brownman777

how often do they ask for them? what if they suck or if theyre not to par with your other grades?

cc411

From postings over the last few years here on CC, it seems that everyone who is not offered a merit scholarship is asked for senior grades. It is best to send a copy of your grades AS SOON AS they are available because most of the time, the decision on your application will be held until those grades are received.

If the grades "suck or if they are not on par with your other grades", this does not mean you are doomed. If the rest of your application is good, you would probably be OK.

BTW, this is the GENERAL mailing of USC letters:

-End of January through February: Acceptances for those who will receive one of the top merit scholarships- Trustee and Presidential. Letters/invitations for these merit scholarship interviews are sent shortly after those acceptances.
-End of February: Acceptances and letters for other merit scholarships.
-Beginning of March through the beginning of April: Acceptances for all others.
-1st or 2nd week in April: Rejections (No rejections are sent prior to this time.)

brownman777

Thank You for your reply, cc411!

So would you think it is best fo rme to send in my application January 1 instead of December 1, if I do not want them asking for my senior year grades?

Reason being that I currently have a 3.6 Unweighted GPA, which is a bit low for USC. I am expecting to get a 3.4 unweighted this semester. My SATs are within range (2130 superscore), which should be ok. I have a lot of EC's and leadership. The thing is I was suspended for one school day for submitting an English assignment that contained vulgar language. This already lowers my chances of admission, and my senior year grades would lower it even more.

What do you think is best for me? Thanks, in advance!

cc411

(I answered your PM but I'll copy it here.)

No, it will not help you to send in your application January 1 instead of December 1. You will still be asked for your senior grades. They will be looking at the strength of your classes (they want to see students taking initiative and not slacking off) and solid grades. I really think a 3.4 won't hurt you- it won't be the deciding factor either way.

I would definitely address your suspension in the optional part of the essays section. Get help from a trusted teacher or counselor to get the appropriate wording (taking responsibility, expressing remorse, and showing maturity as a result).

Your GREAT SAT score along with your EC's and leadership is what could take you over the top. You could possibly be in a borderline position and may be offered spring admission. Write some GREAT essays. I wish you lots of luck.

forever09

However, USC does not always ask for your first semester senior grades. I was never asked for my first semester senior grades, so I never sent them in - though USC does give you the option to send them in even if they don't ask for them.

cc411

forever09- Would you please tell us your circumstances?
What year did you apply and to what school/major at USC?
Were you offered a merit scholarship?
What was your GPA and SAT?

This is a question asked every year by applicants and we have rarely found anyone who was not asked for senior grades so it would be nice to know about your situation. Thanks.