Hello guys! Thank you guys so much for taking the time to help out this super stressed out senior
I would really appreciate it if I could get some help on how to enhance my application for USC Engineering (Chemical/ Biomedical)
I am an international student intending to apply or the merit scholarship by December 1
-I am currently in the last year of IB (International Baccalaureate program) with HL Math, Physics and Business along with SL Chemistry, Spanish and Language and Literature. I heard that IB bumps up the acceptance by almost 18%....
STATS
Average gpa = 4.0
predicted IB scores = 40 (including 2 extra marks)
class rank = top 5%
SAT - 1340
Intend to take SAT Subjects in November for Chemistry 1 and Math 1
EXTRACURRICULARS
Founder of Science Club at my school (President)
Internship at an Oil and Gas Engineering Firm
National Honor Society
Math Honor Society (PR)
Art Honor Society
-Dance Honor Society (Treasurer)
Global Outreach (volunteer service) (Treasurer)
Student Council (Grade rep, student-parent liaison officer)
Last year there were around 30K students applying for the merit scholarship, and they gave out 1200 scholarships. Highly unlikely that a 1340 will qualify, given that my kid’s HS had a ton of people who applied who were over 1500 and only one got it and she was an NMF.
Agree with @ProfessorPlum168; they really like the National Merit finalists.
An SAT of 1340, may not qualify you for the very competitive scholarships. If you get in, assume you will be paying full fees because they need students who can pay, as well, as National Merit winners…
I heard that IB bumps up the acceptance by almost 18%…<<<<<<<<<<
You have this cited in 2 threads, but I have never heard a specific data point like this to apply across the board. Loads of kids do IB in the USA, so don’t get the idea it is a novel hook. IB is great prep for college but I am not sure how great it is for college admission for an international with an SAT that doesn’t match an IBD score of 40 (predicted) who needs money. How much can you pay for college?
Just remember total cost of attendance with housing and all the extras (travel etc) is closer to 75-80K, so plan accordingly. Any scholarship there is very competitive and plenty of 4.0-4.5+ and great subject test scores aren’t even admitted. It is that competitive. And for engineering at Viterbi, even moreso. Hate to be blunt, but I wouldn’t plan on a scholarship, but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! But always have other options lined up.
Tuition (12-18 units for two semesters) $55,320
Fees $905
Room and board* $15,395
Books and supplies $1,200
Personal and miscellaneous $1,452
Transportation $553
Total** $74,825