Do I Have A Chance at USC or UCLA?

If anything, going to a public school helps your case. Let's say you went to a private school where 95% of the graduates ended up going to top tier institutions in the United States. Because almost all the graduates have had excellent grades that led them to get to really good schools, then no one really stands out. However, it all changes when you go to a school where many students do not end up pursuing a college degree. This would set you apart from the other people in your school, by showing that you are really committed to higher learning. A 3.39 GPA isn't terrible; although, I do know that UCLA normally asks for a pretty high GPA. I think you do have a chance at USC. In any case, a GPA is not all that a college application entails, so really, make sure you have stellar recommendations and excellent extracurriculars. Do not forget about taking challenging courses as well! The rigor of your academic course load really really makes a difference. Do apply to both schools and a couple of safety schools. Only because the average GPA of a certain school is 4.0 doesnt mean they dont take anyone with a 3.5.