<p>gmoneypop, did your S have any activities or leadership that seemed very specific to his intended major? Did his essays reveal something honest about his character that the admissions office might have really felt fit well at USC? I think the university tends to reward applicants who seem less like the “perfect student” racking up awards and doing typical activities for great HS students and more an array of unique individuals who have drive, leadership and a strong view of what they want to achieve. </p>