I’m interested in applying to USC viterbi in the fall as a freshman applicant for comp sci, but I’m worried I’m not competitive enough to put CS as my first choice major, because I’ve only done 1 summer activity involving it and I won’t complete calculus by the end of my senior year. Should i put CS in my first choice major on my common app or would that harm me rather than help me?
If you do not put CS/Engineering as a first choice you will not be considered for it. Engineers must list engineering as first choice. There is also CS in Dornsife. Not having Calc will hurt for sure many applicants have had AP Calc BC even as a junior and are in multivariable as seniors, and likely start in Calc III (college level calc III) coming in. It is that competitive. You also need to bring in high SAT/ACT and math and science subject test scores to be competitive. Subject tests aren’t required, but from personal experience they can be really helpful to have. USC acceptance is 16%, but engineering is lower than that. You may be better off trying to come into Dornsife in another major and eventually try to move into Viterbi. Without calc and an obvious passion for CS and engineering, USC Viterbi will be tough. Sorry for the brutal honesty, but I think it is best to go in eyes wide open.