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It’s difficult to believe that after working for nearly 3 years on the admission web log, this is my last post. Reflecting on my time as an admission therapist at USC is bittersweet. We discovered a ton, i have grown professionally, and I was challenged day in and day out. But, more important than the things I’ve accomplished or added in my own job, I get to go 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 am excited to continue working together with pupils and families in this capacity and I feel so happy to have had such a wonderful experience at USC to help guide me continue.

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

Guidelines for Tackling the Personal Statement

Calling all seniors! The school year is right just about to happen, and that means it’s time to start contemplating college applications. While grades and test scores are definitely a important section of the application, at USC, we conduct a holistic review of files, meaning that we simply take all components associated with application under consideration when making an admission decision.

Therefore, we expect one to put a fair amount of time and energy into the qualitative aspects of one’s application; particularly, your essay and quick solution responses. This year, the shmoop.pro popular Application changed the essay prompts to the following (you pick one):

Some students have actually 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 whenever you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you discover?

Think on time when 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’re perfectly content. What do you are doing or experience there, and exactly why is it meaningful for your requirements?

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

While there is not just one topic that is better than another, we do expect a things that are few you. Firstly, your essay should really be free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. This may appear very obvious, but you would certainly be surprised at exactly how many personal statements we see that contain errors. Many are tiny, it does ultimately look careless and, does not mirror well in your application all together. Ensure you have a few people—parents, counselors, instructors, etc.—look over your writing to ensure it is spotless!

Your writing must also be authentic and show your very own voice that is unique. Do not you will need to impress us by utilizing fancy words you found in a thesaurus. We wish to know 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 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 possibility to paint a picture that is complete of you are to highlight a thing that may 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 detailed (where did the time get?!), my colleagues and I are turning our attention to Fall travel period. Many of us will visit up to ninety high schools through 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 towns like Seattle, New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.

And we are not alone. A lot of colleges and universities across the country will be visiting high schools in an attempt to generally meet great students and interest that is generate their respective institutions. We understand that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, perhaps a good bit repetitive, but there are ways to help make the most out of the college visit. Here, we desired to fairly share a few tips:

1. The individual who is visiting your highschool is most likely reading your application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory supervisor’ system, where the country ( and quite often, the world) is divided up into different territories. These regions 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 an impression that is good! 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. You shouldn’t be nervous. a college visit is not an interview. There is a process that is separate that. This is your opportunity to get the maximum amount of information you can about 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 all know that in betwixt your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you may not be able to attend every visit that passions you. You are able to still link with a representative by sending an e-mail and introducing yourself. We are going to always keep materials that are extra the counseling office for many who cannot attend.