The University of Southern California

“It's tough to get in, the admit rate droppedApr 05 2006Music - Performance
It's tough to get in, the admit rate dropped to less than 25% this year. Get good grades, goos test scores, and have an awesome essay.
SAT: 2010 Male

“I did quite well on my SAT'sNov 07 2004Other
I did quite well on my SAT's. I was Salutatorian of my second high school, with a weighted GPA of about 4.1. I only took 3 AP classes, but I passed the AP Bio test with a 4 on my own. I participated in anything that interested me in high school: Varsity Mock Trial, Varsity Science Olympiad, Students of Support, National Honor Society, International Thespian Association, JV Swimming, etc. etc. etc.

I became friends with my favorite teachers, and from them, I got some of the most heartwarming recommendations. My Organic and Biochem teacher and I were on the verge of tears when we read through his recommendation for me my senior year. Establishing good relationships with your teachers and the administrative staff can only help you.

I had a diverse conglomerate of friends. I tried to be friends with someone from every group...which was pretty easy, since I just became friends with whoever I liked and didn't pay attention to the "social consequences." It was interesting being the only chinese person in my entire class of 400, but it kept me unique, I support :D.

I performed in several plays in my junior and senior years of high school. I worked and worked on my entrance essays and did well on them. I guess...extracurriculars are so important. I think what helped me to get into the university were my grades, scores and essays. But what gave me my scholarship was the amount of extracurriculars I participated in, and that I worked part-time during school and full-time during the summer running my mother's restaurant.
SAT: 1460 Female

“For transfers: I was the outstanding graduate (valedictorian) andApr 09 2004Business - Management and Administration
For transfers: I was the outstanding graduate (valedictorian) and commencement speaker of my junior college, had a 3.93 in the honors program, and was one of forty students named to the USA Today All-USA Academic Team on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and service. I was Treasurer of my Honor Society where I was named a Leader of Promise-10 members nationally-, sucessfully campaigned for the International President, and secure our chapter ranking as Top 25 out of 500. Also had other offices on campus and in the community. Got in on an academic scholarship. Obviously, you don't need this much, but you do have to be pretty competitive. USC loves involvement coupled with a high gpa. I would say 3.7ish, involvement in ecs, and a thoughtful essay of why you are unique will give you a strong chance of admittance.
ACT: 36 Male

“I just did the best I could in highMar 28 2004Computer Science
I just did the best I could in high school and wrote some good essays. They liked what they saw in my background experience and my writing style so they decided to interview me for a scholarship. I got it, and here I am today.
ACT: 30 SAT: 1480 Male

“High test scores, goodSep 03 2003Other
High test scores, good essay, good grades
SAT: 1230 Female