It’s difficult to believe after working for nearly 3 years on the admission blog, this is my last post. Reflecting on my time as an admission counselor at USC is bittersweet. I discovered a ton, I’ve grown professionally, and I was challenged day in and day trip. But, more important than the things I’ve achieved or contributed in 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 am excited to continue working together with students and families in this capacity and I feel so fortunate to have had such a wonderful experience at USC to assist guide me dancing.

Saying goodbye is not simple, but much like it’s hard to graduate from high school and begin your life as a scholar, life is really all concerning the transitions and embarking on 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 about 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 a part of me — Fight On!

Guidelines for Tackling the Personal Statement

Calling all seniors! The institution is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about college applications year. 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 simply take all components regarding the application under consideration when coming up with 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; particularly, your essay and short answer responses. This year, the Common Application changed the essay prompts to the following (you pick one):

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

Recount a time or incident once you experienced failure. How did you be affected by it, and just what lessons did you learn?

Reflect on time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted one to act? Would you make the same decision again?

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

Discuss a achievement or occasion, formal or casual, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or household.

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

Your writing must also be authentic and show your unique voice. Do not try to impress us by making use of words that are fancy discovered in a thesaurus. We would like to listen to your tale, your struggles, your triumphs. You are able to share this while staying true to your writing style.

Do keep in mind that your personal statement is a chance to share something, well, individual 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 opportunity to paint a picture that is complete of you are to emphasize something which may well 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 trail Again!

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

And we’re not by yourself. A lot of colleges and universities in the united states is going to be visiting high schools in an attempt to generally meet great students and generate interest in their respective organizations. We know that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, maybe even a bit repetitive, but there are ways to really make the many out of the college visit. Here, we wanted to talk about a tips that are few

1. The person that is visiting your senior high school is most reading that is likely application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory manager’ system, where in fact the country ( and quite often, the world) is divided up into different territories. These regions are then assigned to various individuals in work. At USC, the person visiting your high school is in fact the first person to read your application, and it is additionally your direct contact throughout the entire shmoop.pro application process.

2. Make an impression that is good! No, this does maybe 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. an university visit is not an interview. There’s a process that is separate that. This is your opportunity to get the maximum amount of information you can concerning the university or college.

4. Sometimes, two colleges you may well be interested in will be planned on the same day, as well as at the same time. We understand that in betwixt your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you might not be able to attend every check out that passions you. You are able to still connect 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 people who cannot attend.