It is hard to believe that after working for nearly 3 years on the admission web log, this is my final 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 the things I’ve accomplished or contributed in my own job, I get to move on from this chapter of my life with amazing memories, hilarious stories, and on top of that, some pretty incredible friends.

The silver lining for me is that I’m not making the university admission world entirely—I’ll be transitioning to ‘the other side of the desk’ as we like to express in this profession by working in a high school being a college counselor. I am excited to continue dealing with pupils and families in this capacity and I feel therefore lucky to have had such an experience that is wonderful USC to help guide me dancing.

Saying goodbye is not simple, but just like it’s hard to graduate from high school and begin your life as an university student, life is really all in regards to the transitions and embarking on new and chapters that are exciting. So, that’s how i will regard this change—I’m ‘graduating’ from my 4 years in the undergraduate admission office at USC and simply moving about the next chapter of my life. I am leaving USC with amazing memories and entering my next adventure with a available mind. Best of all, my experience at USC will be a part always of me personally — Fight On!

Guidelines for Tackling the Personal Statement

Calling all seniors! The college year is appropriate just about to happen, and that means it is time to start considering college applications. While grades and test scores are definitely a essential element of the application, at USC, we conduct a holistic review of files, meaning that people simply take all components regarding the application into consideration when making an admission decision.

Therefore, we expect you to definitely put a fair amount of time and energy into the qualitative aspects of one’s application; namely, your essay and answer that is short. This year, the typical Application has changed the essay prompts to the following (you pick one):

Some pupils have a story or background that is so main to their identity which they think their application would be incomplete without it. Then please share your story if this sounds like you.

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. https://shmoop.pro/1984-by-george-orwell-points-to-ponder/ Exactly How did you be affected by it, and just what lessons did you learn?

Think about a right time whenever you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to definitely work? Would you make the decision that is same?

Describe an accepted place or environment where you are perfectly content. Exactly What do you are doing or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

Discuss a accomplishment or occasion, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family members.

While there is not merely one topic that is better than another, we do expect a things that are few you. Firstly, your essay is free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. This might appear very obvious, but you will be surprised at how many personal statements we see that contain errors. While most are little, it does look careless and ultimately, does maybe not mirror well on your application in general. Be sure you have people—parents that are few counselors, teachers, etc.—look over your writing to make sure that it’s spotless!

Your writing also needs to be authentic and show your own personal voice that is unique. Do not try to wow us by making use of words that are fancy found in a thesaurus. We would like to know your story, your struggles, your triumphs. It is possible to share this while staying true to your writing style.

Do keep in mind that your personal declaration is the opportunity to share something, well, personal you really are outside of your GPA and standardized test score about yourself, and to let an admission counselor know who. The writing aspects of the application are your chance to paint a complete image of whom you are to emphasize something that may not shine through elsewhere.

While admission counselors cannot review any personal statements before they’ve been officially submitted, we’re here to respond to any questions you may have about the process. Happy writing!

On the Road Again!

As summer comes to a close (where did the right time go?!), my colleagues and I are turning our attention to Fall travel period. Most of us will visit upwards of ninety high schools through the months of September, October, and November, in nearly 50 states and in over five different countries. We are going to additionally be attending receptions and interview that is holding in major towns and cities like Seattle, New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.

And our company is one of many. A lot of colleges and universities in the united states is visiting high schools in an attempt to meet up with great students and interest that is generate their respective institutions. We know that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, possibly a good bit repetitive, but there are methods to make the most out of the university visit. Here, we desired to talk about a tips that are few

1. The person that is visiting your senior school is most likely reading your application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory supervisor’ system, where in fact the country ( and sometimes, the world) is divided up into different territories. These regions are then assigned to various people in 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 an impression that is good! No, this does not suggest shower us with gifts and compliments (though wouldn’t that be nice if we could accept them!) creating a good impression means doing your research concerning the institution, remaining attentive during the check out, asking insightful questions, launching your self after the visit and telling the territory manager a little about your interests, and potentially writing a follow-up e-mail or note.

3. Don’t be nervous. an university visit just isn’t an interview. There is a process that is separate that. This is your opportunity to gain just as much information you can concerning the college or university.

4. Sometimes, two universities you may well be interested in will be scheduled on the same day, or even at the same time. We understand that in between your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you might not be able to attend every see that interests you. You’ll still link with a representative by sending an e-mail and introducing yourself. We shall always leave extra materials in the counseling office for those who cannot attend.