A in the Life: Visiting High Schools day

Hello world! As a fellow member of the weblog group, I am so excited to fairly share numerous of my day-to-day experiences as an Assistant Director of Admission at USC. They frequently inquire like ‘what do you do on a regular basis?’ or ‘do you need to work with summer time? when I talk to my buddies and family about my task,’ I’m hoping that through my monthly improvements to this weblog, you will get a much better concept of what we do every day as admission counselors.
Therefore allow’s begin with today’s. This morning I woke up during the Courtyard Marriott in Vienna, VA. My visit that is first began 7:45 am. That might sound early for some, reasonable to others, but we can inform you, this morning at 7:45 am, I was tired (7:45 am in VA feels like 3:45 am in CA…oy.) You see, my trip from Los Angeles was supposed to reach Reagan National Airport at 3:43 pm yesterday (become exact.) But instead, due to a cockpit that is wet (I kid you maybe not,) my journey was delayed three hours. Luckily, my very first school check out today constantly has coffee waiting I was especially appreciative today (Thanks Sheila! for me, and) Although I usually give in regards to a 30 minute presentation to students once I visit, at this school it’s a different format which consists mostly of me answering questions. Thankfully the learning students came prepared. They asked great questions and I also think I just stuttered a few times.
I had time to kill before my second visit and luckily found a Peet’s Coffee on my way. I stopped for a few morning meal and a coffee refill. In a world that is perfect arrive about 10 minutes ahead of a call, but often i am about 15 to 20 minutes early. Fortunately, my car’s air conditioning kept me cool while I ate my bagel and drank my latte. Today I happened to be also able to chat with some counselors which is constantly a highlight of my time. College counselors are often filled with information about students, their schools, and usually life in general. It reminds me of my high school days where I invested lot of the time on my counselor’s settee.
How many coffee cups can you find in this image?
My visit that is third today to a school i have never checked out before. There were about eight students present plus one was even wearing a USC t-shirt. This student, let us call him Brandon, said about his recent visit to campus so we had a moment to gush over how pretty USC is. I really like sharing common USC experiences with pupils, specially whenever I’m overseas.
Finally, between my third and fourth check out this early morning, I became in a position to grab a 6′ veggie pleasure as I drove to the next school that is high. A nice reminder of the relationships I continue to build at each school upon checking in, my picture from last year’s visit appeared in their computer.
After my fifth and visit that is final, we returned to my hotel, debriefed my day in the form of records and headed to the closest Starbucks to catch up on some work. My instinct that is first is to test my email. Oh look! I got an email from Brandon thanking me personally for my check out and asking a question about something I talked about. Love when that occurs!
I am hoping to meet many of you as I continue my travels! If there’s anything else you intend to know about our experiences visiting your school that is high feel liberated to leave questions within the remark section and I am going to do my best to return to you quickly!
Fight In!
Mythbuster: we need to show the admission counselors that USC is my top choice
The Myth: Attending university fairs, visits and tours will increase my likelihood of admission.
The Verdict: Not at USC.
Every late August/early September, there are 5 or so emails in my inbox each morning utilizing the topic ‘Introduction to USC.’ These emails usually have the same format that is general. ‘Hello Jessica- simply wanted to let you know I play baseball and I can’t wait to apply to USC that I go to ABC High School. I have always wished to be a learning student in the Marshall School of company.’ Ok great, but what am I supposed to state? Good luck with your baseball period? Every winter, I get similar emails with the subject ‘Update.’ Students tell me personally how their first semester went, they got the role that is lead the springtime musical, and that USC is still their very first option. Awesome, but chances are I already saw your senior grades (or will soon) year.
At USC, we don’t track students’s interest outside for the actual application for admission decision purposes. Going to our programs is a wonderful method to discover more about USC, but going to an event or sending e-mails like those I described will not boost your shmoop.pro chances of admission to your college.
As admission counselors, it is true with any help you may need that we are your main contact as you go through the admission process at USC and we are happy to assist you. However, pupils just benefit from reaching out to us if they have specific questions- especially questions to which they can’t find the answer on line. I think students often confuse this role and make the assumption they’ve to e-mail us and initiate a conversation so that you can have a shot at admission.
So how do you show us you’re thinking about USC? rather than spending your time emailing us with updates, it is in your absolute best interest to make use of that time to work on your response to the application question ‘Describe your academic interest and how you plan to pursue them at USC.’ You should discuss specific resources and opportunities you want to take advantage of at USC. instead of emailing us your list of activities, fill the activity Summary out thoroughly. A thoughtful and carefully assembled application stands out more than an introduction e-mail or an invite to coffee.
Remember that some schools may track demonstrated interest. Some colleges may expect all students to reach out to them, while other people may expect students in the area that is local visit campus. The idea of demonstrated interest differs, so you need to always ask a college if and the way they track interest and in case it is factored into an admission decision.
At the end of the day, we do want to see you are interested in USC and that you will be really considering being a student here. The way that is best for you yourself to articulate this interest is through your application.
