Mary Waller (Junior from Chicago, IL): because you got mixed up about an essay topic or a deadline, just remember that you are (probably) not actually insane, and that everyone else is experiencing the same thing as you freak out about small details in your essay, and have regular panic attacks. Make an effort to remember, instead, that you will be awesome. That is the part of you that admissions officers wish to see, and if you do not believe that you are awesome, how on earth are you going to convince an admissions officer you are? Challenge yourself to be authentic.
Spencer Lepow (Freshman from Houston, TX): I wish I would have understood that the goal associated with the admissions officer is to get you IN. They are fighting for you, so assist them out by publishing a polished application that actually reflects you and your strengths.
Simone Geller (Freshman from Foothill Ranch, CA): For the most part, the students signing up to a prestigious school like USC are all going to be smart with good grades and high test scores. What’s vital to get across in the job through your essays is a picture that is clear of you truly are. Discuss the things you’re passionate about, your goals for the immediate and the future that is distant and things you hope to do at USC if you opt to come right here.
Paige Handley (Sophomore from Provo, UT): I came across it very useful to go to the educational schools I ended up being using to because it provided me a feel of what kind of school i’d like. I did not know whether I wanted to go to a huge or small school and I think it is different for everyone, so visiting helps.
Lorelei Christie (Freshman from Arlington, VA): Research all the scheduled programs USC is offering, and get it done early on! Luckily for us, I heard bout Thematic Option early enough to apply to the program. Now T.O. is one of my favorite reasons for having SC. You will find tons of other unique, exciting programs right here I had known about earlier that I wish.
Engie Salama (Junior from Irvine, CA): If only I had understood how helpful the admission staff at USC are! truthfully, just shoot an email to your admission counselor with any questions you might have, in addition they’d be very happy to help. I feel like a lot of students are intimidated by the application form procedure, and it will be described as a small depersonalizing because of how applicants that are many like USC get but I think communicating with the staff helps alleviate that feeling.
We all know there is a TON of information… err… rumors floating around in the college garden, on Twitter, and on those college message board internet sites, and we are here that will help you obtain the information that is factual are searching for. In this article, we hope to debunk a number of those typical myths about USC’s application procedure, and allow you to gain a better insight into how our procedure actually works.
Myth #1: It is easier to obtain in if you affect a certain major.
We now have said it prior to and we’ll state it again: apply to what’s truly your choice that is first major and don’t try to ‘game’ the machine. We will always give consideration to students with regards to their choice that is first major their second choice major, and ultimately as undecided before they are released through the process.
If you are applying to one of our engineering majors, we will always consider students equally for both their first and second choice majors while it is true that applying to certain majors means we will pay closer attention to certain things, i.e. your math and science preparation.
There are instances when pupils are admitted to their second choice or as undecided. We do have an internal transfer process if you are admitted to USC and wish to change to another major later on.
Myth #2: Visiting campus, writing letters, and achieving an admission interview will help my chances of admission.
False. We do maybe not track what’s referred to in the admission world as ‘demonstrated interest,’ so don’t worry if you are applying from half way around the globe and can’t create a visit to campus. We merely lack the capacity to interview all interested pupils, and thus nearly all students who apply will not have the possibility to interview. Don’t worry. You are encouraged by us to utilize the ‘Additional Information’ element of the most popular Application to generally share whatever you might have discussed within an interview.
Myth #3: I shouldn’t bring it up in my application if I got a bad grade in a class.
Wrong! The first place admission counselors get when they notice a downward trend in grades or someone lower grade may be the ‘Additional Information’ section of the most popular Application. That is your possibility to give an explanation for context surrounding any reduced grade you might have received.
Myth number 4: The greater amount of letters of recommendation I have, the better my chances of admission.
Incorrect. For most majors, we only require one letter of recommendation from a source that is academic meaning that individuals actually, truly only need to see one letter. We would require more than one if we thought this would not suffice. However, we do realize that sometimes, applicants want to submit a extra letter from a non-academic source, i.e. coach, community service organizer, etc., and this is perfectly acceptable. Its really in regards to the quality of the letter over the true quantity of letters you submit.
Myth #5: Send your Admission Counselor a gift—it shall help your chances!
Hmm, we want. But unfortunately, this is a myth. Us a (non-edible) gift, we will have to send it back if you send. Bribery won’t work with this situation.
Myth # 6: we shouldn’t bother using if no one in my family went to USC.
Whilst it does work that the Trojan Family is an incredibly crucial aspect at USC, we evaluate all applicants on their own merits. We are made up of about 20% legacy students, and we consider when reviewing a student’s application while we certain love to accept legacy students, the fact that your parent, grandparent, or sibling went to USC is one of many factors.
So there you have it. Six typical myths hopefully) shed some light on that we have now. Please remember to always contact USC straight in case you have any questions about the application process. Good luck!