Should I even bother applying to my target school (USC)?

BBoy99
Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:57:34 +0000

Hi guys,
I’m a transfer student from a California Community College, and I am majoring in Biochemistry. I failed 2 of my courses this semester (with D’s.) They were both General Education online courses, and I forgot to take the finals for them. Prior to the incident, I had a 3.88 GPA. I received straight A’s in the physical courses that I took this semester (Gen Chem II, Calc 1 and Gen Bio.) I am currently writing my essays for USC, although I’m nervous that it’s a waste of time. I am retaking the courses in the Winter Semester (I should be able to receive my new grades before the application is due.) I have very strong extracurriculars (e.g. I started an NGO in my home country (Algeria)) and essays topics (overcoming cancer, which inspired me to want to become a doctor.) I know that I will attend USC if I were to be accepted, but I am worried that my chances are going to be so diminished that it will not be worth my time to spend the next month diligently working on my essays. Do I still have a shot at getting in, or should I set my sights lower?