Agree with 20Lourdes15. USC promotes a holistic approach to admissions. My son had a decent GPA and good ACT score but I’m convinced he got in (Annenberg for Broadcast Journalism) because of his essays and his EC’s. I think his essays were essentially what got him accepted. It helps that my wife is a college essay coach (and no, she didn’t write it for him, he had to do that on his own, but she has a very clear approach to writing which focuses students on what makes their essay unique which is what 20Lourdes15 is talking about above). Your grades will count for something but write an essay that truly shows who you are and what you are passionate about and accentuate your internships in journalism. That may give you an edge and make up for some of the shortfall on the grades. Also – if you can – visit the school and especially the department; let them know you have a great interest in their program. I think that helps too. Just my 2 cents.