RHS (Resident Honors Program) 2009

Colleges & Universities University of Southern California
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<p>haha. see, that opinion you have of boston is based on not living here.
my life story is much more colored, and yes–i’ve lived in the tropics before living in boston, but the cold is much exaggerated. it’s cold, but it’s not alaska. it’s snowy, but not excessively so. college is a time to experience new things. and yes, my guidance counselor said that the process is ridiculous compared to the common app or other school applications. and i have done my college research but usc never came up because i was always either looking at schools in the new england area or schools that are top at neuroscience. and usc is neither (as per my research).</p>

<p>and that practice application thing is the view my family and guidance couselor had in order for me to not put all my hopes in one basket, which i sometimes have the tendency of doing. i did treat this as important as an actual application, and i am seriously considering my options based on their admission decision. but ultimately, it’s going to have to come down to what they have, what i want, and whether those two add up. the CLIMATE is not going to influence my decision. i’m indian. i’ve lived anywhere, and i don’t mind the weather. the physical distance and opportunities might. and i’m not saying california doesn’t offer much–but the where and the hows are less concentrated than what i’ve seen in boston. and i’m allowed that opinion as i live here. </p>

<p>this forum has sort of turned into attack the bostonian. and while it’s entertaining, let’s turn back to the topic at hand: Wooo, less than 3-ish weeks til decision letters!</p>

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<p>I lived on both areas: Boston and LA. The first snow storm I encountered I packed my back and went back to California. Note for most Californians, it feels like Aslaka. :p</p>

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<p>i’m sorry. i lived in singapore and india, climates that are considerably warmer than california, and have been living in boston for a long time. at first, it was cold, but it’s not unbearable. it’s exciting. so is snow. and it’s beautiful. i like knowing it’s fall or winter, or spring or summer. and not wear shorts in the middle of winter.</p>

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<p>The seasonal changes are dramatic and beautiful back East, I will admit. And dopaminescene, you’re Indian? How extraordinary! That’s really cool. I would love to visit India–the culture is highly interesting to me. If I were not firmly founded on the concept of monotheism, I would probably make a good Hindu since I eschew red meat. :slight_smile: Though that’s not to imply that I think you are–I am never one to assume without due cause–I merely express my appreciation for the culture. All cultures have their values, I think.</p>

<p>Anyway, would it be too nosey if I suggested we share what prompt we did for the essay and how we attacked it? Of the three provided:</p>

<p>“The 18th century French philosopher Denis Diderot said, “Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.” Describe one of your passions and reflect on how it has contributed to your personal growth.”</p>

<p>“Thomas Edison failed many times before successfully inventing the modern electric light bulb. He said, “If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” Reflect on an accomplishment you achieved in an unlikely way.”</p>

<p>"Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force. Tell us about an external influence (a person, an event, etc.) that affected you and how it caused you to change direction. "</p>

<p>I myself chose the first–though it might have been more strategic to answer one of the other two, I just chose it because the word ‘passion’ stuck out at me like a sore thumb–and discussed how I combine my musical abilities with community service work.</p>

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<p>haha,no offense taken. i’m a hindu and a vegetarian though the two aren’t necessarily inclusive. i visit often, my family largely still lives there. and hinduism isn’t firmly polytheistic. it’s a philosophy that breaks the higher god down into smaller gods in order for us humans to comprehend the power more effectively. that’s how my mother explains it to me whenever i point out in a textbook that says hinduism is polytheistic. </p>

<p>for my essay, i did the last which tied into both of the other topics nicely. i explained how training for my solo dance recital last year changed me.</p>

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<p>That’s awesome–I have researched a lot of world religions, and in fact am going to take a class on it very soon, but I never heard Hinduism explained quite like that. I wish I had some really defined cultural background/heritage, but I’m afraid that I’m rather a mutt. A proud mutt, but a mutt nonetheless. :slight_smile: I’d go into detail, but I’m just so mutty I’d probaby be a bore to give you a laundry list of everything. I guess the most clear definition is that I’m an American, and I’m proud of this beyond comprehension.</p>

