I am a white, upper/middle class female from a public school in southern california. I have a 4.6 weighted and 3.9 weighted GPA, and I got a 32 on my ACT. I am involved in mock trial (9, 10, 11, 12), started the gender equality club at my school (10, 11, 12), am the Chief Information Officer of a successful non-profit, am a member of my school’s entrepreneurship academy which has allowed me to take college level business classes, and participate in several other school clubs and organizations.
My first essay was about the conflict that results from the combining of church and state under a large, diverse population. My second essay was about my favorite book, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and how it has influenced my life. My common app essay is structured as a thank you note to a girl who invited me to a random singing class in third grade, which inspired my passion for music and changed the course of my life.
What are my chances of getting into Emory and USC? Will my Emory chances be much greater if I apply Early Decision? I am visiting Emory this weekend. My interview at USC is in early December. Any advice that will increase my chances?
I’m not familiar with Emory, but you are a shoo-in for USC. Your ACT score is above average, and so is your GPA. You also are focused in a small amount of EC’s, which beats a large amount without focus. As long as you spend time and thought in completing the application, I don’t see why they would reject you.
Are you allowed to submit your application before the interview? If so, you should so you can be in the running for merit-based aid. However, if your USC supplements aren’t ready, don’t rush it.
I think @pack3rr is a little too optimistic. Your grades are good and your ECs are great. However, no one is a “shoo-in” for USC. It has under a 17% acceptance rate and your ACT isn’t above the 75th percentile. Don’t worry, but don’t be overconfident. You’re a good candidate, just make sure to focus on the essays. You have a solid chance at Emory too - better than that at USC. Your Emory chances will DEFINITELY be greater if you apply ED. If you love it and it’s your first choice - go for it. It’ll raise your odds a lot and I think you’d have an awesome chance applying ED.
I think your chances at Emory are good, and they’re really good if you apply Early Decision. They get approximately half of their class from ED.
I think you have a great shot at USC. Don’t know much about Emory but I think you have a great chance there as well. I’m sure you will have many choices next year 
You have a solid shot at USC. Likely at Emory as well, however to have the highest chance at Emory, you most definitely would want to apply ED.
Although in general, ED rates for any school are MUCH higher than RD rates.
Wow I really like your essay idea about the letter structure. That sounds really neat, and I think it would be interesting to read. I’m not really familiar with these schools myself, but I’d say you can do it.
I suggest you apply to both RD and not Emory ED
- You have about equal change getting into both schools RD, so you don’t need the slight bump from Emory ED.
- If you apply ED, you get significantly less financial aid no matter which school
- You have room to change your mind with RD. If you find out USC is better, you are stuck with Emory.
my 2 cents.
Emory is the “old money” here while USC is a bit of an up-and-comer academically. But really, both are quality schools with just vastly different environments.
As for chances, I’d say both are low reaches or high matches in RD and going ED at Emory might almost make it a solid match (40-60% chance).
But you should only apply ED (anywhere) if it’s your clear #1 and if you can afford it. Run the NPC to get a pretty good idea of what you’d be expected to pay at both schools.
If you plan to stay in socal after school I would lean towards USC for the excellent alumni network. Your chances are very good for acceptance at both. Also really like your “Thank You” essay - very creative. Good luck.
I interviewed at USC, which went well, and decided to apply to RD at Emory. Do you think I will get in to either of these schools?
I think you definitely have a good chance at both! I hope you stressed your non-profit work. I’m not sure how strong your writing is (just because I’ve never read your essays), but your common app essay sounds very sweet.
Chance me back?