
That is approximately the number of college fairs we attended a year ago. 350 college fairs equate to hundreds of brochures and inquiry cards handed down to several thousand prospective students with countless questions. Every so often, someone will come by and surprise us with a question that is unique. But for the part that is most, most questions will be general. Don’t worry; we don’t expect you to stress concerning the next question that will prompt you to stand out from the crowd. We don’t mind hearing the exact same concerns, so long as the questions are relevant to you. The purpose of this website is to help you to just take less of a passive role during these college fairs. Be proactive and have a plan. a foolproof game plan.
The Pregame Warm-Up
The way that is best to show initiative is through doing your research ahead of the college fair. (NOTE: it is you’re preparing for; whether it’s a first date, job interview, or buying a dog, you will always get better results if you replace ‘college fair’ with whatever. It is simply commonly good practice.) Doing this research might prevent you from asking a question like, ‘Do you have a psychology program?’ A better informed question might be, ‘I see that you have a psychology program and that tons https://shmoop.pro/ of research is happening in that department while that is a valid question. Can you please speak with me personally about how to get in touch with faculty who is taking part in research?’ That question not only shows initiative, it also sets you aside. Boom! Instant connection made.
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
In terms of a college fair, a good offense could suggest various things. It could mean finding out which universities will be there ahead of some time creating a high ten list of which tables you must go to. It could also mean showing up early so you take full advantage of your own time. A college fair is a great opportunity to get one-on-one face time with counselors who’ll be reading your applications and advocating in your stead. You might get yourself a tiny bit more hours with us in the event that you arrive promptly. Finally, a great move that is offensive bringing pre-printed labels along with your contact information, high school, graduation year, etc. By doing so, you do not spend time filling out information cards and possess more time for asking questions. Bam! More connections made.
Rookie Go
For many of you, these college fairs is going to be your first rung on the ladder at the university search process. If that may be the case, you will probably spend most of energy taking brochures and filling in inquiry cards. That is wholly fine and is just as productive. You ought to understand that many schools permit you to get hold of their admission counselors directly. USC is one of these schools. It is a good idea to ask the individual behind the dining table for the business card just in case you wish to contact us later on whenever you have specific concerns. Have a pamphlet home, do research and then email/phone us with more questions that are informed.
Last Pep Talk
Stay straight. Be confident. Maintain attention contact. Smile. Give a firm handshake. Dress well. Remain hydrated (you’ll be walking and talking lot). Be your advocate that is ownn’t make your moms and dads do the talking for you. Be friendly and professional. Finally, take advantage of time there. It is not just a time to get up with friends or just take freebies. Be active and have now a purpose. We are there to help you, but eventually it is up to you how beneficial you would like that right time to be.
Requesting Letters of tips: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Asking a teacher to compose that you letter of recommendation can be a daunting task. For just one thing, most of the time, you will never actually see whatever they write about you, generally there is of trust that goes into the process. And two, they could say no, which will make you wonder if they just didn’t have enough nice things to say about you to fill up an entire page if they were actually too busy, or!
Here, we shall lay out some tips for seeking a letter of recommendation:
The Good:
•Ask a teacher whom you have formed an association with to write that you suggestion, whoever program by which you have worked exceptionally hard, and/or whose subject you are passionate about. This doesn’t necessarily need certainly to be the teacher of the course by which you received the highest grade. Sometimes, the best recommendations are the people which are able to truly convey the work that is hard dedication a student has placed into a class.
•Provide a resume to your recommender, transcript, and anything else that will be helpful for them to personalize your suggestion.
•Have variety in your recommenders. While we only require one letter of recommendation from an academic source for most majors at USC, if you do choose to submit significantly more than one, you ought to ask some one that can highlight a different facet of your personality.
The Bad:
•Forgetting the many thanks note! You recommenders spend lot of time on these letters. Don’t forget to show them that you appreciate their efforts.
•Asking your recommender a few days prior to the due date for a letter. Remember that numerous teachers (and counselors especially) has to publish numerous letters throughout the Fall months, and that leaving your request until the minute that is last not make them very happy.
The Ugly:
•Submitting ten letters of recommendation! Or even five, for that matter. Again, we just require one letter of recommendation, so be careful of how many extra letters you send. Honestly, multiple letters rarely offer any fresh information.
So remember, give your recommenders plenty of advanced warning, ask someone whose class you’ve worked difficult in, be thoughtful within the amount of additional letters you submit, also remember to show your appreciation!