Hi there! I’m applying to USC for fall 2015 and I was wondering if you guys have some good tips for USC’s short essay topic: “Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 words)”. I’m a bit puzzled on how to write this essay as I have selected “undecided/undeclared” as my major as I’m not 100% sure which major I want to study. Thus, for this specific question, should I explain why I selected undeclared? How should I approach this question? As I don’t want to come across as someone who has no ambitions whatsoever.
Don’t talk about why you are undeclared. Talk specifically about aspects of USC academics and what appeals to you. It’s basically a “why do you want to go here” question. As for addressing majors, just say that you are not entirely sure of which major you want to choose (many students don’t, and most change) and you want to explore the expansive options available at USC.
Very helpful words of advice. Thank you so much! xx @CaliCash
You should have some broad ambitions correct? Such as maybe Science or Math? or maybe you took a psychology or economics class and would possibly like to explore that field a little more?
Definitely talk about a field you may want to study, why it interests you and most importantly, why you want to do it at USC. This is what the USC counselor who visited our school back in October or November told us.
It is okay to touch on the fact that you are not completely sure (after all, they know that you are just 17 or 18), but just going on about how you are undecided can have a negative impact on the reader. You should surely show them that you have developed some academic interests.
Good Luck! PM me if you have questions.