A Day in the Life: Visiting High Schools

Hello world! As a member that is new of web log group, I am so excited to share many of my day-to-day experiences as an Assistant Director of Admission at USC. once I keep in touch with my friends and family about my job, they often times ask questions like ‘what do you do on a regular basis?’ or ‘do you have actually to work in the summer?’ I’m hoping that through my monthly improvements to this blog, you are going to get an improved concept of what we do each day as admission counselors.
So let’s start with the current. This i woke up at the Courtyard Marriott in Vienna, VA morning. My first visit began at 7:45 am. That might sound early to some, reasonable to others, but we can inform you, this at 7:45 am, I became exhausted (7:45 am in VA feels like 3:45 am in CA…oy. early morning) You see, my flight from Los Angeles was expected to get to Reagan National Airport at 3:43 pm yesterday (to be precise.) But instead, due to a wet cockpit seat (I kid you maybe not,) my trip was delayed three hours. Luckily, my very first school check out this morning always has coffee waiting I was especially appreciative today (Thanks Sheila! for me, and) 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 just stuttered a few times.
I’d some time to kill before my visit that is second and found a Peet’s Coffee on my way. We stopped for some break fast and a coffee refill. In a perfect world i arrive about 10 moments prior to a visit, but frequently i am about 15 to 20 minutes early. Fortunately, my car’s air conditioning kept me cool while I consumed my bagel and drank my latte. I was also able to chat with some counselors which is always a highlight of my day today. College counselors are often saturated in details about students, their schools, and usually life in general. It also reminds me personally of my high school times download royal vegas casino where I spent a complete lot of time on my counselor’s couch.
Just How coffee that is many is it possible to find in this photo?
My 3rd see today had been to a school I’ve never visited prior to. There were about eight students present plus one was even putting on a USC t-shirt. This pupil, let’s call him Brandon, explained about his recent visit to campus so we’d a moment to gush over how USC that is pretty is. I like sharing common USC experiences with students, particularly whenever i am away from home.
Finally, between my third and fourth check out this morning, I happened to be able to grab a 6′ veggie pleasure as I drove to the following school that is high. Upon checking in, my picture from last year’s visit appeared in their computer, an excellent reminder of the relationships I continue to construct at each college.
After my fifth and final see today, I returned to my resort, debriefed my time by means of records and headed to the closest Starbucks to catch up on some work. My first instinct is always to test my email. Oh look! I acquired a message from Brandon thanking me personally for my check out and asking a question about something I talked about. Love when that happens!
I am hoping to satisfy many of you as We carry on my travels! If there’s other things you intend to know about our experiences visiting your high school, please feel liberated to leave questions in the comment section and I will do my far better return to you soon!
Fight On!
Mythbuster: we need certainly to show the admission counselors that USC is my top choice
The Myth: Attending university fairs, visits and tours will increase my chances of admission.
The Verdict: Not at USC.
Every late August/early September, there are 5 or so emails in my inbox each morning using the topic ‘Introduction to USC.’ These emails usually have a similar general format. ‘Hello Jessica- just wanted to tell 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 considered a learning pupil in the Marshall School of Business.’ Ok great, but what am I supposed to state? Good luck with your baseball season? Every winter, I get similar emails with the subject ‘Update.’ Students tell me how their first semester went, they got the role that is lead the springtime musical, and that USC is still their first option. Awesome, but chances are I currently saw your senior year grades (or will soon).
At USC, we usually do not monitor a student’s interest outside of the application that is actual admission decision purposes. Attending our programs is a wonderful method to learn more about USC, but likely to an event or sending emails like those we described will not increase your chances of admission to your college.
As admission counselors, it’s true that people are your main contact while you feel the admission process at USC so we are happy to work with you with any help you might need. However, students only benefit from trying to us they can’t find the answer online if they have specific questions- especially questions to which. I do believe pupils often confuse this role and make the assumption us and initiate a conversation in order to have a shot at admission that they HAVE to email.
So how will you show us you’re enthusiastic about USC? Instead of investing your time emailing us with updates, it is in your best interest to make use of that time to the office on your response to the application question ‘Describe your academic interest and exactly how you plan to pursue them at USC.’ You should talk about specific resources and possibilities you want to take advantage of at USC. Rather than emailing us your list of activities, fill out the Activity Summary thoroughly. A thoughtful and carefully assembled application stands out much more than an introduction e-mail or an invitation to coffee.
Bear in mind that some educational schools may monitor demonstrated interest. Some colleges may expect all pupils to reach away to them, while other people may expect students in the neighborhood to see campus. The thought 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 end of the day, we do desire to see that you are enthusiastic about USC and you are seriously considering being a student here. The way that is best for you to articulate this interest is through your application.