<p>USC is private so I dont think being in-state or out-of-state seriously affects the decision. It might give you a slight advantage but nothing major. Yes USC looks at your senior year course load.</p>
<p>being OOS is a small plus factor since 'SC is trying to broaden their appeal. But, their engineering school is top 10, and requires great stats.</p>
<p>Kevin: don’t get overly enamored with USC’s numbers, since they are self-reported. USC does not publish a common data set (CDS), sop we have no way of knowing how they compute their gpa nor test scores. For example, are thier stats from accepted students or matricluants (which are likely lower)? Do their stats include athletes and other special admits from local, low income high schools? Since USC doesnt publish the CDS, which has a common reporting format, we just don’t know.</p>
<p>There is plenty of evidence that 'SC woos high test score kids by providing a $15k discount to national merit scholars, even with a 3.5/3.6 gpa. But, kids with a 4.0 at the same competitive HS, who are only commended, receive nothing but acceptance. Thus, one can conclude that gpa is not as important as high test scores.</p>