USC c/o 2020 Applicants Thread (2016-2017) Forum

[armc808]

Still listed Complete as of early November. Just shy of median LSAT, GPA over 75th..not sure what's happening here

My wait hasn't been as long as yours, but I've been complete since 12/1. You're not alone in the waiting game.

sounds like everyone who's heard back was above both 75ths so I think they may just have done a round of admissions for the "slam dunks" . I submitted in september and still at complete above 75 lsat, below 25 gpa

I'm at USC's median LSAT and got the acceptance email today.

Edit: Submitted on 11/29, went complete 11/30.

I'm at their median LSAT too.

I submitted on 11/23, complete 11/24 but I haven't heard anything. Maybe they're going alphabetically?? I don't understand.

I think it's pretty random tbh

[ray.bee]

Still listed Complete as of early November. Just shy of median LSAT, GPA over 75th..not sure what's happening here

My wait hasn't been as long as yours, but I've been complete since 12/1. You're not alone in the waiting game.

sounds like everyone who's heard back was above both 75ths so I think they may just have done a round of admissions for the "slam dunks" . I submitted in september and still at complete above 75 lsat, below 25 gpa

I'm at USC's median LSAT and got the acceptance email today.

Edit: Submitted on 11/29, went complete 11/30.

I'm at their median LSAT too.

I submitted on 11/23, complete 11/24 but I haven't heard anything. Maybe they're going alphabetically?? I don't understand.

I think it's pretty random tbh

Honestly, I think USC and UCLA are focusing on those above lsat 75th and then they'll do everyone once December LSAT scores are out. That's my theory and from what I've seen on here and lawschool numbers, it kind of checks out.

[armc808]

Honestly, I think USC and UCLA are focusing on those above lsat 75th and then they'll do everyone once December LSAT scores are out. That's my theory and from what I've seen on here and lawschool numbers, it kind of checks out.

Might be the case, but I've heard back from both schools despite being either at or slightly below their LSAT medians, and there are a number of people on LSN that are in a similar boat. I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think they're prioritizing their review solely by numbers (although numbers do seem to be playing an important role), because I initially believed that given my numbers I wouldn't hear back for awhile, then one day got the call out of the blue. Just keep an open mind about it and you might be pleasantly surprised!

[brinicolec]

Honestly, I think USC and UCLA are focusing on those above lsat 75th and then they'll do everyone once December LSAT scores are out. That's my theory and from what I've seen on here and lawschool numbers, it kind of checks out.

Might be the case, but I've heard back from both schools despite being either at or slightly below their LSAT medians, and there are a number of people on LSN that are in a similar boat. I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think they're prioritizing their review solely by numbers (although numbers do seem to be playing an important role), because I initially believed that given my numbers I wouldn't hear back for awhile, then one day got the call out of the blue. Just keep an open mind about it and you might be pleasantly surprised!

+1

I'm above USC's 75th LSAT and haven't heard back yet. But I also applied a little later (first or second week of Dec.). I did hear back from UCLA though (accepted) and I'm at their median. I applied to USC and UCLA the same day.

[mudiverse]

USC doesn't have much in optional essays - did anyone do the "Why USC" as an addendum? I'm sort of conflicted about it. On one hand USC is a strong target for me but I don't want to provide excess information if adcoms aren't interested in it.

[armc808]

USC doesn't have much in optional essays - did anyone do the "Why USC" as an addendum? I'm sort of conflicted about it. On one hand USC is a strong target for me but I don't want to provide excess information if adcoms aren't interested in it.

I didn't write a Why USC, but imo if USC is one of the schools you're aiming for, I don't see how it could hurt you by explaining to them the reasons why you want to go there.

[mudiverse]

USC doesn't have much in optional essays - did anyone do the "Why USC" as an addendum? I'm sort of conflicted about it. On one hand USC is a strong target for me but I don't want to provide excess information if adcoms aren't interested in it.

I didn't write a Why USC, but imo if USC is one of the schools you're aiming for, I don't see how it could hurt you by explaining to them the reasons why you want to go there.

I hesitate because generally schools ask for a supplemental if they are interested in reading one (like UCLA's programmatic contribution supplemental). By not providing any prompts, the indication seems to be that they have enough to go on and more is not always better when it comes to essays and admissions. I think this is especially true with top schools like USC, where the benefits are obvious. I will probably start sketching one out but I will have to think about whether it really adds anything to my application besides showing more effort.

