I live in Columbia and I want to major in chemistry or physics on a premed track. I go to the SC gov school for science and math so I’m already guaranteed acceptance to USC but I really want to get into honors.
My stats are:
GPA: 3.56(UW) 4.1(UGS)
SAT:2110 (680 CR, 770 M, 660 CR)
ACT:33
Ethnicity:African American
I dont really have any leadership and I haven’t really participated in many sports or clubs besides track.
Here is the latest info from USC admissions page:
"Honors College Class of 2014 profile (All data preliminary):
•Interquartile high school GPA: 4.6-4.8
•Interquartile SAT score: 1390-1470
•Interquartile ACT score: 31–33
Make sure to review Honors College Requirements before you apply."
You can see how your stats stack up here. Honors actually reads every one of the essays, so spend a lot of time on those.
It won’t be easy but it is possible. Your ACT score is at the 75th percentile; your SAT appears to be slightly closer to the top than bottom but your GPA is below the 25th percentile.
I agree put a lot of effort into your essays. Think carefully not only what you write but your voice in the essays. The idea is to present a person through stories about your experiences and show why and how you’re ready for the next challenge (e.g. Honors program).