The University of Southern California

“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

“I had a 3May 02 2009History/Histories (art history/etc.)
I had a 3.4 GPA in high school - got in the most competitive year.
ACT: 26 SAT: 1950 Male

“I had excellentOct 01 2008Video/Media
I had excellent grades at the community college I transferred from. I also graduated two years early from high school and took some challenging courses at other four year schools.
Female

“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

“It's getting harder to get USC's big red acceptanceNov 30 2007Chemical Engineering
It's getting harder to get USC's big red acceptance letter; the bar has been raised! You need to maintain a high unweighted GPA, score well on standarized tests, participate in sports/music groups, and take additional classes at a community college. Do all that while maintaining an awesome social life, and you'll probably get in!
ACT: 32 SAT: 2200 Female