[brinicolec]

USC doesn't have much in optional essays - did anyone do the "Why USC" as an addendum? I'm sort of conflicted about it. On one hand USC is a strong target for me but I don't want to provide excess information if adcoms aren't interested in it.

I didn't write a Why USC, but imo if USC is one of the schools you're aiming for, I don't see how it could hurt you by explaining to them the reasons why you want to go there.

I hesitate because generally schools ask for a supplemental if they are interested in reading one (like UCLA's programmatic contribution supplemental). By not providing any prompts, the indication seems to be that they have enough to go on and more is not always better when it comes to essays and admissions. I think this is especially true with top schools like USC, where the benefits are obvious. I will probably start sketching one out but I will have to think about whether it really adds anything to my application besides showing more effort.

Unless you write a poorly written Why USC, it's not going to go against you. Whether or not it will help give you an edge, I'm not sure. But adcomm isn't going to be like "Omg, would y'all come look at this? This applicant had THE NERVE to wrote an extra essay reiterating how much they want to come here." Also, it's like the T6 that ppl have a general consensus they don't really need to see Why X essays because they know why -- they're just that good. USC is what, T20 right? It's not under that umbrella.

[playersball]

USC doesn't have much in optional essays - did anyone do the "Why USC" as an addendum? I'm sort of conflicted about it. On one hand USC is a strong target for me but I don't want to provide excess information if adcoms aren't interested in it.

I didn't write a Why USC, but imo if USC is one of the schools you're aiming for, I don't see how it could hurt you by explaining to them the reasons why you want to go there.

I hesitate because generally schools ask for a supplemental if they are interested in reading one (like UCLA's programmatic contribution supplemental). By not providing any prompts, the indication seems to be that they have enough to go on and more is not always better when it comes to essays and admissions. I think this is especially true with top schools like USC, where the benefits are obvious. I will probably start sketching one out but I will have to think about whether it really adds anything to my application besides showing more effort.

Unless you write a poorly written Why USC, it's not going to go against you. Whether or not it will help give you an edge, I'm not sure. But adcomm isn't going to be like "Omg, would y'all come look at this? This applicant had THE NERVE to wrote an extra essay reiterating how much they want to come here." Also, it's like the T6 that ppl have a general consensus they don't really need to see Why X essays because they know why -- they're just that good. USC is what, T20 right? It's not under that umbrella.

+1

[whatupbrobro]

Hey everyone should I nudge about new lsat posted and no-intent to retake in February or let them just update my app when they do? Also please advise for not only USC but in general. If anyone has experience, how soon do they complete file after they receive updated lsat?

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

[sorence]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

Not yet, unfortunately. I've been complete since early December.

[ray.bee]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

Not yet, unfortunately. I've been complete since early December.

I've been complete since October, but I'm a reverse splitter.

[Rubbishdump]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

Nothing they're going slow af

[chargers21]

.

[mudiverse]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

Nothing they're going slow af

Lol looks like they don't like to do batch jobs.

I can see them swimming through a couple thousand applications through the month of Jan.

[raeofsunshine]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

Not yet, unfortunately. I've been complete since early December.

I've been "complete" since 11/11 also.

[hellohalo]

Anyone gone under review this year? Hoping they get started again soon.

Not yet, unfortunately. I've been complete since early December.

I've been "complete" since 11/11 also.

Same...

[ray.bee]

For those with decisions, does the status checker update to say under review?

[loslakers]

For those with decisions, does the status checker update to say under review?

yeah it changes and says your file is under review

[playersball]

Status checker just changed and now shows seat deposits under checklist!

[Thomas Hagan, ESQ.]

Status checker just changed and now shows seat deposits under checklist!

Just checked mine. Still at "complete" and no seat deposit checklist.

Died a little bit more inside.

[BigBear]

Forgot to post here but I submitted on 11/14 and was accepted on 12/21. No scholarship offer or anything like that.

Stats are k-JD 166 3.83. Happy to answer questions.

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Status checker just changed and now shows seat deposits under checklist!

Had you been under review previously, or at complete until now?

[playersball]

Status checker just changed and now shows seat deposits under checklist!

Just checked mine. Still at "complete" and no seat deposit checklist.

Died a little bit more inside.

Literally have been checking mine every day too- I hope you get news soon!