my mom is from China). I grew up moving around the world a lot, living in 8 different countries. I currently live in Austria, and plan on graduating here. I am a very social person, maybe a little bit too much sometimes. I like going out on weekends and I do not rely on my parents. I do intend on writing about my international childhood in my college essay.</p>

<p>So my question is, is USC realistic at all? What can I do to improve my chances? In general, how much do colleges value sophomore year grades? (considering I improve throughout junior and senior year)</p>

<p>P.S. I intend on taking a gap year if that should make any difference.</p>

<p>P.P.S. I'm finishing school at the age of 17, as I skipped a grade in elementary school.</p>

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<p>I think that USC will like international students coming to their school…</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply. I know USC has a lot of international students. Are they easier on international students in terms of grades?</p>

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<p>Your UW GPA and current test scores are below the averages for last year’s (2011-2012 freshman class) admits. With the move to the common app this year, the numbers may be even higher for the 2012-2013 class. Getting 2100+ would help, as would lifting your GPA, as planned. Your essays could very interesting and compelling, which would help, but you also need the academic qualifications. It is definitely possible----good luck!</p>