<p>Hi guys, I'm applying as a junior transfer to USC Marshall. My dad went to grad school at USC Marshall (He donates consistently, but he is not a huge donor), and I was wondering if this would influence my admissions decision.</p>
<p>Does grad school count as legacy? how big of a factor will it be?</p>
<p>Please let me know what you guys think.</p>
<p>Please list stats in order for us to truly understand your situation.</p>
<p>Legacy is normally used as a tie breaker, the same as socio-economic status, racial, gender or some other low lying factor. If you are on the bubble of getting in or not versus another similar candidates, it can act as the final catalyst to push you ahead of said candidate.</p>
<p>With that said, do not expect it to overcome a weak academic record. Marshall is a competitive business school, so if your numbers are not up to par, then your legacy status will not compensate. This is assuming youre a regular legacy and not a “donate a small fortune/library” legacy. But if you are, welcome to USC!</p>
<p>GPA - 3.6 (42 credits) from a decent NY state school (SUNY). Messed up first semester due to family problems (separation of parents), but received a 3.8 and 4.0 in the following semesters. I have an extreme upward trend in grades, and I understand this is something admissions likes to see.</p>
<p>EC - I have had three internships, most recent with a manhattan based networking firm (High-frequency trading industry). Member of Business club and Men’s Club Lacrosse. Some community service/fund raising on campus (not that much)</p>
<p>I am also a direct admit to my current university’s business school, so many of my courses match up with Marshall’s. I have completed or am in progress (spring term) of all of Marshalls prerequisites/GEs/recommended courses.</p>
<p>Submitting three letters of recommendation
-Financial Accounting professor, had a 105 average in the class/top 1% of class
-Psychology professor, will give them insight on my writing ability/full year english is not offered here
-Employer, will speak about my performance and impact to his company (created multiple media partnerships) and how I mentored new interns</p>
<p>Alright now we are talking. Though you’re GPA is a little lower than the average USC admit (about 3.7) you have a compelling case with your internships. I believe those can carry you a a long way. Plus the legacy consideration gives you a leg up on other candidates with equal status, since USC really values their alumni network.</p>
<p>However make sure to nail your essays, all these things are nice, but college admittance is based on arbitrary factors but the essay is an objective way for admission counselors to see what lies behind the numbers, recommendations and ECs. </p>
<p>I cant say for certain that you will get in or not, but you make as much of a compelling case as anyone and should definitely be in the running.</p>