<p>If you are a national merit semifinalist you will be in the pool for NMF which will give you an automatic Pres Scholarship if you name USC as your first choice. You must have taken the PSAT in Oct of 2011 as stated previously and met the score for your state.</p>
<p>Now regarding the merit scholarships:</p>
<p>USC uses a holistic approach to admissions. That said the great majority (as in almost all) of Pres/Trustee scholars are in the top 10% nationwide of gpa/test scores. You will be evaluated by your admissions rep in the pool of applicants that he/she reads.</p>
<p>The problem with high test scores and average gpa is that the assumption is lack of drive (to be blunt- laziness) which is found in greater than average numbers of high IQ boys in particular. This is a ding unless you can make a good case (as in many school changes). Do you devote an unusual amount of time to an interesting activity? Write about that and work your story about love of learning into that essay. The problem with making “love of learning” a topic is twofold: 1. Looks like an excuse for gpa. 2. A great many high intellect kids in your same situation will write that same essay. You will become just another kid trying to get that message across.</p>
<p>To be up for a pres/trustee interview, you have to show way more than numbers. They need a look into you, the person, and you have to stand out to your admissions officer or anyone else who reads your application. The numbers are only the first hurdle. We did meet kids with test scores in the 2100 range at the interview weekend but did not meet anyone that discussed lower gpa so I can’t answer that one. The 2100 test score kids were all talent based portfolio students as well which tells us that USC is looking for talent in which ever field you plan to major in. All makes sense when you look at that way. So the question to ask yourself is: How can I show who I am and explain my situation best?</p>