‘So Long, Farewell…’ Me and my colleague, Olivia, during the Discover USC Open House last year

It’s hard to genuinely believe that 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 have grown professionally, and I was challenged day in and day out. But, more important than what I’ve accomplished or contributed in my job, I get to maneuver on from this chapter of my entire life with amazing memories, 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 with pupils and families in this capacity and I feel therefore lucky to have had such a wonderful experience at USC to assist guide me continue.

Saying goodbye is never simple, but much like it is hard to graduate from high school and begin your life as a college student, life is really all about the transitions and starting 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 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 be a part always of me personally — Fight On!

Guidelines for Tackling the Personal Statement

Calling all seniors! The institution year is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start contemplating 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 simply take all components of this application into consideration when coming up with an admission choice.

Therefore, we expect you to put a reasonable amount of the time and energy to the qualitative aspects of one’s application; particularly, your essay and brief solution responses. This year, the popular Application has changed the essay prompts to the(you that are following one):

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

Recount an incident or time once you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and just what lessons did you discover?

Reflect on time whenever you challenged a belief or concept. What prompted you to definitely act? Would you make the exact same decision again?

Describe place or environment where you’re perfectly content. Just What do you are doing or experience there, and exactly shmoop free essay writing service why is it meaningful for your requirements?

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

While there is not just one topic that is preferable to another, we do expect a things that are few you. Firstly, your essay must be free of grammatical and mistakes that are spelling. This could seem very obvious, but you would certainly be surprised at just how many personal statements we see that contain errors. While most are tiny, it does ultimately look careless and, does maybe not reflect well on your application all together. Be sure you have a people—parents that are few counselors, instructors, etc.—look over your writing to make certain that it’s spotless!

Your writing must also be authentic and show your personal voice that is unique. Do not you will need to wow us by utilizing words that are fancy discovered in a thesaurus. We wish to know your story, your struggles, your triumphs. It is possible to share this while staying true to your writing style.

Do also remember that your personal declaration is an opportunity 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 chance 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 trail Again!

As summer comes to a close (where did the right time go?!), my peers and I are turning our attention to Fall travel period. A lot 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 additionally be attending receptions and interview that is holding in major cities like Seattle, brand New York, Boston, San Francisco, etc.

And we’re one of many. A lot of colleges and universities across the country is visiting high schools in an effort to satisfy great students and generate interest in their respective organizations. We realize that these ‘college visits’ can seem overwhelming, confusing, and yes, maybe a good bit repetitive, but there are methods to help make the most out of the university visit. Here, we wanted to generally share a few tips:

1. The person that is visiting your highschool is most reading that is likely application. Many institutions implement a ‘territory manager’ system, in which the nationa country ( and sometimes, the world) is divided up into different territories. These territories are then assigned to people that are various work. At USC, the person visiting your high school is certainly the first person to read your application, and is additionally your direct contact throughout the entire application procedure.

2. Make an impression that is good! No, this does not suggest shower us with gifts and compliments (though wouldn’t that be nice if we could accept them!) Making a good impression means doing all your research about the institution, remaining attentive during the visit, asking insightful questions, presenting yourself after the visit and telling the territory manager a little about your interests, and potentially writing a follow-up e-mail or note.

3. Do not 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 concerning the college or university.

4. Sometimes, two colleges you may be interested in will be planned on the same day, and even at the same time. We realize that in between your AP/IB classes, tests, and extracurriculars, you may not be able to attend every check out that interests you. You are able to still link with a representative by sending an e-mail and introducing yourself. We are going to always leave materials that are extra the counseling office for folks who cannot attend.