I don’t think you’ve understood my message.
It’s hard getting into USC.
You seem to be putting all of your eggs in one basket.
You need to ALSO apply to other colleges where you may have a chance of getting in.
It’s not just USC that will be considering your GPA, it’s your other schools, as well, that need an elevated GPA.
You’ve made it even more difficult by assuming USC is “it” and will accept you, and that all you have to do is:
fix the senior year GPA
fix the essay,
get noticed by the coach,
use Daddy’s legacy,
anticipate higher AP scores,
etc.
I mentioned applying because maybe the applicants this year have a lower overall GPA, and you MIGHT be considered. But, you need to be realistic. APPLY to your other schools.
FWIW: I have a younger sister who graduated from 'SC. [not a legacy]
My son got into USC, but chose not to attend because the merit dollars weren’t enough. [not a legacy]
Both had extremely high GPA’s.
Midyear report confirms that you haven’t failed any classes.