Also, side question, if UW gpa is 3.73 and SAT is 1510, would taking subject tests be beneficial for admission into econ/math?
These days…very little. In recent years, 80-90% of all legacy applicants have been denied. Way too many apply, and they just cannot accept any more. Many are offered a streamlined path to transfer in later though. Of course… being related to an alum and also having them work there may help more than just being a traditional legacy.
For those looking to get “Chanced”, I suggest reading an excellent thread on the topic from the beginning…
I also suggest reading through the following very helpful insider’s guide to USC admissions. It directly discusses the legacy applicant scenario…
https://tfm.usc.edu/a-guide-to-uscs-college-admissions-process/
Best wishes… and Fight On!
If your parent has benefits, like reduced tuition for children at USC, there may be stipulations like applying ED or by a certain deadline. Make sure that you or they follow up on that.
It would be best to ask you faculty parent.
I am right there with @TomSrOfBoston. Wouldn’t your parent know the answer to this? Things like FT v PT and how long in the position - the benefits deteremined by each - things that only your parent knows - affect the answers you need.
Knowing several faculty and coaches there, I can tell you - it does not over ride lower scores and grades. Everyone of them had to sweat like the rest of us parents on whether their kid would actually be accepted.
Re subject tests - while not required - they are a fabulous way to add a “gold star” on your application. If two comparable or pretty equal applications, an exceptional subject test score can be a nice little extra. In admissions these days, one itty bitty thing can make a difference and give an app the bump it needs to move ahead. So don’t stress them, but if you can rock some great scores, it can only help, but certainly never hurt.
I think faculty children have an advantage even more than legacy.
It depends on how powerful your parent is. I live in a town where a fair number of kids are faculty children. Many get into their parent’s employers without necessarily having the stats. It won’t make up for a B average, but an A- student can often get into an A school. Schools take care of their own.
^^^ Agree with some faculty having more pull than legacy. It depends on who your parent is and who they know. That is a universal thing whether admitted or not. But of course there are many faculty at big schools that have no pull whatsoever as well. Ask your parent what their pull is and what the benefits ($) can be.