I’m applying to the BA program at Roski. Two recommendation letters (1 academic, 1 professional) can be submitted through the Common App USC Supplement (these are supposedly “optional”). However, this page says I need to submit two letters of recommendation from Art professors specifically through Slideroom.
Would this be in addition to the Supplement, so 4 letters total? Also, what if I’ve only had ONE college art instructor (she teaches multiple courses/disciplines)? Would that mean the Common App Academic Recommendation has to be for a different subject? I’ve had multiple instructors offer to write me recs, though I’m not sure which ones will be able to get letters to me before the deadline.
@CADREAMIN I tried this yesterday. No one answers the phone, and there doesn’t seem to be a message box. I wonder if there’s any other number I can try.
I now have the professional and academic reference, but I’m unable to get a 2nd reference for Roski because I’ve only had one instructor. Should I just apply to a different major altogether?
I read the requirements and it is clear you, as a transfer need 2 recommendations not 4. @wwward don’t you see this the same way? I have not heard of them requiring 4 recommendations for anything.
The professional rec you refer to, is that an art based reference? It seems they just want two art references so you may be all good.
Applying to a different major is pretty dramatic move, is art your thing?
As recommendations can overlap, it actually sounds like you need at least 3… but that it could be 4. SCA did ask for 3, even that the CA asked for two. But they also made it clear that they could overlap… i.e. meaning 3 in total would suffice.
@CADREAMIN I’ve had a very hard time deciding on a major, and I’m honestly pretty flexible about it. I don’t have one specific subject that’s a must to major in, though USC is one of the few schools that combines art and design into one program which is ideal to me. I’m also very interested in film, which is available as a minor
@WWWard It’s true that the letters can overlap, but Roski specifically says in their Slideroom application for the department that they want TWO art faculty references, which I don’t have. I have one.
My academic reference for the Common App is an English prof that I participated on a short research project with, and my professional reference is from Student Government. I haven’t had a supervisor in an art-related job.
Do you have a good relationship with art rec # 1 person? Could you ask them if they can help you figure out a way to get a second recommendation by telling them the pickle you are in? Perhaps another department/faculty person or dept head could step up and write one with their guidance? Just throwing out ideas here…seeing if any stick.
@CADREAMIN Yes, we do have a good relationship, and I’ve taken multiple classes with her. I thought of your idea too, esp. since I will be taking a class with a different prof. in the Spring. She is also the department chair. However she is on vacation right now which complicates things…
Perhaps you could ask her if she could add the comment that you have had her for multiple classes and as department head she is hoping this can serve as the two references you need. Also…you really need to get ahold of your advisor. If not responsive email you could email all of the advisors in Roski in one email. Do you have a name off the website? Lastly, how long have u been out of hs? What year are you applying to?
@CADREAMIN Except the application won’t allow you to submit until you’ve requested and returned two letters. No, I don’t know any names of advisors. Is it normal to be contacting a personal advisor when I haven’t even submitted my application yet? I haven’t spoken to anyone from any school that I’ve applied to.
I graduated HS in 2015. Age dictated I was c/o 2017, but I finished early. Enrolled in CC Fall 2017, completing sophomore year and transferring as a junior this Fall.
Oh ok, didn’t realize that. But YES! Advisors are there for you before you are admitted! Not only is it ok to do, it is a great idea to start a conversation with them when you have good valid concern or issue like you do. They are people that can help you and your application move forward. I thought you had already reached out to her/him and they were being unresponsive, in which case you contact everyone you can to get an answer. Battle through this till you know what you can do to put you in the best light.
Enter your school name here - most cc’s are in there.
@CADREAMIN Ok, thanks for the link! It says my advisor’s name is Camille Bradshaw. I looked her up but couldn’t find a phone number or email. I’ll try my luck calling tomorrow or Monday.
@CADREAMIN Thank you!! Could you please attach a link where you found this in case I might need other advisor numbers.
At this point I realize I’m so close to the deadline, and even the instructor I know well hasn’t completed the recommendation yet, that I may only be able to submit the common app, which means I’ll have to apply to a non-portfolio major…
I actually just googled her from the name you provided and it was on a non-USC site and her USC contact info was provided for work she does there.
Ya, if you can’t meet the requirements, the best play may be to go for something else because people you are competing against will have met the requirements, and that would ding you.
@CADREAMIN Tried this phone number and left a message. Haven’t received a call back.
Out of curiosity, I sent a “recommendation request” to myself to check out what is asked. The deadline is listed as February 16 in this email. Does Roski by chance have a later deadline than the 2/1 Common App Deadline?
The hard deadline is for your application. The recommendations always have leeway. Sounds like this is the case. If you can get your recommendations in by 16th that is great.
It sounds like that is all you can do since you don’t have the others yet. I wish you could ask someone at Roski to be sure. But from what you read those recs can come in later…frankly I’m not sure if that 16th date applies to all recs because I am not seeing the whole picture like you are. Did you try calling the office at Roski or can you tomorrow and ask if that 16th date applies to both sets of recs? Sorry I can’t be more definitive. An answer from them would be best.
