Chance with low test scores but great grades?

Ponch12
Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:14:26 +0000

Hi, USC is my first choice, so I really want to know if I have a chance

Intended Major: Probably Political Science
Latino male, CA resident
Really competitive high school
First in family to go to a four-year university

Academics:
UW GPA: 3.85
W GPA: 4.35
Top 10% in my class
SAT: 1840 (CR:620, M:600, W: 620)
ACT: 27 (E:33, M:28, R:24, S:23)
Subject Test: Math II: 650
AP, Honors, and College Courses: 15 semesters throughout high school
10th Grade: Honors Chemistry
11th Grade: AP Psychology, AP US History, Honors American Literature, Honors Precalculus
12th Grade: AP Gov, AP Physics B, Community College Calculus

12th Grade Schedule:
AP Physics B
Math 150 (Calculus)
Expository Reading and Writing
AP Gov
Ceramics
PE (because of sports)

Extracurriculars:
Football- 3 years (2 years JV, 1 year Varsity)
Track- 2 years (1 year JV, 1 year Varsity), school is San Diego CIF Champs
50 hours volunteering
1 year Media Club (Treasurer)
1 year CSF

Awards:
Top Scholar- 11th grade
Top Citizen- 11th grade
Outstanding Athletic Achievement: 11th and 12th grade
Varsity Letter
Recieved certificate from California Department of Transportation for participation in the 2011 Trig-Star Competition
Panel member for Senior Exhibitions (I basically graded several senior projects while I was a junior)

So I have a few hooks, but I just want to know if they will be enough despite my slightly below average test scores. I also wrote a great essay (according to my English teacher, who actually works in admissions at UCSD). Thanks in advance!