‘So Long, Farewell…’ Me and my colleague, Olivia, during the Discover USC Open home in 2011

It is difficult to believe that after working for nearly 3 years on the admission blog, this is my final post. Reflecting on my time as an admission therapist at USC is bittersweet. We discovered a ton, I’ve grown professionally, and I was challenged day in and day out. But, more important than the things I’ve accomplished or added within my job, we get to go on from this chapter of amazing memories to my life, hilarious stories, and best of all, some pretty incredible friends.

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

Saying goodbye is never effortless, but similar to it is hard to graduate from high school and start your life as a scholar, life is really all concerning the transitions and getting into new and exciting chapters. Therefore, that’s how I’m going to view this change—I’m ‘graduating’ from my 4 years in the admission that is undergraduate at USC and simply moving to the next chapter of my life. I’m leaving USC with amazing memories and going into my next adventure with a open mind. Best of all, my experience at USC will be a part always of me — Fight On!

Tips and Tricks for Tackling the Personal Statement

Calling all seniors! The college year is appropriate around the corner, and that means it’s time to start considering college applications. While grades and test ratings 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 into account when coming up with an admission decision.

Therefore, we expect one to put a fair amount of the time and energy into the qualitative aspects of one’s application; specifically, 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 actually a story or background that is so main to their identity which they believe their application would be incomplete without it. Then please share your story if this sounds like you.

Recount a time or incident whenever you experienced failure. Just How did it affect you, and just what lessons did you discover?

Reflect on a right time when you challenged a belief or concept. What prompted you to act? Would you make the decision that is same?

Describe place or environment where you’re perfectly content. Just What do you are doing or experience there, and just why is it meaningful to you?

Discuss a achievement or occasion, formal or informal, that marked your change from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

While there is not one topic that surpasses another, we do expect a few things from you. Firstly, your essay must certanly be free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. This could seem very obvious, but you would certainly be surprised at just how many personal statements we see that contain errors. Many are small, it does ultimately look careless and, does not mirror well on your own application as a whole. Be sure you have a people—parents that are few counselors, teachers, etc.—look over your writing to make sure it is spotless!

Your writing should also be authentic and show your unique vocals. Do not make an effort to wow us by utilizing fancy words you found in a thesaurus. We wish to listen to your tale, your struggles, your triumphs. You are able to share this while staying true to your writing style.

Do also remember that your personal statement is the opportunity to share something, well, personal about yourself, and to let an admission counselor know whom you really are outside of your 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 highlight something which 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 street Again!

As summer comes to a close (where did the time go?!), my peers and I are turning our attention to Fall travel period. A lot of us will visit shmoop.pro well over ninety high schools during the months of September, October, and November, in nearly 50 states and in over five various countries. We’ll additionally be attending receptions and interview that is holding in major metropolitan areas like Seattle, brand New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.

And our company is one of many. A lot of colleges and universities around the world is visiting high schools in an attempt to meet up with great students and interest that is generate their respective organizations. We realize that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, perhaps a good bit repetitive, but there are methods to help make the many out of the college visit. Here, we desired to generally share a few recommendations:

1. The individual that is visiting your senior high school is most reading that is likely application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory manager’ system, where the country ( and quite often, the world) is divided up into different territories. These regions are then assigned to people that are various any office. At USC, the person visiting your high school is certainly 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. Avoid being nervous. an university visit is not an interview. There is a split process for that. This is your opportunity to get as much information you can in regards to the university or college.

4. Sometimes, two universities maybe you are interested in will be planned on the same day, and 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 passions you. You are able to still link with a representative by sending an email and introducing yourself. We’ll always leave materials that are extra the counseling office for folks who cannot attend.