usc personal statements

Personal Statements

Guidelines for tenure track, clinical scholar, and clinical series.

• Length of the Document : Overall, length will depend on the candidate’s experience and the position for which he or she is being considered. Generally these statements should be two-to-five single-spaced pages in length. Those that are less than two pages are often deemed as lacking substance or not demonstrating that the candidate comprehends the value or importance of an academic appointment at the KSOM.   A succinct document rather than a more conversational one, however, will be appreciated by the readers.
• Content: The writer should describe goals and plans for demonstrating excellence in scholarship, teaching (didactic, laboratory, and bedside), school and university service, and, if relevant, patient care or service. The document should also highlight features of a candidate’s professional training and experience that will facilitate his or her achieving the stated goals and plans. This should not simply repeat information available in the candidate’s curriculum vitae.
• Scholarship : To insure that the FAPTC (and/or UCAPT and Provost, for Tenure Track and Clinical Scholar) are able to interpret outside letters of recommendation and scientific achievements appropriately, the candidate should succinctly summarize a) an overview of their field for a general biology audience, b) the ongoing questions, challenges and/or controversies in the field, c) the overarching goal or theme of his or her scholarly work, including how different directions of the work may be related, d) the novel approaches that the candidate has developed or applied to the field, and c) how their research findings have impacted the field.
• Teaching and mentoring: It is expected that the goal for all faculty members is to provide excellence in teaching and mentoring for students, residents, and/or fellows, and, for more senior faculty, junior faculty colleagues. The candidate should summarize their accomplishments in these areas, and discuss their particular area of teaching/mentoring emphasis.  They should present specific examples of how they have advanced the trainee/mentee experience in their area of emphasis, and how they have developed as a teacher and mentor.  If the candidate is developing or improving educational programs (e.g., for medical students or residents, graduate students, special focus journal clubs, initiating new courses, implementing new teaching methods), these should be described.
• Service: The candidate should provide an explanation of how he or she will contribute to the service and direction of programs important to the Keck School of Medicine. This can include outside professional activities such as service to scientific and professional organizations, federal programs (NIH, NSF, CDC, DOD, DOE, etc.), and editorial responsibilities.
• Patient Care: A candidate with clinical responsibilities should provide an explanation of how he or she plans to provide the highest level of patient care and plans to develop or improve existing clinical programs at the KSOM.

Guidelines for Clinician Educator, Practitioner, and Research Track

• Clinician-Educator Series: Candidates for appointment or promotion to advanced rank on the Clinician-Educator Series should provide a personal statement that focuses on teaching/education/mentoring (Section VII. B. 4, above) and clinical care (Section VII.B. 6, above). Minor sections of the personal statement can provide brief information about university service activities, and any research the candidate wishes to provide, but it is not required that these be elaborate or lengthy. Any activities supporting research, however, such as mentoring a medical student in an RSP project, or enrolling patients in research studies such as clinical trials should be succinctly presented. Leadership activities should be discussed more thoroughly for promotion to the rank of Professor. The length of the document should be no longer than 2-3 single-spaced pages, and the document should not simply reiterate information that can be ascertained from the CV.
• Practitioner Series: Candidates for appointment or promotion to advanced rank on the Practitioner Series should provide a personal statement that focuses on their role in clinical care (Section VII.B. 6, above). Any activities supporting research, however, such as mentoring a medical student in an RSP project, or enrolling patients in clinical trials should be presented. Information about mentoring activities for trainees, colleagues, students, or the community should be presented in this statement as well. Sections of the personal statement can provide succinct information about university service activities, any research the candidate wishes to provide, but it is not required that these be elaborate or lengthy. Any activities supporting research, however, such as mentoring a medical student in an RSP project, or enrolling patients in research studies such as clinical trials should be succinctly presented. Leadership activities should be discussed more thoroughly for promotion to the rank of Professor. The length of the document should be no longer than 2-3 single-spaced pages, and the document should not simply reiterate information that can be ascertained from the CV.
• Research Series: Candidates for appointment or promotion at advanced rank on the research series should provide a personal statement that focuses on their research and scholarship as described in Section VII. B. 3 above. In addition, a candidate on this series should clearly state whether they would wish to be considered as an “Independent researcher” or a “Critical member of a research team” as described in detail in Section IV. A. Additional information about mentoring activities for research team members, and service should also be succinctly discussed. Leadership activities should be discussed more thoroughly for promotion to the rank of Professor. The length of the document should be no longer than 2-3 single-spaced pages, and the document should not simply reiterate information that can be ascertained from the CV.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PhD Applicants: In addition to this FAQ, please visit the PhD FAQ which has answers to questions that pertain only to doctoral programs.

