I originally applied to USC with IYA as my first choice, but I am no longer being considered for that major. What are my chances of getting into Viterbi (my second choice)? My SAT and ACT scores are low (1700 and 26), but I have a high GPA and a lot of EC. I mentioned in my personal statment that my reason for wanting to major in CS is to use my creativity (because I’m artistic) to create new things in this field. I really want to go to USC so since Viterbi is so competitive, should I try emailing them to switch my second choice to Geodesign at Dornslife or Public Relations at Annenberg? HELP
Sorry to tell you, but Viterbi only considers applications where students select Viterbi major as their first choice. This is made clear on the website as well, and I know they are very strict with this requirement. Additionally, most students getting into CS are going to have close to a 4.0 with high ACT/SAT (over 30 and 2100) and added high scores in math and science subject tests. Although not required, many submit them. It is a very very competitive program. Thousands apply and I believe they only accept between 130-150 freshman in CS if that. There are only 391 students in undergrad (all four years) CS at USC, so it is super selective. From the USC Viterbi website:
"Applying to the USC Viterbi School is no more difficult than applying to the University. If you are interested in applying to USC as an engineering major, complete The Common Application and the USC Supplement. Students interested in being admitted to the Viterbi School, must list one of the engineering programs as their first choice major on the USC Supplement. If you are not sure which type of engineering you would like to study, please indicate your first choice major as “Undeclared Engineering (387).”
Unfortunately, the application process is closed, changes can not be made to applications at this point. You can call, but that is what they will tell you.