appeals

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>to those of you who really want to go to usc and are questioning whether or not to appeal; try. yes, my youngest got in and we are thrilled. my oldest daughter graduates from sc in may...originally rejected, appealed,,and she got in. another friend from high school appealed...got in. no, it isn't a given that you will get in but if you write yet another excellent essay...with new or overlooked information, or information that needs highlighting...you give the adcoms something new to work with. and if you are waitlisted at another school, also a dream school WRITE TO THEM. tell them not to forget about you...you want them. who knows...you may have two more choices.</p>

<p>good luck</p>

<p>with love...from a family who has been there</p>

2

<p>thanks for the encouragement ellebud. it truly means a lot to me. but i was just wondering generally what your daughter/high school friend mentioned in their appeal. i'm uncertain of exactly what USC means by "new and compelling" information. thanks for all of your help and support!</p>

3

<p>my daughter restated her academic record and the factors that led to less than stellar SATs. although she didn't play her sport for sc, but could have, her coach sent in information. and we sent in a video of her playing piano which was really good. her friend, who went to a different RITZY private school reminded them how difficult her school is...and how,,ahem...SUPPORTIVE...her family was to her prep school.</p>

4

<p>thank-you very much. i appreciate your help. i really really really want to be a trojan next year and i hope my appeal will work. :)</p>

5

<p>i hope that you get in...good luck</p>

6

<p>thanks for the support! do you think your daughter's piano playing made a difference?</p>

7

<p>When you write your appeal letter, briefly state why you think you should be accepted.<br>
Then for any "new" information you can try to get a letter(s) of recommendation from a teacher, your counselor, a coach, an
employer, someone from your church, from a youth director, or anyone who could offer information about you...your character, your qualities, or particular talents, that was not offered in the previous recommendation that was submitted.</p>

<p>Look carefully through your application, was anything missing, any activities or particulars that could offer something different about you.</p>

<p>Have you won an award since you submitted your application, not necessarily academic, but in other areas as well?</p>

<p>Did you omit important information from your application to do with your
personal circumstances and its impact on your academic record. Do you have personal hardship? Were there opportunities you missed due to unforseen events or things out of your control?</p>

<p>Any talents you have, such as ellebud's D's piano? In art, or a musical instrument, or anything unusual, particular interests that you might have that make you unique? If you draw, send samples, if you like photography, or any activities you could "show".</p>

<p>If you are willing to be a spring admit, mention it.</p>

<p>Give it a try, there's nothing to lose. Something you are not aware of could make a difference. And best of luck!</p>

8

<p>to add..yes i think that the piano tape helped. i actually heard that it was played a number of times in the admissions office and then sent to the music professors for evaluation, sequoia is spot on with his/her info. when my daughter sent in her mid year grades she also sent in a brief note telling them a few additional facts and thanked them again for their time and interest.</p>

9

<p>Another thought...some universities request a graded essay or paper in their application requirements. If you are particularly good in a subject, or are planning to major in that field, you could also include an essay or report you did in your high school that you are proud of.</p>

<p>Also, if you appeal, send everything in one envelope, together. Don't fax or email anything separately.</p>

10

<p>to clarify..my oldest daughter sent in the piano tape and was then accepted. my youngest was accepted straight out. oh..and as for stats..my oldest, who was originally rejected; 3.9 uw gpa plus huge academic and atheletic awards...my youngest..3.3 with atheletics and is a member of SAG. its a crap shoot.</p>

11

<p>wow so the tape is heard by the admissions i see. thats pretty nerve wracking! i thought it was just sent straight to the music school to be heard. thank you for the information ellebud!</p>

12

<p>my daughter wasn't applying as a music major. this was just something that she did for fun. my guess is that her adcom wanted to know if she was any good.</p>

13

<p>im sorry to keep asking, but what was the cd consisted of? how many peices?</p>

14

<p>On the subject of appeals, is it at all possible to appeal for more merit aid? If so, how would I go about doing that? Btw, USC is my #1 choice.</p>

15

<p>her tape was about twenty minutes long. i know...i held the camera motionless for the whole thing. there was a john williams piece, pacbel canon in d, and a chopin piece. there is no harm in asking, nicely, for more aid. have facts, figures and any new information with your request. it never hurts to ask.</p>