01. Am I eligible to apply for your programs?

MS:  You are welcome to apply to USC. We will evaluate your credentials and admissibility after you have submitted an application. Here at USC, we do a comprehensive review of all applications. We do not use a formula or have minimum test score requirements for admission to USC. In general, successful applicants have demonstrated outstanding quantitative ability and proven success in previous academic endeavors, particularly in prerequisite coursework relevant to their intended major.

PhD:   In addition to the above, applicants must also have demonstrated research experience.

02. I do not have an undergraduate degree in engineering, math or a hard science. Can I be admitted to your program?

03. What impact does work experience have on the application?

MS & PhD:  With the exception of our MS in Systems Architecting & Engineering, work experience is not required for admission and is not an application criterion. Also, work experience cannot substitute for academic coursework. However, work experience information can be included as part of the résumé/CV.

04. I have applied before. In my new application, do I have to re-submit the materials that were part of my previous application?

05. Can I pursue my graduate engineering degree online from outside of the United States?

MS:  Please visit our DEN@Viterbi  International Guidelines  page for information.

PhD:   All doctoral programs are on-campus only.

06. Is conditional admission offered? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  Conditional admission for international students is possible through the  Pre-Master’s Program  offered through USC’s International Academy.

PhD:   Doctoral programs do not offer conditional admission.

MS: The GRE exam is not required for 2024 Master's applications.

PhD: The GRE requirement varies based on the department.

02. How do I submit transcripts to USC?

MS & PhD:   Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended).  It is no longer required to mail hard copy  transcripts  to USC if you are applying for a Viterbi School graduate program (master’s or Ph.D.).  Currently,  Viterbi is the only USC school that does not require mailed  transcripts . Student’s who receive admission will be asked to provide mailed transcripts. 

03. Can I apply to more than one program?

MS/PhD: You may apply for a maximum of three graduate programs across the entire university in a given admission cycle. Only one set of transcripts and test scores need to be submitted regardless of the number of programs selected.

The Viterbi School allows applicants to apply for two graduate engineering programs with a single application fee of $90. We provide this benefit primarily for students who are interested in applying for both a Master’s and a Doctoral Program, but it can be used for applying to any two Viterbi graduate programs.

To apply for an additional program, a unique SECOND PROGRAM APPLICATION FEE WAIVER code must be provided by the USC Graduate Admission office and must be entered into the online application.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications submitted for multiple Viterbi School programs without a valid waiver will be charged for each additional program and no refunds will be given. See   Application Fee Waiver Instructions   for instructions on receiving a waiver to apply for a second Viterbi School program.

04. I have attended multiple institutions during my undergraduate study. Do I need to send transcripts from all institutions?

MS & PhD:  You must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions you have previously attended, even if you did not receive a degree.

05. My previous studies were not conducted in English. Do you need academic records in the original language of instruction?

MS & PhD:  Yes. You need to provide both the original-language academic records and a full, word-for-word English-language translation issued by the academic institution you attended or a professional translation service.

06. How should my recommenders submit their letters?

MS & PhD:  Letters of Recommendation should be submitted through the online graduate application.

If your recommenders are having problems with the Letters of Recommendation system, please click on the CONTACT US link in the lower left corner of the application for assistance.

07. Should I wait for all of my recommenders to send their Letters of Recommendation before I submit my application?

08. Is there a length or format requirement for the Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose)?

MS & PhD:  There is no standardized format or length for the Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), but we can provide some general guidelines. It should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

09. What is the format requirement for my résumé/CV?

MS & PhD:  There is no standardized format for the résumé/CV.

10. How can I update my Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), CV/Résumé or add additional documents after I've submitted my application?

MS & PhD:  To update your Personal Statement or CV/résumé or to add other documents, follow the instructions below:

1) Log back into your application(s)

2) In the Program Materials quadrant, in the Documents tab you can add new/updated materials as an Other document.

3) Choose the file and click the Upload This Document button

Note: Once an application has been submitted, updated transcripts and Personal Statements can only be added as an Other document.

11. Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  International graduate applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL or IELTS scores. For details on the requirement and for information on waiving the English Language requirement, visit USC Graduate Admission’s  English Proficiency  page.

12. What are the required minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores for graduate programs? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Although required for admission, all complete applications receive a full review regardless of the TOEFL/IELTS scores submitted. Visit USC Graduate Admission’s  English Proficiency  page for detailed information about TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

13. How do I submit my TOEFL scores to USC? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  TOEFL scores must be submitted electronically from the ETS website to “U Southern Cal,” ETS code 4852. You do not need to provide a department code. However, if the ETS system requires one, just select the one that is the best fit. All TOEFL scores are automatically sent to our Graduate and International Admission Office, so it doesn’t matter what department you select.

