Some advice on applying to USC
If I were a prospective student applying to USC, there would be numerous thoughts and questions swirling around my mind. Perhaps the most pressing question I’d seek answers for is how to approach my USC application and how to make it “stand out.” After having applied to USC alongside other institutions, I have found that the key to success is being yourself - even when that might seem risky. I’ve heard this advice numerous times at colleges by admissions staff, but never really bought into it. When it came time to put pen-to-paper, I realized that simple questions like “what’s your favorite movie” did not have ulterior motives and that I would be presented with a unique opportunity to differentiate myself from the rest. For example, when presented with the same “what’s your favorite movie” question from USC, I struggled not because I didn’t have a favorite movie in mind, but because of apprehension that I might be viewed one way or another based on my movie choice. Yes, it might seem a bit paranoid, but after all, in my mind, any one answer may sway an admission officer's decision one way or another. After some thought and counsel, I went for it - I wrote down my favorite movie, Airplane, knowing that I would probably be of a very small minority who would most likely reference such a film. To me, it was an embodiment of my sarcastic, dry-humor side that I saw full-blown in Airplane. I was aware that there might be some questionable humor, but in the end, I knew that it was a timeless classic and one that I could relate with. While this example might seem basic and non-consequential, it gets to the heart of a unique application - one that is not like the rest. I encourage all potential applicants, wherever you may apply, to ensure that there is a sense of authenticity in your written work, because in doing so, you will most likely be remembered amongst a large applicant pool, and specifically, remembered as a unique and authentic individual.












