‘So Long, Farewell…’ Me and my colleague, Olivia, during the Discover USC Open home in 2011
It’s difficult to believe that after working for nearly 3 years on the admission weblog, this is my final post. Reflecting on my time as an admission therapist at USC is bittersweet. I discovered a ton, I’ve grown professionally, and I was challenged in and day out day. But, more important than what I’ve accomplished or contributed in my job, we get to go on from this chapter of my life with amazing memories, hilarious stories, and on top of that, some pretty incredible friends.
The silver lining as we like to say in this profession by working in a high school as a college counselor for me is that I’m not leaving the college admission world entirely—I’ll be transitioning to ‘the other side of the desk. I’m excited to continue dealing with pupils and families in this capacity and I feel therefore fortunate to have had such an experience that is wonderful USC to help guide me moving forward.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but similar to it is hard to graduate from high school and begin your life as a scholar, life is really all about the transitions and getting into new and exciting chapters. So, that’s how I’m going to treat this change—I’m ‘graduating’ from my 4 years in the undergraduate admission office at USC and simply moving to the next chapter of my life. I am leaving USC with amazing memories and going into my next adventure with a open mind. On top of that, my experience at USC will be a part always of me personally — Fight On!
Tricks and tips for Tackling the Personal Statement
Calling all seniors! The school is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about college applications year. While grades and test scores are definitely a part that is important of application, at USC, we conduct a holistic review of files, meaning that we just take all components for the application under consideration when coming up with an admission choice.
Therefore, we expect you to put a reasonable amount of the time and energy into the qualitative aspects of one’s application; namely, your essay and short response responses. This year, the typical Application changed the essay prompts to the(you that are following one):
Some pupils have a background or story that is therefore central to their identity that they think their application would be incomplete without it. Then please share your story if this sounds like you.
Recount a time or incident once you experienced failure. Exactly How did you be affected by it, and just what lessons did you discover?
Think on time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same choice again?
Describe an accepted place or environment where you might be perfectly content. What do you are doing or experience there, and exactly why is it significant for you?
Discuss an event or accomplishment, formal or informal, that marked your change from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
While there is not merely one topic that is better than another, we do expect a things that are few you. Firstly, your essay should be free of grammatical and mistakes that are spelling. This could appear very obvious, but you would certainly be surprised at just how many personal statements we see that contain errors. While most are little, it does look careless and ultimately, does not mirror well in your application in general. Be sure you have a few people—parents, counselors, instructors, etc.—look over your writing to make certain that it is spotless!
Your writing should also be authentic and show your own unique vocals. Do not make an effort to wow us by using words that are fancy found in a thesaurus. We would like to listen to your story, your struggles, your triumphs. You are able to share this while staying true to your writing style.
Do also remember that your personal declaration is the opportunity to share something, well, personal about yourself, and to let an admission counselor understand who you actually shmoop write my essay free are outside of one’s GPA and standardized test score. The writing aspects of the application are your chance to paint a picture that is complete of you are to highlight something that may not shine through elsewhere.
While admission counselors cannot review any personal statements before they have been officially submitted, our company is here to respond to any questions you may have about the process. Happy writing!
On the trail Again!
As summer comes to a close (where did the time go?!), my colleagues and I are turning our attention to Fall travel period. A lot of us will visit up to ninety high schools throughout the months of September, October, and November, in nearly 50 states and in over five countries that are different. We will additionally be attending receptions and interview that is holding in major urban centers like Seattle, New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.
And we are not by yourself. A lot of colleges and universities in the united states will be visiting high schools in an attempt to meet great students and generate interest in their respective organizations. We know that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, maybe a good bit repetitive, but there are ways to make the most out of a university visit. Here, we desired to fairly share a tips that are few
1. The person that is visiting your high school is most reading that is likely application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory manager’ system, where the nationa country ( and quite often, the world) is divided up into different territories. These territories are then assigned to people that are various any office. The first person to read your application, and is also your direct contact throughout the entire application process at USC, the person visiting your high school is in fact.
2. Make a good impression! No, this does not mean shower us with gifts and compliments (though wouldn’t that be nice if we could accept them!) creating a good impression means doing all your research about the institution, remaining attentive during the visit, asking insightful questions, presenting yourself after the visit and telling the territory manager a bit about your interests, and possibly writing a follow-up e-mail or note.
3. Don’t be nervous. a college visit just isn’t an interview. There’s a separate process for that. This is your opportunity to get the maximum amount of information you can about the college or university.
4. Sometimes, two universities maybe you are interested in will be planned on the same day, and even at the time that is same. We understand that in betwixt your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you may not be able to attend every check out that interests you. You are able to still link with a representative by sending an email and introducing yourself. We shall always keep extra materials in the counseling office for folks who cannot attend.