<p>So… I don’t know if I should be worried or not. But, all of the times I have been chanced, it seems I appear to be a golden for USC Annenberg as far as SAT scores, grades, extracurrics, the fact that I am a URM, etc. But… due to CA’s budget cuts my school newspaper might be cut next year (my senior year). According to my teacher, it would have been a sure thing that I would be editor-in-chief of the paper next year. I really want to be a Communications major. It’s my dream. My question is - if the paper falls through next year, will I be screwed? Would the editor-in-chief thing have been my key into Annenberg? I mean, it’s not like I’m applying as a Journalism major. I was the Arts and Entertainment editor my junior year, and a Staff Writer in my sophomore year. And my teacher LOVES me so she would probably give me a great rec. I just feel so nervous… but the paper might not get cut, right? Please advise…</p>
<p>You are definately NOT “screwed” if you aren’t editor in chief next year, especially if the paper falls through. (Maybe note that on your application?) . You have great previous positions that Annenberg will like, just continue doing things in the field of communications, even if you aren’t able to be the editor-in-chief of the paper. Good luck!</p>
<p>My H is on faculty of USC (math dept) and I just returned fthis morning from the Visit USC tour with my S … in the rain and relative cold, how odd.</p>
<p>USC appears to have admissions that will look closely at your complete application, so make sure if the situation you fear comes to pass, that it is addressed at least once (preferably by someone other than you, who can explain the situation.) USC won’t hold it against you. USC itself has placed on a non-faculty hiring freeze through at least June '09 and have cut back on construction projects not already underway, so they definitely know, institutionally, what the economy has done to schools.</p>
<p>Definitely not doomed. 
More of an unlikely opportunity. If your school does drop the school newspaper next year (what a shame!), get creative in devising an activity that will show USC and other schools how you cope with such a disappointment. Could you start your own blog? Or do PR for school events. Or do student movie reviews for a local newspaper? Or?? Dealing with just such a crisis can really challenge you to grow and start your own club/activity. Sounds like this might even make an awesome essay topic. </p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>I agree with madbean. Make the negative into a positive. First of all, it makes for good essay conversation. Second, it gives you the chance to find other activities to showcase your talents. If you still have the grades and the scores, you should be in good shape!</p>
<p>If they accepted only editors-in-chief, Annenberg would be a very boring place. My D assures me that this is not the case. And she got in, without a whiff of communications or journalism-related ECs.</p>
<p>It’s better to apply as undeclared and transfer in to Annenberg. A lot of students are doing the same thing. It’s not as hard as applying as a freshman.</p>
<p>Third on madbeans idea. Create your own small paper…editor in chief/business developer! A true way to guarantee admission (if there is such a thing).</p>