Valid TOEFL scores must be dated within two years of the start of the intended application semester. The Fall semester starts in August, and the Spring semester starts in January.

MS & PhD:  Valid IELTS scores must be sent electronically to USC. USC does not accept valid IELTS score by postal mail. To submit your IELTS results to USC, please select the “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Do not enter the name, contact information or mailing address of the specific USC department to which you are applying on your IELTS registration.

You may also request that your IELTS results be sent to USC after you receive your scores by contacting the test center where you took the test and request that your results be sent to the University of Southern California electronically, not by postal mail. You can search for contact details for all IELTS test centers at   www.ielts.org/testcentres .

Valid IELTS scores must be dated within two years of the start of the intended application semester. The Fall semester starts in August, and the Spring semester starts in January.

MS: The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is September 1. Please see the Application Deadlines page for more details.

*Please note, on-campus prospective students who wish to be considered for scholarships must submit a Graduate Application for Admission and official transcripts by December 15 for the Fall semester and by September 1 for the Spring semester. Scholarships are not offered for the Summer semester.

Ph.D.:   Doctoral programs only have Fall admission with an application deadline of December 15.

MS:  Please refer to  Degree Program  pages for application criteria listed by specific program.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants need to submit  official transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose) and a résumé/CV.

Update: June 30, 2022

Due to challenges that applicants may face in taking the GRE exam, the GRE exam will not be required for all Spring and Fall 2024 applications to Viterbi School of Engineering graduate programs. 

We perform a holistic review of the entire application, including overall academic records and success in courses that emphasize quantitative, scientific, and engineering skills; personal statement; CV or resume; and any supplemental materials you provide in your application. 

03. I am having problems with the online application. Can you help me?

04. What happens if all or part of my graduate application arrives after the application deadline?

MS:  If you decide to submit your application or supplemental materials after the deadline, please note that it will be considered late. The university will do its best to review your application but will not be able to guarantee that your file will be reviewed for the term to which you have applied.

PhD:   If all or part of a doctoral application will be submitted after the deadline, we recommend contacting the appropriate   department PhD advisor   to find out whether the department accepts late applications.

05. How and when should I expect to receive the USC ID Number?

MS & PhD:  After you submit the online Graduate Admission application you will receive a USC ID number via email within 5-7 business days.

If, after 10 business days you have checked your email Junk and Clutter folders and have not received a USC ID, you can request it by contacting us   with your full name, date of birth and the program to which you are applying.

Note: The USC ID is not the CAS ID number.

06. How can I confirm that USC has received my materials?

07. How do I check my application status?

MS:  We are not able to provide students with information on when a specific application will be reviewed. For applications that are submitted by the application deadline, Fall admit decisions are made between January and May, and Spring decisions are made between September and early December.

Please note that the date an application is submitted does not determine the date an admission decision will be issued.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants need to contact the appropriate   department PhD advisor   to check on the status of an application.

08. How can I update my Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), CV/Résumé, transcript or add additional documents after I've submitted my application?

MS & PhD:  To update your Personal Statement or CV/résumé, transcript or to add other documents, follow the instructions below:

1) Log into your submitted application, go to the Program Materials quadrant and open the Documents tab.

2) Use one of the Other documents slots to add the updated/corrected document.

3) If you have used all of your Other document slots, you will need to send the updated/corrected document as an attachment to   [email protected] . Make sure to include your name and USC ID in the email. (Note: This is the number that was emailed to you after you submitted the application. It is not the CAS ID.)

09. I made a mistake on my application, how can I have it corrected?

MS & PhD:  To correct a mistake in a submitted application, follow the instructions below:

1) Go to the Graduate Admission   Submit a Question   page.

2) Fill in the form. Make sure to include your USC ID number. (Note: This is the number you were emailed after you you submitted the application. It is not the CAS ID.)

3) Under Select an Area, choose Graduate Admission

4) Under Category, choose General Information

5) Use Subject and Question, to tell them what needs to be corrected

5) Click the Submit Your Question button

10. I don’t have TOEFL/IELTS scores yet, how do I fill in that section on the application? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  The application may be submitted with the TOEFL/IELTS scores section left blank. It is preferable to have the application submitted earlier without the scores rather than later because you waited until your scores were available. Also, this section remains active after the application has been submitted. It is recommended that once you have your TOEFL/IELTS scores that you log back into the application and add the scores.

