I go to a hard, private school and take all honors classes with a GPA of a 3.6. My ACT is a 33 and I’m an active participant in many clubs like debate and Model UN. I do a lot of volunteer work and I know I’m going into law/journalism. My dream has been to go to either of the two universities, so what are my chances?
Also, the GPA is unweighted. I’m a good writer so my college essays would be very strong.
you have a good shot!
are you sure?
3.6 is a bit low for these schools, but it’s not impossible. I would focus less on these two schools being “the dream” - there are many excellent schools where you’ll be able to thrive.
@usualhopeful yes, but I know these schools go hand in hand with what I’m interested in, but we’ll wait and see
USC: Good
Northwestern: Semi-reach
A 3.6 for USC is not “good” its a reach. Its worth a shot and with ec and essays but its not a match by any means
Not true @thecoolboy1234 , I’ve known and assisted successful applicants get into USC who had a 3.3 GPA.
since I go to a difficult private school, would my 3.6 be rated higher?
possibly @171College . Its a known fact that some secondary school are frequented by top colleges. Link up with your GC at your school. Ask them where students usually go to college. And even them where their college connections are.
@HisTyNess please respond to my private message 
thanks @HisTyNess
Not enough info. GPA seems low for USC and Northwestern.
Reaches
USC is not a reach for a 3.6 GPA. If that’s unweighted, then you have a pretty good shot. I’m in a similar situation as you, having gone to a hard private school. Despite this, USC is in the top 3 most attended colleges at my school so I think you have a decent shot. I’d call Northwestern a semi-reach though. However, if that’s your weighted gpa, both schools would be pretty far reaches.
@lvgtc25 yeah it’s unweighted, and our school has a lot of Northwestern acceptances.