<p>Not to be overly critical, but training for a solo dance recital does not necessarily sound like an ‘external’ influence, so from the sound of it I’m not sure if it applied to the prompt. Initially, I interpreted the Newton prompt as kind-of a way to explain, say, poor freshman year grades or a suspension from school or something that mar the record of someone who did eventually ‘straighten up and fly right.’ Of course, anyone can have an epiphany regarding any subject or perspective, but that was one of the reasons I did not select that one initially. However, as you say you attacked sort-of all three of the prompts together in the essay, I am impressed. I recognize that they may not be, though–there’s the possibility of it going both ways. But I would probably say that deviation from the norm is certainly one way to stand out, and standing out is usually beneficial.</p>

<p>Hey, where’s rosinyangster?</p>

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<p>Dead. Or at least comatose.</p>

<p>It’s like I’ve been on the night shift for the whole week or something. Getting home at 8, sleeping until 10, starting work at then until the sun rises… I’ll come contribute more after this hump is over, I promise! I’ve been running around all over the place, negotiating this and that and…oh, it’s been hectic.</p>

<p>For my essay, I chose the Newton prompt also. The external influence is “America”. “America happened.”
It’s not that great, trust me. I keep regretting this little sentence and that little phrase after I pressed the submit button. But life goes on. <em>waits patiently for February/March</em></p>

<p>I need to pull another all-nighter tonight, and then I’ll be okay for a while. I’m gonna go drink some SoBe now.</p>

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<p>Ugh, I can commiserate. Now here’s some hypocrisy: my AP US teacher was busy ranting about election day, insisting that ‘It should be a national holiday, it’s only every four years after all, etc.’ and then she proceeds to assign forty term cards (which, when done properly, take three to four hours) due the next day. I didn’t get much sleep at all this week because of that class, mainly. Almost every night, after staying up ridiculously late, I ended up sleeping on the couch downstairs so I could wake up when my dad got up at 6 to make coffee. (It’s really hard for me to budge before 7am). So yes, I can defninitely empathize. Plus, I had to get out our Lit Mag this week, so that sucked up a lot of time. </p>

<p>As time ticks closer to when the letters will hopefully be sent out (next Saturday is the last day of January . . . argh!) I feel more and more confident that I’ll get in. Which is bad, because I’m fairly certain that I’m setting myself up for a big disappointment. I have to repeat to myself, Only 30 kids will be chosen. Work of some nature is the only distraction I really have. </p>

<p>If I don’t get in to the RHP, I think I’m going to find some similar alternative. I’ll probably tear all the hair off my head if I have to go through another year of banal high school.</p>

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<p>I know, I know. I have to constantly distract myself from thinking too much about the letters. I don’t want to hope for it, or look for it in the mailbox. I want to be so distracted that one day, it’ll just be there, and if it’s rejection waiting for me—so be it. RHP isn’t something we (or am I only speaking for myself?) can count on. So I’m still doing everything I would have been doing in high school.</p>

<p>I love AP US History (we call it APUSH). It’s probably my class with the worst workload, but nothing can faze me after AP Bio last year…</p>

<p>Yesterday was regional BPA (Business Professionals of America) competition. Our team was only alternates for state, which was sad because I wanted to be roommates with them (I know, great reason). But I advanced in my individual event, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m hoping to make nationals, but you know where it is this year? DALLAS. Do you know where I live…? (Ahem, yeah, DALLAS.) Last year it was Reno, Nevada. The year before it was New York City. What’s there to do in DALLAS? Hah…</p>

<p>Anyways, what’s been up, y’all?</p>

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<p>((Where is everybody?))</p>

<p>I think that it likely is not something we can count on, alas. I do not expect to get in. </p>

<p>For me, finals are this week, which just means I don’t focus on extracurriculars for a few days. Which is fine. I’m not feeling like I have to cram, which is good. Just a gentle review for most things. </p>

<p>Business Professionals of America? I’ve never heard of that. Sounds interesting. ((Looks it up)) Hm. I have a friend who might be very interested in running this. Tell me (or us?) about it.</p>

<p>I was listening to a lot of Rachmaninoff this weekend–I do love Russian Romantic composers. Even though people at school find it funny that I loved Tchaikovsky even in 5th grade and have a recording of myself saying “It’s Tchaikovsky, Tchaikovsky’s so cool” from way back then. Hmph. They don’t know what they’re missing out on. Brilliant music. Just a shade less brilliant than Bach, I would say. </p>

