<p>So I'm applying to the university with some decent stats (1290 sat, 3.95 UWGPA), and I would like to know how influential and important the personal statement is the admissions decision. </p>
<p>The common data set says that essay is considered but doesn’t list it as’ important’ or very important. When my Ds applied it was optional. I would guess it’s most important if there’s something about you that makes you unique or shows a special circumstance that doesn’t come across on transcript or application. </p>
<p>However if you are applying to honors the essays are extensive and very important.</p>
<p>@scmom12 - for students applying to Honors, do you know how many essays in total? USC is on D’s list and she is saying there’s only one essay. I keep reading CC there are multiple essays… Can you help please? </p>
<p>Not sure how many, but certainly more than one. Is she just looking at the regular USC application? You fill that in and if your scores and stats are high enough you are asked if you want to complete honors application. There may be a way to get directly to honors supplement but it’s been a while since D did it.</p>
<p>Looking at honors college admissions page on admissions website, there are 4 prompts. <a href=“Apply Now - Office of Undergraduate Admissions | University of South Carolina”>Apply Now - Office of Undergraduate Admissions | University of South Carolina;
<p>BTW, OP, look at how to apply tutorial. Says personal essay is required.</p>
<p>@scmom12 - Thank you. D was able to see all required essays and now USC is off the table. She has the stats (36 ACT, NMSF, National AP Scholar…etc.) but do’t have time to do all the essays plus Honors. Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>OP - Sorry I hijacked your post. Good luck. </p>
<p>@ThatsEnough – I would highly suggest her going through the process if she finds the time. Those essays are the main thing that SCHC admissions looks at when inviting students to become McNair scholars. The award has a $108,000 4 year value as well as numerous benefits outside of the money. Best decision I have ever made - the McNair program & its opportunities have given me more than I can express. </p>
<p>@CockNotTrojan (clever!) - Thank you for your thoughtful response. I will talk to her again but I think her mind is pretty made up at this point. She hasn’t said it but I think her real concern isn’t about the essays (but using it as a way out). I know she is a bit uncomfortable about the possibility of attending a school with somewhat homogenous student body or, at least, compare to where we are in Washington DC area - we are Asians by BTW. I checked out the current McNair winners from the USC website and that didn’t help. So, I think she is concerned about how she will fit in which, as a parent, is a real concern. </p>
<p>How many essays are there for the USC Honors/Top Scholar app? Are they actual 500 word/2200 character type essays, or more like short personal responses to questions type essays?</p>
<p>Thatsenough - Obviously there’s no way to know if D would be picked to compete for McNair, but she would be part of entire honors college just not scholar group. I know it’s hard to get students to spend time on quality essays if not passionate about school, but if she could be convinced then you could visit at some future time and sit in on some honors classes and meet the larger group of students. If she did get invited to weekend, it might really change her mind - amazing opportunities. D’s best friends are from the competition weekend. It changed her mind about going to USC.</p>
<p>NCrent - look at post #3 for link about essays.</p>
<p>Awesome, thanks!</p>
<p>Thatsenough - it looks like the totality of USC’s essay requirements include one General Application essay (250 words), 6 short answer essay prompts (guessing 250 or less?), and the Honors full-length essay (guessing 500 words?).</p>
<p>@scmom12 - D still has a few more weeks so hopefully she will reconsider but no matter what she decides to do, thank you for your kinds words. </p>
<p>@NCrent - Yes, that sounds about right – total of 7-8 essays. </p>
<p>Actually the “big” essay last year for the SCHC was a minimum of 600 words up to 1000 words. I just looked at my daughter’s (they’re all saved on our computer) and it is 987 words. She would tell you it’s worth it though. She’s in the honors dorm and LOVES it. You can’t beat the scholarship and the benefits and programs either. She turned down several higher ranked schools and no regrets. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Have you been down to USC? I say this sincerely, but I honestly wouldn’t call our student body ‘homogenous’. USC has a really high out-of-state population, which provides for a very diverse student population, and although South Carolina is a solidly conservative state, the Daily Gamecock (our student newspaper) leans left and supported Obama for the last election. You honestly get people from all over the political spectrum. As for race, I have had classes where I (as a white student) was actually in the minority.</p>
<p>When you say you’re Asian, I’m not sure specifically what you’re referring to, but we also have a very active International Student Association on campus and many other cultural associations on campus that are very welcoming. I’m pretty sure there was some sort of Chinese Club on Greene St by our student union today. (I assume it was Chinese because I saw people dressed as pandas and other stereotypical Chinese themes, but I could be entirely wrong.)</p>
<p>I’d say, either check out the campus and then apply or apply and then check out the campus if the financial aid offer is good. That is, if you have not already visited.</p>