Hi, I came to your page when I was doing a research for the same question you had. I am also doing AR in Mt. Sac, near by Cypress College, and I also want to try applying to USC, but have the same concerns like you did. I got 5 F in the past, and retaking them. So, did you get into USC? How was the AR affected you applying to private school ?
If you can share your experience with me, that will be very helpful !
Thank you !