<p>What is interesting is to note how fame and happiness correlate so little when it comes to musicians, though–the 19th-20th century major musicians held great prestige but they were afflicted with many aspects symptomatic of depression. Bach, Mozart, Hayden, and many of the Baroque/Classical composers were much more satisfied and had much more balance in their lives while gaining only posthumous fame. (with one major exception of Beethoven, who really set the Romantic emo streak in music).</p>

<p>Ach, but I ramble.</p>

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<p>Hey,
So as admissions decisions draw closer I kind of want to know, if it’s not too invasive, what kind of people are applying and I might end up with, outside the many brag sheets I’ve seen on here, because honestly, I think we’re all pretty excellent and godly in some way…I’m not trying to typecast anyone, just curious.
I’ll start.</p>

<p>Charles
Asian male
Socal
likes running, piano, watching House, car adventures with friends
level of enthusiasm for this program 1-5: 2
prospective major: business/law</p>

<p>feel free to add on anything else</p>

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<p>Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff…Those are some of my Russian favorites too! In addition to Rimsky-Korsakov, Prokofiev, and Reinhold Gliere (Russian Sailor’s Dance from “The Red Poppy” is addictive).
BPA is a national-level organization that hosts business-related competitions. It’s really any aspect of business you can imagine, from computing to design to management (management is my specialty, surprisingly since I can hardly manage myself).</p>

<p>Hah, I guess I’ll do this little mini-profile too then. I know we don’t want to admit it, but what ethnicity we are is of some interest, isn’t it, hm? Don’t worry, it’s human nature.</p>

<p>Vicki
Asian female
Texas
Likes spontaneity, graphic design, writing, and pranking…and violin when practice isn’t coerced.
Level of enthusiasm: 4 / 5
Prospective major: I’m planning on double majoring in Business Admin and Psychology, then go to law school.</p>

<p>Let me add a few categories.</p>

<p>Dislikes pretentious people, purple, pickles (likes alliteration…hah)
Favorite foods: Sushi, ice cream
Favorite types of music: Alternative rock (Anberlin / Death Cab for Cutie), Asian stuff (J-Rock, C-Pop…haha), classical (depends on the mood)
Weird habit: Folding a piece of paper into a corner and slowly smoothing out said-corner on my finger (it’s hard to explain, but it leaves “scars” on the paper)
If accepted, likelihood of going to RHP: 75%
If accepted, I hope my roommate will be: Social, but partying isn’t the only thing they do. Must wake me up when I randomly fall asleep (which is a lot of the time). Must stay up late.</p>

<p>Okay, can’t think of anything else, but let’s get to know each other while February approaches, shall we?</p>

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<p>Hi, I’m back!
The last thing I posted was a kind of unfair attack on California.
I really have no right to say whether or not it’s an intellectual place…I don’t really know, except all of you Californians seem brilliant and awesome. My skepticism of it is really misdirected. I just hate Hollywood-- it’s the antithesis of the indie, arty, pretentious film scene that I thrive on here in New York. And, being far from a sports fan, I can’t really see myself getting revved up at a Trojans game, but who knows?</p>

<p>Good luck to everyone! I hope we hear back soon.</p>

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<p>Haha waytago, read me like a book. It’s okay, I won’t judge just wondering as to whether, like most academic or competitive things I’ve been part of, it’ll be predominantly Asian. I don’t really mind either way. I live in a basically half-white, half-hispanic town and pretty much all my friends and relationships have been white so I guess I’d be considered a twinkie ha.</p>

<p>Anyways, Rachmaninoff is amazing, piano concerto 3? the sounds jesus must have made when he resurrected. Any Asian music you can recommend? My friend bought me some jay chou and wang lin hong when I was in China but I’m looking for more.</p>

<p>Anyone else?</p>

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<p>My youth symphony played the Russian Sailor’s Dance once. Thanks for reminding me to listen to it again! I love all of those composers you listed!</p>

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<p>It makes me happy–tremendously happy!–to know I’m not the only addict of superb music from among my peers! Because honestly, maybe three or four people at my school–and all of them band geeks–can understand what it is to listen to a great concerto or sonata and just be entranced. Fugues are amazing, too. I love being able to play them now at the level of piano I’m at. </p>

