Can I get into Northwestern or USC?

Question

I am going to major in communication so arguably the best universities out there are Northwestern and USC and possibly UCSD. If you will take your time to read my resume, I will greatly appreciate your input and effort (bare with me, i might come off as a tool :T )

My Gpa is at currently a 3.1/4.0 and scored a 1760 on my SATs and 730 on Chinese and 560 on Math 2c. I'm anchoring the school television news, editor of yearbook/newspaper, president of the schools volunteer club with 800+ hours, 3 Varsity Sports, Student Council, Producer of our local community televised channel, and interned overseas tv stations for 2 summers.

Thank You for investing your time into my question

Answer 1

Joey,

I can speak to USC because I graduated from there in '05. While I don't want to discourage you, your GPA and SAT scores are below average for last year's admitted freshman class (not sure about avg SAT, but avg GPA was over a 4.0). That said, your extracurricular resume is impressive, especially the components that are highly relevant to the Communications major that you seek. While it may be a stretch purely based on your academic stats, my best guess is you have a shot based on your other accomplishments.

Several of my friends at USC that applied to specialized majors (music, broadcast communications) were in similar positions, lower GPA/SAT but stellar activities relevant to their majors, and they got in. I say go for it, always shoot for what you want even if others tell you it's going to be difficult. Good luck!

Answer 2

Your GPA and SAT scores are low for UCSD, even for the communications-oriented college. To get into competitive UCs like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UCSD, you need to break at least 630 on each section of the SAT and have a GPA north of 3.7.

USC admissions are comparable to UCSD, meaning your scores may be too low for USC, too. However, you do have a lot of extracurriculars. USC is private, though. That means they do use affirmative action, and I presume you are Asian. You will be competing with Asian students with much higher scores. Then again, if your family can demonstrate financial ability (i.e., pay your way in without aid), you may have an easier time getting in.

Sorry, I don't have information about Northwestern.

Answer 3

Hmm, you've got great extra currics. However, your SAT and GPA are REALLY low for those two schools. Even UCSD.

You have a very slim chance (versus none) b/c you've got such great extra currics, but I'd really find a few back up schools to apply to.

Answer 4

usc you should be able to get into. i'm not as familiar w/ nw, tho, so i can't say for that. good luck! =)