prompt:Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which you are interested in learning.
For this one I state how i am an animal enthusiast and would used to binge watch animal planet. After saving puppies stranded under the patio, I though i’ve found my destiny as a little girl. For the conclusion I said that i’ve never quite let go of the dreams of becoming a veterinarian or at least to know more about animals
prompt:Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.
i plan to major art practice with pre-professional emphasis on teaching, and minor music with piano and join school orchestra with cello.
i gave some background about how my life has been revolving around art and music, and that my artworks are inspired by the texture and mood of the music I practice everyday. and how after teaching my little sister and cousin, i became interested in promoting passion through teaching
for my conclusion I said i'm drawn to usc flexibility in ba art that allows me to study multiple art forms which allows me to search for my artistic style and career path that best fits me. and also the pre-professional emphasis will allow me to sharpen my teaching skill while being able to focus on art at the same time. And lastly i mentioned a bit about participating in thornton school of music.
is this good? for the academic interest essay, should i take out my background? and for first essay, is the saving puppies idea “childish”?
I’m a bit frustrated because my brain is fried right now and these essays are written with the ideas that first came into my mind
should i also include how i plan to join the figure skating club? (i’m running out of space bc of my background that’s why i asked if i should take it out. or is the club thing a bit less concentrated for the essay)
These days, even those applying to USC with stellar stats (grades and/or test scores) cannot solely rely on such to gain admission. Far too many apply, resulting in 90% of all legacy applicants getting rejected and in 3000+ applicants with 4.0 GPAs and 99th percentile test scores getting rejected as well. Instead, getting in requires much more… a level of intimacy and demonstrated passion or purpose.
All applicants really need to place emphasis on their “Why USC?” answer… demonstrating that you have done your homework and researched both USC and the School you are applying to for your chosen major. Successful applicants usually provide sound reasoning as to why USC is the right fit for them and also what USC may be gaining by admitting you.
In your case, your essay(s) need to be more forward looking than backward looking. Other elements of your total application packet… ECs, leadership roles, unique background or experience, special qualifiers (ethnicity, geography, demographics, etc.) and writing ability / unique perspective or point of view offered via essay(s) will be what may set you apart and lead to an admission decision. And if USC is truly your dream school, tell them… but back it up with the why answer too.
While saving puppies, for example, is admirable, it is not USC-centric by any means. It does not even require a college degree. They are not looking for a laundry list of clubs or activities. They would rather realize that you have one primary passion (thoroughly explained) and how that may translate to you as a prospective future member of the USC community. If they admit you, what are you bringing to USC and what does USC gain by doing so. Remember… you are trying to stand out in a field of 60K+ applicants… being among the 12-13% gaining admission. So my advice is to demonstrate a passion that can be strongly tied to USC. Even better… describe a personal path or journey that may be strengthened by studying at USC or could only be achieved at a place like USC.