It’s hard to think 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 the things I’ve achieved or contributed within my job, we get to move on from this chapter of amazing memories to my life, 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 working with students and families in this capacity and I also feel so fortunate to have had such a wonderful experience at USC to assist guide me continue.

Saying goodbye is never simple, but similar to it is hard to graduate from high school and begin your life as an university student, life is really all about the transitions and getting into new and exciting chapters. Therefore, that’s how i will 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 entire life. I’m leaving USC with amazing memories and starting my next adventure with a mind that is open. On top of that, my experience at USC will always be a part of me personally — Fight On!

Tips and Tricks for Tackling the Personal Statement

Calling all seniors! The institution year is appropriate around the corner, and that means it is time to start considering college applications. While grades and test scores are definitely a important element of the application, at USC, we conduct a holistic review of files, meaning that we take all components regarding the application under consideration when making an admission choice.

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

Some pupils have a story or background that is therefore main to their identity they think their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds as you, then please share your story.

Recount a time or incident once you experienced failure. Just How did it affect you, and exactly what lessons did you learn?

Think about time when you challenged a belief or concept. What prompted you to definitely work? Would you make the exact same decision again?

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

Discuss an event or accomplishment, formal or casual, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your tradition, community, or household.

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

Your writing should also be authentic and show your very own unique sound. Do not make an effort to impress us by utilizing words that are fancy found in a thesaurus. We want to listen to 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 a chance to share something, well, personal about yourself, and to let an admission counselor know whom you really are outside of the GPA and standardized test score. The writing components of the application are your opportunity to paint a complete photo of who you are to highlight something that may not shine through elsewhere.

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

On the street Again!

As summer comes to an in depth (where did the time get?!), my peers and I are turning our attention to Fall travel season. Most of us will visit upwards of ninety high schools during the months of September, October, and November, in nearly 50 states and in over five various countries. We shall also be attending receptions and interview that is holding in major towns and cities like Seattle, New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.

And we are one of many. Tons of colleges and universities across the country is going to be visiting high schools in an effort to meet up great students and interest that is generate their respective institutions. We know that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, perhaps a good bit repetitive, but there are ways to make the most out of the college visit. Here, we desired to share a few recommendations:

1. The person who is visiting your high school is most most likely reading your application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory manager’ system, where in actuality the country ( and sometimes, the world) is divided up into different territories. These territories are then assigned to various individuals 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 shmoop.pro school is in fact.

2. Make a good impression! No, this does not suggest 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. Don’t be nervous. a college visit just isn’t an interview. There’s a split process for that. This is your opportunity to gain as much information you can concerning the college or university.

4. Sometimes, two universities you may be interested in will be scheduled on the same day, or even at the same time. We know that in between your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you may not be able to attend every see that interests you. You are able to still link with a representative by sending an email and introducing yourself. We are going to always keep additional materials in the counseling office for many who cannot attend.