FAQ for USC Admissions - Page 16

jazz/shreddermom · 10-29-2009, 12:08 PM

well, he got all his best scores in the October sitting. So it would be nice just to submit those. And now I've triple checked and can't find anywhere it says Score Choice is not honored. So we'll see what pops up when he goes to "send scores".

cc411 · 10-29-2009, 01:34 PM

It has been reported in some blogs and news reports that they don't allow it but that is not true according to their official stance reported on the College Board website. USC Admissions does allow score choice but they recommend sending all scores. USC is on page 35.
SAT Score Use Practices List

Quote:

<University X> has indicated that it considers your highest section scores across all SAT test dates that you submit. Only your highest section scores will be considered as part of the final admissions decision. Each time you submit scores, <University X> will update your record with any new high scores.
<University X> strongly encourages you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT can benefit you by allowing <University X> to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities

I just talked to an admissions counselor to confirm this and I was told that while it IS true that the official stance is that they do allow Score Choice, they STRONGLY recommend students send all scores. An embarrassing score can actually be seen as positive if a student shows improvement. Testing also shows initiative.

jazz/shreddermom · 10-29-2009, 01:55 PM

what to do? His entire October sitting is better across the board - 180 pts. better. Despite USC's recommendation to send everything, intuition/common sense says just send the best, initiative or not. What do most people do in this situation?

alamemom · 10-29-2009, 02:01 PM

jazz/shreddermom, while I think it would be "okay" to use score choice, cc411 pryed an important tidbit of information straight from USC admissions ^^.

I know my daughter was reluctant to send her SAT subject tests when she applied - the subject tests themselves were VERY good, but she had done much better on her ACT than on her SAT 1. This was before score choice, and she felt she didn't want them to see the SAT 1. She finally decided to send ALL her scores and hope for the best.

She was accepted with a wonderful scholarship, which supports the tidbit of information cc411 just extracted from admissions.

FauxNom · 10-29-2009, 02:10 PM

Jazz - If the scores are stronger in each section, I would think just sending the latest round would be a good idea. If USC allows it, it's not an ethical question, and it does seem like he gains nothing by sending them all.

studentna · 10-29-2009, 04:42 PM

does anyone know how to obtain your USC ID? Thanks.

warrenhui · 11-01-2009, 09:22 AM

i got mine through a letter after i submited Part 1 Application

Kulakai · 11-01-2009, 03:19 PM

@warrenhui - how long did that letter take to get to you? I got an email saying thanks for turning in Part I and the letter/application would be in the mail on 10/17 and still have not received it.

MagicalMalik · 11-01-2009, 10:38 PM

How accurate is the general mailing of USC letters? If I don't get a response from USC by April 1st, then I definitely got denied?

cc411 · 11-01-2009, 11:19 PM

MagicalMalik- USC does not have an exact date by which all acceptances are sent. It is ABOUT the first or second week of April. And it's a bit early to be worried about the exact timing of your letter now!

MagicalMalik · 11-02-2009, 10:10 AM

Thanks. I know I'm going to find that nerve wracking when March/April comes haha.

StudentStudent · 11-03-2009, 10:09 PM

Does USC require SAT2 test scores? And how many if so?

cc411 · 11-03-2009, 10:30 PM

@StudentStudent

This is from the USC website:

Quote:

SAT Subject Tests
We only require SAT Subject tests from freshman applicants who do not attend a regionally accredited high school (e.g., home school, some non-accredited parochial or community based programs, even some newer schools). These students must submit three SAT Subject exams, including one in mathematics. For all other applicants, these exams are optional, but recommended. We find them helpful in evaluating applications for merit scholarships.

Here is the link to the USC Admission website for more information-
Freshman Standards - USC Undergraduate Admission

StudentStudent · 11-03-2009, 11:30 PM

Ok thank you. So we need 3. A USC representative came to our school and handed out pamphlets and it read that the Subject Tests were optional.

alamemom · 11-03-2009, 11:34 PM

StudentStudent - you need to go back and re-read cc411's post. The SAT subject tests are recommended for all students, but only required if you do not attend a regionally accredited high school. From your post above, it sounds as though they are not required for you as you attend a high school, but they are recommended.