It is difficult to believe 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. I learned 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 maneuver on from this chapter of amazing memories to my life, hilarious stories, and best of all, 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 am excited to continue using students and families in this capacity and I feel therefore lucky to have had such an experience that is wonderful USC to help guide me moving forward.

Saying goodbye is not simple, but much like it’s hard to graduate from high school and commence your life as an university student, life is really all about the transitions and embarking on new and chapters that are exciting. So, that’s how I’m going to regard this change—I’m ‘graduating’ from my 4 years in the undergraduate admission office at USC and simply moving on to the next chapter of my life. I’m leaving USC with incredible memories and starting my next adventure with a mind that is open. 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 school year is appropriate around the corner, and that means it is the right 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 people take all components for the application into account 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 the application; particularly, your essay and answer that is short. This 12 months, the Common Application has changed the essay prompts to the(you that are following one):

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

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did you be affected by it, and exactly what lessons did you learn?

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

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 meaningful to you?

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

While there is not one topic that is preferable to another, we do expect a things that are few you. Firstly, your essay must certanly be free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. This might appear very obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many personal statements we see that contain errors. Many are small, it does look careless and ultimately, does maybe not reflect well in your application all together. Ensure you have a few people—parents, counselors, teachers, etc.—look over your writing to make sure it is spotless!

Your writing should also be authentic and show your personal voice that is unique. Do not you will need to wow us by utilizing fancy words you found in a thesaurus. We would like to hear your tale, your struggles, your triumphs. You’ll 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 understand whom you actually are outside of the GPA and standardized test score. The writing aspects of the application are your opportunity to paint a picture that is complete of you are to emphasize a thing that may well not shine through elsewhere.

While admission counselors cannot review any personal statements before these are typically officially submitted, we have been 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 right time get?!), my peers and I are turning our attention to Fall travel https://shmoop.pro/ period. Many of us will visit well over ninety high schools through the months of September, October, and November, in nearly 50 states and in over five countries that are different. We are going to also be attending receptions and holding interview weekends in major urban centers like Seattle, brand New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.

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

1. The person who is visiting your senior school is most reading that is likely application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory supervisor’ system, where in fact the country ( and quite often, 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 school is in fact.

2. Make a good impression! No, this does maybe 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. Don’t be nervous. a college visit isn’t an interview. There exists a process that is separate that. This is your opportunity to get the maximum amount of information you can about the university or college.

4. Sometimes, two universities you may well be interested in will be scheduled on the same day, if not 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 see that interests you. You can still link with a representative by sending an email and introducing yourself. We’ll always keep extra materials in the counseling office for many who cannot attend.