<p>White female
CA
Likes writing (fanfiction and my own fiction), running my own literary magazine, viola, piano, spending time with friends, camping, writing/listening to music, talk radio.
Level of enthusiasm: 5 / 5
Prospective major: Pretty decided on Philosophy and Public Policy (if I go to USC; it’s something that they have exclusive there), if not that then Poly Sci.
Dislikes: gross food, staplers that aren’t automatic, Windows Vista, Dr. Laura.<br>
Favorite foods: spaghetti, cucumbers, apples, soy milk.
Favorite types of music: classical, pretty much all the time. All periods, for those geeky enough to ask. (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, + Contemporary) though there are some random modern songs I’m not averse to. And older rock. (Beatles, etc.)
Weird habit: drawing stars idly, waking up early when I’m at a new place, being drawn immediately to the piano if there is one in the room.
If accepted, likelihood of going to RHP: 95%
If accepted, I hope my roommate will be: A late-nighter, intellectually-minded, not mind my inherent messiness, not play death metal all the time. </p>

<p>By the way, on the 27th I received a letter from USC. I thought it might be ‘it’, so I freaked out. But all it was was a financial aid package information thing. (sigh) It was dated the 22nd.</p>

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<p>I JUST REALIZED THAT THE THREAD NAME IS “RHS” INSTEAD OF “RHP”…
Wow, I’m a freakin’ idiot. >_<</p>

<p>lolcats4, my youth orchestra also played Russian Sailor’s Dance at a concert a while ago. I love it so much. Sometimes I play it pizzicato on my violin while holding it sideways, like a guitar. Actually, that’s one of my weird habits, playing Russian Sailor’s Dance on violin pizzicato.</p>

<p>Charles, I can recommend tons of Asian music for you. ;D <em>opens iTunes</em> I’m assuming you’ll want stuff guys listen to instead of extremely happy, sugary pop? For C-Pop, besides Wang Lee-Hom and Jay Chou, I highly-recommend JJ Lin. And also, Huang Yida. A few of his songs are featured in “Devil Beside You”, have you seen that? For Japanese music I like Utada Hikaru, Kokia, High and Mighty Color, Koda Kumi, Aqua Timez, and maybe UVERworld. I don’t listen to much K-Pop, but I kind of like Epik High and Se7en. Are you Chinese?</p>

<p>poirotsfriend: Wahhh, it’s almost February! I’m getting kind of tense waiting for the mail truck, even though I should stop thinking about it. Do you know if it’s true, that people invited to scholarship interviews get notified sooner?</p>

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<p>Oh, I neglected to provide a name in my profile above; just call me Alex, y’all. </p>

<p>I noticed the RHS thing a long time ago, but did not say anything for tact. I assumed you meant ‘Resident Honors Students’. :slight_smile: Anyhow. </p>

<p>I have no idea if people invited to scholarship interviews get notified sooner. I suppose that since I live in SoCal I’ll get my notification before y’all, with the possible exception of Charles. </p>

<p>And now I must address something of tantamount importance: Viki, what in the world makes you dislike pickles?! Sure, the kind you get in a McBurger are gross, but do you honestly mean that . . . say . . . Kosher Dills (the kind that comes with sandwiches) aren’t worth a bite? My dad has always been on a quest to find ‘the perfect pickle’, so I have a very good idea of what the best ones look and taste like. For instance, Vlasic usually equals Nasty-ic, the ones from the giant plastic jar made by Chef’s Review or whatever are equal to Chef’s Spew, and let’s not even get on the subject of Butter Pickles. However, despite all of these disgusting kinds of pickles, there are delicious ones to redeem them. Bubbie’s tops all. Usually any of the ones that are kept in a fridge at the market are fine. And pickles have less calories than any other salty snack. (It’s like five calories for one as big as your fist.) Of course it is packed with salt, but that’s what generally gives it flavor.</p>

<p>Anyhow, I have SAT prep to go do.</p>

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<p>Thanks, Vicki, I’ll be sure to check them out. Yes, I’m Chinese, but most Chinese people think I look half white. I speak fluently though and I’ve been back several times, which more than a lot of kids can say now. </p>

<p>Btw, I got that financial aid letter too. I hate false hope :(.</p>

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<p>Bubbies FTW poirotsfriend! They are by far the best pickles out there.</p>

<p>I can’t wait to get that letter. I need to finish my FAFSA and CSS things this weekend though. Did everybody else get those done already?</p>