The University of Southern California

“-Take as many AP classes as you can to get inMar 18 2010Aerospace Engineering
-Take as many AP classes as you can to get in
-Don't only focus on good GPA/ACT/SAT... USC is a very well balanced school that looks for people who take initiative in things outside of academics
-Get good at writing if you want to get in Thematic Option honors GE program. I felt like I was one of the top writers at my large high school in Dallas and writing at USC is tough.
-I personally feel like the admissions essay is ridiculously important for getting in, but especially for scholarships to differentiate yourself from others who have good grades
-The section of the online application that has all those little "fun" questions like what you want to do for your career and what your favorite food is, etc. got me recognition for a scholarship. I was told this personally by my admissions counselor who read my essays/application. I put that I wanted to either be a CEO or a fiction author for my future career. She said this kind of stark diversity of interest is what really stood out and highlighted me as the type of person USC wanted. This really told me everything I needed to know about what USC looks for: brilliant, crisp, energetic people who want to be involved and make a difference in the world while leading diversified lifestyles.
ACT: 34 Male

“I visited the campus and wroteDec 27 2009Chemistry
I visited the campus and wrote essays about how I knew I would fit in. As the admissions people stated later, they can tell if you would be capable of doing well at USC and that is how they decide.
SAT: 1940 Female

“If you want to get in here, you don'tOct 22 2009Chemistry
If you want to get in here, you don't have to do much. I have heard of people that didn't take any AP's, and didn't do too well on their SAT's. I didn't even try to write a good admissions essay either. Really don't worry about it. If they like what you have, they will let you in.
Male

“Do a great job conveying how you're special orOct 01 2009Fine Arts - Painting/Sculpture/Photography/etc
Do a great job conveying how you're special or interesting in your college essay. They read thousands of those a year.

Focus on your portfolio if entering a major that uses one.

Do well on your SAT's, but don't stress over them.

Strong academics is important, but they care about hard workers more.

People said don't ask for financial aid - that's just stupid. If you need assistance - ask for it! I need probably more than anyone and it was not an issue for them at all - even in a recession year. If they want you, they will make it happen.
SAT: 1950 Male

“USC is extremely competitiveNov 21 2006Business - Management and Administration
USC is extremely competitive. The school says that there are nine applications for every open seat. Granted, they accept more than just one out of every nine applicants. There is about a 1 in 5 chance of getting admitted. If you want to have a good shot at getting in, you need to have the numbers the admissions comittee is looking for, that is, around a 3.9 unweighted GPA and SAT scores of at least 1400 (on the old scale). In addition, you must boast excellent extra curriculars and have an outstanding essay.