A in the Life: Visiting High Schools day

Hello world! As a new member of the web log group, I am so excited to fairly share numerous of my day-to-day experiences as an Assistant Director of Admission at USC. once I speak to my buddies and family members about my job, they often ask questions like ‘what do you do on an everyday foundation?’ or ‘do you have actually to work in the summer?’ i am hoping that through my monthly additions to this weblog, you are going to get a better idea of what we do every day as admission counselors.
So allow’s begin with today’s. This i woke up at the Courtyard Marriott in Vienna, VA morning. My visit that is first began 7:45 am. That might sound early with a, reasonable to others, but I can tell you, this morning at 7:45 am, I had been tired (7:45 am in VA seems like 3:45 am in CA…oy.) You see, my trip from Los Angeles was designed to get to Reagan National Airport at 3:43 pm yesterday (become exact.) But instead, due to a wet cockpit seat (I kid you not,) my trip was delayed three hours. Luckily, my very first school check out today constantly has coffee waiting for me, and I also was particularly appreciative today (Thanks Sheila!) I visit, at this school it’s a different format which consists mostly of me answering questions although I usually give about a 30 minute presentation to students when. Thankfully the students came prepared. They asked great questions and I also think we only stuttered a few times.
I had some time to kill before my visit that is second and found a Peet’s Coffee on my way. We stopped for a few breakfast and a coffee refill. In a perfect world i arrive about 10 mins ahead of a call, but frequently i am about 15 to 20 minutes early. Thankfully, my car’s atmosphere conditioning kept me cool while I consumed my bagel and drank my latte. Today I became also able to chat with some counselors that is constantly a highlight of my time. College counselors are always packed with information about students, their schools, and usually life in general. It reminds me personally of my high school days where I spent lot of time on my counselor’s sofa.
Just How coffee that is many is it possible to find in this image?
My visit that is third today to a school i have never visited before. There were about eight students present and another ended up being even wearing a USC t-shirt. This student, let’s call him Brandon, explained about his recent stop by at campus so we’d a moment to gush over how USC that is pretty is. I really like sharing common USC experiences with pupils, particularly whenever i am abroad.
Finally, between my third and fourth check out this morning, I was in a position to grab a 6′ veggie pleasure as I drove to the following high school. Upon checking in, my picture from last year’s see appeared in their computer, a pleasant reminder of the relationships we continue to create at each college.
After my fifth and final visit today, I returned to my hotel, debriefed my day by means of notes and headed to the closest Starbucks to catch through to some work. My first instinct is definitely to check on my email. Oh look! I got a contact from Brandon I mentioned thanking me for my visit and asking a question about something. Love when that happens!
I really hope to satisfy many of you as We carry on my travels! If there’s other things you want to know about our experiences visiting your highschool, please feel liberated to leave questions into the remark section and I shall do my far better get back to you quickly!
Fight In!
Mythbuster: we need to show the admission counselors that USC is my top choice
The Myth: Attending college fairs, visits and tours will increase my likelihood of admission.
The Verdict: Not at USC.
Every August that is late/early, there are 5 or so emails in my inbox every morning using the subject ‘Introduction to USC.’ These emails usually have the same general format. ‘Hello Jessica- just wanted to inform you I play baseball and I can’t wait to apply to USC that I go to ABC High School. I’ve always desired to be described as a learning student in the Marshall School of company.’ Ok great, but exactly what am I supposed to state? Good luck along with your baseball season? Every winter, I get comparable emails with the subject ‘Update.’ Students tell me how their first semester went, they got the role that is lead the spring musical, and that USC is still their first option. Awesome, but chances are I already saw your senior grades (or will soon) year.
At USC, we don’t monitor a student’s interest outside associated with actual application for admission decision purposes. Attending our programs is a way that is wonderful learn more about USC, but going to an event or sending emails like those we described will not boost your chances of admission towards the college.
As admission counselors, its true that people are your main contact as you have the admission process at USC and now we are happy to help you with any help you may need. However, pupils just benefit from reaching out to us if they have specific questions- especially questions to which they can not find the clear answer on the web. I do believe pupils often confuse this role and make the assumption they have to e-mail us and initiate a conversation so that you can have a shot at admission.
So how will you show us you’re enthusiastic about USC? Instead of spending your time emailing us with updates, it is in your very best interest to utilize that point to function on your response to the application question ‘Describe your academic interest and how you want to pursue them at USC.’ You should discuss specific resources and opportunities you desire to take advantage of at USC. Rather than emailing us your list of tasks, fill the activity Summary out thoroughly. A thoughtful and carefully assembled application stands out far more than an introduction e-mail or an invite to coffee.
Remember that some schools may monitor demonstrated interest. Some colleges may expect all students to reach out to them, while other people may expect students in the geographic area to see campus. The idea of demonstrated interest varies, if it is factored into an admission decision so you should always ask a school if and how they track interest and.
At the conclusion of the day, we do desire to see that you are seriously considering being a student here that you are interested in USC and. The way that is best for you to articulate this interest is through your application.