<p>Hi,</p>
<p>So I tried contacting my regional counselor twice via email and once through the phone, all to no avail. I just had some questions for her, and I wanted to introduce myself and take the initiative to show my interest in USC. A couple weeks ago, I was wondering if this was some sort of taboo, since I haven't heard back from her (it's been about 8 months since my first email), and I became a little confused about the whole purpose of the USC counselor thing...so I called the admissions office. The man on the phone was a little brusque, but it was near closing time, so I could probably understand. He asked me why I was trying to contact my college counselor, and I said I had emailed her some questions I had, and when he inquired what about, I stammered (the email was sent in November...and I didn't have it in front of me,) the first thing that came to mind, which was financial aid. He then, very quickly said "Oh, then I'll transfer you to financial aid." And then he transferred me. The whole experience was pretty flustering and I felt a little stupid afterwards...I'm also more confused than ever. Am I not supposed to contact my college counselor? I was under the impression that they have a lot of say in whether you get in USC, or not, and I based on the website, I thought it was supposed to be normal to try to contact them during your junior year. I figured maybe she was just really busy, but there has to be SOME time she isn't, and I'd really like to make contact with her...I REALLY want to go to USC, and I'd like anybody with a say in my admission to know that. /:</p>
<p>Advice? ):</p>
<p>First off, where are you from? Perhaps someone on CC has some experience with your specific counselor. </p>
<p>Second, mine encouraged us to contact her, so I definitely think they want to hear from you/be as helpful as possible! But I’m thinking that you were a victim of bad timing: November is hot-and-heavy apps time, and it’s likely that your counselor was busy with questions from seniors (and, throughout December and January-maybe even February-reading applications). </p>
<p>Before you send her another email, just tell us where you’ll from and maybe you’ll find someone from your area. </p>
<p>Also, it’s very likely that the answers to your questions are available here on CC. :)</p>
<p>i think you are on the right track, but your timing was not the best. Are you a rising senior? If so, September and October of this next school year is the right time to get on your counselor’s radar. They truly put their all into getting to know the current year’s batch of applicants- I don’t think they have the time to work much with juniors. Get on the school’s mailing list, look for receptions in your area and attend one, see if the counselor will be visiting your high school or another in your school district. Also, if interviews are being held in your region- usually in late October, book one. Are you able to visit USC? Send thank you notes after you meet your counselor or any department rep.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your excellent advice. (:</p>
<p>Yeah, I was* confused about the timing too. I didn’t want to keep calling her if she was really busy, which is why I called the admissions office, and asked what time would be a better time to contact her…but they didn’t answer my question. /:</p>
<p>@victoria - I’m from the midwest. There’s only one lady assigned to a whole mess of states, so I assume she’d have to deal with many Many students just like me. XD</p>
<p>@minnymom - september and october? that’s great. i was just worried i wasn’t getting in on the game early enough…i’d love to visit USC, but i don’t know if there’s enough $$$ in the family budget for a trip to LA all the way from the Midwest. ): but, great advice on the thank you notes thing. Have you or someone you know done that before? O__O</p>
<p>September through November are busy travel months for the counselors. They are on the road constantly visiting high schools in their areas. I’d suggest an email later this month or early August.</p>
<p>I think contacting the counselor is entirely appropriate as long as you’re asking questions that aren’t answered clearly by the web site. They are busy promoting the school and then doing first pass assessments of applications. Having to answer easily researched questions can be frustrating and time-consuming. That said, there really is no excuse not to have received some sort of reply - even if it was only to say come back in July. After all, it’s their job to interact with potential candidates.</p>