My chances for USC and UCLA

madbean
Fri, 03 Aug 2012 19:37:22 +0000

Just a suggestion about your essay topic. I have heard several admissions reps talk about the essays that are most over-used and, alas, they seem to get a huge number about students who travel abroad for a program and learn so much about themselves, the new culture, etc. It’s a wonderful experience, of course, but may not give the adcom enough new info about you, your drive, and initiative to give the best picture of your individual character that you’ll bring to USC. You have managed a business and if it involved a significant amount of work, allowed you to creatively solve problems, leadership, and responsibility, I’d think finding a special experience to sum up your involvement would show a lot of long-term commitment.

Best of luck, and do try the SAT.