How exactly does the USC admissions process work? I didn't know USC focused so heavily on the pre-reqs at the time of admissions. I applied early and got an interview for 11/6 but I don't think I'll be automatically admitted and even if I am put on the "active consideration" list, I don't know what my chances of getting off are. At the time of application, I'm taking:
1) cell biology
2) English 1B
3) Economics
4) Microbiology + microbiology lab
22 units though.
and next semester I still have to take:
1) physics 2
2) physio + physio lab
3) interpersonal communication skills
i know USC doesn't accept the other speech class that most CA pharm schools want but at least I have that grade (from the "other" speech class) on my transcript to show that I am communicate well.
I think the only reason why I even got an interview was because I applied early. Do I even have a shot at beign admitted early? I know I don't have as many of my prereqs done at the time of the application as compared to most other applicants but:
1) I'm graduating in 3 yrs as opposed to 4, so many of my semesters have had heavy courseloads to demonstrate I can do well (although I don't think they'll care...)
2) I have tons of extracurricular activities and awards.
3) I have taken a lot of other (upper division) science courses for my major to show I can do well and gotten A's, A-s and B+s (my only drawback was a C+ in Biology 2 freshman yr, stupid me)
PharmCAS GPA: 3.67
Science GPA: 3.53
Perhaps the admissions committee person I talked to (not Jim) was either ignorant or lying to me but after I explained to her my situation (everything up there), she said i'm not in a worse predicament just b/c I hvae more prereqs to finish than some other people. However, this other girl (she's pre-pharm) said USC DOES look favorably at those applicants who've finished more or all prereqs. So I don't know who to listen to!
I have a ****load of midterms coming up! should I focus more on my midterms to try to do really well since I most likely won't even be one of the lucky 40 or so to be admitted in the first round of interviews or should I focus more on my USC interview to try to do as well as I can so I have a shot at being one of those lucky 40?
Do I have a chance at being automatically accepted to USC this Sat and can you give me some tips on how to do this or am I destined to wait for them to review my Fall 04 grades? How can I shine at my interview to make them accept me right away? I can sense how it must feel emotionally to be on the active consideration list or even the wait list for months. 🙁
