The University of Southern California

“They take a pretty straight forward approach, just focusOct 13 2010Business - Management and Administration
they take a pretty straight forward approach, just focus on getting good grades and test scores
SAT: 2200 Male

“I kept my grades up, did well on theOct 11 2010Neuroscience/Cognitive Science
I kept my grades up, did well on the SATs, did a lot of extracurriculars that are connected to what I applied to school as (Bio major pre-grad), and wrote a kick-@$$ essay.
SAT: 2180 Female

“I didn't do anything special, but had a decentOct 05 2010Aerospace Engineering
I didn't do anything special, but had a decent GPA, pretty good SAT's and a few extracurriculars. USC is trying to expand its share of out-of-state students so I think it helps if you are from under-represented states like me (NC), AKA not from west coast.
Make sure you highlight your unique abilities and dedication towards a few activities. This helps show what you will bring to the USC community.
SAT: 2150 Male

“Try to get above a 2100 on theDec 15 2009Business - Management and Administration
Try to get above a 2100 on the SAT and have at least a 3.7 unweighted GPA. USC seems to prefer students with high SAT scores, they even give a scholarship for national merit finalists
SAT: 2200 Male

“Overall, be well-roundedNov 23 2009Undecided
Overall, be well-rounded. This entails some of the following:
academic success, athletics, drama/ music/ art, volunteering, leadership, and testing scores (ACT/ SAT/ AP/IB).

Find something you love to do and stick with it throughout high school. Work hard on your academics but realize they aren't everything.
ACT: 27 SAT: 1970 Female