How heavily are recommendations weighed?

Colleges & Universities University of Southern California
1

<p>I’m debating between submitting my application by Dec 1 (with below average stats, like CC’s “below average” is like a 4.0 and 2050 or something, but im a little below that)… or waiting until January and getting another recommendation from a leadership advisor who can talk more in depth about my leadership. </p>

<p>I rather actually get INTO USC than to have an OK application with little chance of getting a scholarship… but are recommendations even weighted heavily? Because if not, I might just give it a shot now.</p>

2

<p>According to the USC collegeboard page, ([College</a> Search - University of Southern California - USC - Admission](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board)), recommendations are considered “very important” right up there with your essay, application, GPA and test scores.</p>

3

<p>Check out the scholarship threads from last year (search this site) to see the stats of the students who received scholarships and then see if you fall within that range (or are close). If so, then apply without the additional rec in order to qualify for the Dec. 1 cutoff.</p>

<p>However, if you are clearly not in that range, then get the additional rec about your leadership abilities for sure!</p>

4

<p>Apply by the scholarship deadline to make yourself eligible for one of the HUNDREDS of scholarships that will be awarded to accepted students. Get the recommendation from the leadership advisor and send it when you get it. All students not selected for Trustee/Presidential scholarships are considered for admission and many will be awarded one of the HUNDREDS of smaller scholarships, and your extra recommendation will be in plenty of time for consideration with the bulk of applications in January.</p>

<p>There is no advantage to waiting until the regular deadline.</p>