Mythbusters: From the Source!

We understand that there’s a lot of information… err… rumors going swimming in the school yard, on Twitter, and on those college message board web sites, and our company is here that will help you obtain the factual information you are seeking. On this page, we hope to debunk a number of those myths that are common USC’s application procedure, and assist you to gain a better insight into how our process actually works.

Myth #1: It is simpler to get in if you apply to a certain major.

We’ve said it prior to and we’ll say it again: connect with what is truly your first choice major, and don’t try to ‘game’ the system. We will always start thinking about students because of their choice that is first major their 2nd choice major, and ultimately as undecided before they are released from the process.

While it is true that deciding on specific majors means we will pay better attention to certain things, i.e. your math and science preparation if you should be using to one of our engineering majors, we will always consider students equally for both their first and second choice majors.

You will find instances when pupils are admitted to their second choice or as undecided. We do have a transfer that is internal if you should be admitted to USC and desire to change to another major later.

Myth number 2: Visiting campus, composing letters, and achieving an admission interview will help my odds of admission.

False. We do perhaps not track what’s referred to within the admission world as ‘demonstrated interest,’ so don’t worry if you are applying from half way around the world and can’t create a visit to campus. We merely don’t have the capacity to interview all interested students, and thus the majority of students who apply will not need the chance to interview. Don’t worry. We encourage you to use the ‘Additional Information’ part of the Common Application to talk about what you could have talked about within an interview.

Myth #3: If i obtained a bad grade in a class, I shouldn’t bring it up in my application.

Wrong! The first place admission counselors go when they notice a downward trend in grades or a person lower grade could be the ‘Additional Information’ portion of the most popular Application. That is your possibility to explain the context surrounding any lower grade you may have received.

Myth number 4: The greater letters of recommendation I have actually, the better my chances of admission.

Wrong. For many majors, we only require one page of recommendation from an academic supply, meaning that individuals actually, truly only need to see one letter. Whenever we thought this will not suffice, we would require one or more. However, we do understand that sometimes, applicants prefer to submit a additional page from a non-academic supply, i.e. coach, community service organizer, etc., and this is perfectly acceptable. It’s really concerning the quality of the page over the number of letters you submit.

Myth #5: Send your Admission Counselor a gift—it will assist your chances!

Hmm, we wish. But unfortunately, this is shmoop.pro a myth. Us a (non-edible) gift, we will have to send it back if you send. Bribery won’t work in this instance.

Myth no. 6: we shouldn’t bother applying if no one in my family visited USC.

Whilst it does work that the Trojan Family is an incredibly important aspect at USC, we evaluate all applicants by themselves merits. We are made up of about 20% legacy pupils, and although we certain love to just accept legacy students, the fact your parent, grandparent, or sibling went to USC is certainly one of many facets we consider when reviewing students’s application.

So there you have it. Six common myths we have finally (hopefully) shed some light on. Please remember to always contact USC directly for those who have any relevant questions about the application process. Good luck!