The University of Southern California

“Applied andSep 13 2018Other
Applied and interviewed via phone. The letters of rec, essay, SATs, and transcript submission were necessary. Extracurricular (library busy work, digging holes for city hall) were a waste of time prior to applying.
Female

“I did not have much trouble getting into USCJun 01 2009Chemical Engineering
I did not have much trouble getting into USC. The grades and the SAT scores did the work for me (I didn't even have to do an interview). However, if you're really going to do engineering, make sure you apply to the engineering school. You have a better shot at scholarships that way. Also, if you do get in, and you're wondering what to do during the summer, one word: internships.
ACT: 32 SAT: 1340 Male

“Here's my profile when I got into USC in 2004:Apr 02 2008History/Histories (art history/etc.)
Here's my profile when I got into USC in 2004:

Type of HS: Elite Private, Boarding School, Out-of-State
Race: Caucasian
GPA: 3.65
SAT: V730 M640
Extracurriculars: Quiz Bowl, Chess Club, Fencing Club, JV Soccer, JV Track

I did an interview before attending and I think it went very well. I got very good financial aid and turned down offers from New York University and the University of Michigan to attend.

Most students come in with 3.7-4.0 GPA range. The school has become much more selective in the past few years and seems to be a "trendy" school (like NYU for instance). I just heard that the acceptance rate for this year has reached an all-time low of 21%!

Keeping a high GPA is obviously the most important thing. If you are a stellar athlete, of course, you'll have a great chance of being admitted (despite a low GPA) if you make contact with coaches early and impress them.
SAT: 1360 Male

“Do well in all of your classes, not justMar 28 2008Biology
Do well in all of your classes, not just science or math. They emphasize good writing/communication skills here, which are vital to become a great leader. I used to interview students for scholarships, and a big thing they look for is the potential to become a Renaissance Scholar (major/minor in two very different fields of study). They want people who are able to work in different spheres of influence and bridge the gaps between them. Show them you can do that or have the potential to do that and you will like you more.
Male

“Do well in all of your classes, not justMar 28 2008Biology
Do well in all of your classes, not just science or math. They emphasize good writing/communication skills here, which is vital to become a great leader. I used to interview students for scholarships, and a big thing they look for is the potential to become a Renaissance Scholar (major/minor in two very different fields of study). They want people who are able to work in different spheres of influence and bridge the gaps between them. Show them you can do that or have the potential to do that and you will like you more.
Male