‘So Long, Farewell…’ Me and my colleague, Olivia, at the Discover USC Open House last year
March 7, 2020 by
It’s hard to genuinely believe that after working for nearly 3 years on the admission weblog, this is my last post. Reflecting on my time as an admission counselor at USC is bittersweet. We discovered a ton, I’ve grown professionally, and I was challenged in and day out day. But, more important than what I’ve achieved or contributed in my own job, we get to go on from this chapter of my entire life with amazing memories, hilarious stories, and on top of that, some pretty incredible friends.
The silver lining for me personally is that I’m not making the college admission world entirely—I’ll be transitioning to ‘the other part of the desk’ as we like to say in this profession by working in a high school as a college therapist. I’m excited to continue working together with pupils and families in this capacity and I feel therefore happy to have had such an experience that is wonderful USC to help guide me dancing.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but much like it is hard to graduate from high school and start your life as a college student, life is really all in regards to the transitions and embarking on new and exciting chapters. So, that’s how i will treat this change—I’m ‘graduating’ from my 4 years in the admission that is undergraduate at USC and simply moving about the next chapter of my entire life. I am leaving USC with incredible memories and entering my next adventure with a available mind. On top of that, my experience at USC will always be described as a part of me personally — Fight On!
Tricks and tips for Tackling the Personal Statement
Calling all seniors! The school year is appropriate around the corner, and that means it is the right time to start thinking about college applications. While grades and test scores are definitely a crucial part of the application, at USC, we conduct a holistic review of files, meaning that we take all components for the application into consideration when making an admission decision.
Therefore, we expect one to put a fair amount of time and energy into the qualitative aspects of the application; specifically, your essay and quick response responses. This 12 months, the typical Application changed the essay prompts to the(you that are following one):
Some pupils have actually a story or background that is therefore central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds as if you, then please share your story.
Recount an incident or time once you experienced failure. Just How did you be affected by it, and exactly what lessons did you learn?
Think on a right time whenever you challenged a belief or concept. What prompted one to act? Would you make the same choice again?
Describe an accepted place or environment where you’re perfectly content. Just What do you are doing or experience there, and just why is it meaningful for you?
Discuss an event or accomplishment, formal or casual, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your tradition, community, or family.
While there is not just one topic that is better than another, we do expect a few things from you. Firstly, your essay is free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. This could appear very obvious, but you’d be surprised at exactly how many personal statements we see that contain errors. Many are little, it does look careless and ultimately, does maybe not mirror well in your application all together. Ensure you have few people—parents, counselors, instructors, etc.—look over your writing to ensure that it’s spotless!
Your writing should also be authentic and show your voice that is unique. Do not you will need to impress us by making use of fancy words you discovered in a thesaurus. We wish to know your tale, your struggles, your triumphs. It is possible to share this while staying true to your writing style.
Do also remember that your personal declaration is a chance to share something, well, individual about yourself, and to let an admission counselor understand whom you actually are outside of the GPA and standardized test score. The writing components of the application are your possibility to paint a picture that is complete of you are to emphasize a thing that might not shine through elsewhere.
While admission counselors cannot review any personal statements we are here to answer any questions you may have about the process before they are officially submitted. Happy writing!
On the Road Again!
As summer comes to a detailed (where did the time go?!), my colleagues and I are turning our attention to Fall travel period. Most of us will visit well over ninety high schools during the months of September, October, and November, in nearly 50 states and in over five countries that are different. We shall additionally be attending receptions and holding interview weekends in major towns and cities like Seattle, New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.
And we are not alone. Tons of colleges and universities in the united states are visiting high schools in an attempt to meet great shmoop.pro students and generate interest in their respective organizations. We understand that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, possibly a good bit repetitive, but there are ways to help make the most out of a university visit. Here, we wanted to share with you a tips that are few
1. The individual that is visiting your senior school is most reading that is likely application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory supervisor’ system, where in fact the nationa country ( and sometimes, the world) is divided up into different territories. These territories are then assigned to people that are various the office. At USC, the person visiting your high school is actually the first person to read your application, and is also your direct contact throughout the entire application procedure.
2. Make an impression that is good! No, this does not mean shower us with gifts and compliments (though wouldn’t that be nice after the visit and telling the territory manager a bit about your interests, and potentially writing a follow-up e-mail or note if we could accept them!) Making a good impression means doing your research about the institution, remaining attentive during the visit, asking insightful questions, introducing yourself.
3. Do not be nervous. an university visit isn’t an interview. There’s a separate procedure for that. This is your opportunity to gain as much information you can concerning the university or college.
4. Sometimes, two colleges perhaps you are interested in will be planned on the same day, and sometimes even at the same time. We understand that in betwixt your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you may not be able to attend every see that interests you. You are able to still connect with a representative by sending an e-mail and introducing yourself. We’ll always keep materials that are extra the counseling office for those who cannot attend.