Please note, if you are an international student your application will not be considered complete until USC has received your official TOEFL/IELTS scores electronically from the testing agency. For additional information on this requirement and the circumstances under which it can be waived, visit USC Graduate Admission’s   English Proficiency   page.

11. My GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, how do I fill in the GPA section on the application? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Please use the scale that is used by the issuing university. There is no need to convert the GPA to a 4.0 scale.

12. How and when do I submit the Financial documentation? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  The  financial documentation  can be added in the Documents section of the Supporting Information quadrant of the online application. Additional submission details can be found on USC Graduate Admission’s  Financial Documentation  page.

Note: The financial documentation must be submitted no later than April 15 for Fall admission or October 25 for Spring admission.

PhD:   Because USC tries to fully fund all doctoral students, applicants should not submit financial documentation.

13. Is it a problem that the name on my application and the name on my passport do not match? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  It is not a problem. This is a common issue for international applicants. We ask that International applicants submit a copy of the first two pages of their passport. This is so that we can use the name on the passport when generating the I-20 so that the two will match.

01. What is current tuition?

MS & PhD:  Visit our  Tuition  page for current tuition information.

02. How do I apply for financial aid and loans?

MS:  Visit the  USC Student Financial Aid  pages for information.

PhD:   USC tries to fully fund all of its doctoral students, so there is no need to apply separately for funding.

03. How do I apply for USC Viterbi scholarships?

MS: The Viterbi School is pleased to offer merit-based funding opportunities to U.S. and International students applying for Master’s programs. On-campus students who apply by published application deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted. Please visit our Ready to Apply page for information on deadlines and application steps.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants do not apply for Viterbi scholarships.

04. When will I know if I have received a Viterbi Scholarship?

MS:  Scholarship decisions are separate from Admission decisions. Fall scholarship recipients will be notified via email by May 1st and Spring recipients by November 1st.

PhD:   This does not apply to doctoral applicants.

05. How do I apply for research/teaching assistantships?

MS:  Research/teaching assistantships are reserved for our PhD students and are not available to Master’s students.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants are automatically considered for research/teaching assistantships. A separate application is not needed.

A PDF on financial documentation, including what documents can and cannot be used, helpful screenshots, and a sample financial document that a bank can use as a template can be found HERE .

01. What is the deadline for submitting the financial documentation?

Below are the deadlines for submitting the financial documentation and passport copies:

• Spring - October 25
• Fall - April 15

02. What is the amount of money needed for the Proof of Financial Support document?

The amount of money required for the financial document can be found on the USC Graduate Admission's Financial Documentation page.  Under Program Costs select Viterbi School of Engineering and use the total amount for Viterbi General Engineering Master’s.

03. What does the Total Cost of Attendance include?

The total cost of attendance reflects total cost for  one year of study only . The cost includes tuition and fees, health insurance, student programming fees, and living expenses in Los Angeles. You do not need to show any financial ability beyond the amount shown on the chart. (Link to chart in Item 02.)

04. Why does the tuition amount for the financial documentation and the Sample Course Plans not match?

The tuition amount and fees for the financial documentation   are calculated for immigration purposes only  and should not be considered a bill of expense. Actual costs may vary based on course load, living situation, lifestyle, etc.

Although still an estimate, the tuition and fees amounts listed in our Sample Course Plans  are a more accurate reflection of the actual costs.

05. If I have dependents (spouse and/or children), how much money do I need to add to the financial document?

For dependents who will be applying for F-2/J-2 visas, you must be able to provide an additional $13,403 for your spouse and $6,701 for each child.

06. How do I upload my financial document(s) and passport(s) through the online graduate application?

Upload your financial document(s) and passport copy by clicking on the "Supporting Information" section, then on the "Documents" tab. Upload your documents in the appropriately named areas.

Financial document(s) and passport copies can be added to a submitted application until an admission decision has been made.

NOTE: For each document type, multiple documents must be consolidated into one  non-password protected PDF document.

07. I have been notified that I am Academically Eligible for Admission , how do I submit my financial document(s) and passport(s)?

Send financial documents and passport copy as attachments in PDF or JPEG format through the USC Graduate Admission Office’s Ask a Question form.

Filling out the form:

• Complete the First Name , Last Name , Email and USC ID information. (If you have not submitted the application, you will not have a USC ID.)
• Under Select an Area , select Graduate Admission and Viterbi School of Engineering . (If you do not see a list of schools, click on the triangle to the left of Graduate Admission .)
• Under Category , select Immigration Issues (I-20s, Visas, etc.) and submit financial documents / passports . (If you do not see a list of additional items, click on the triangle to the left of Immigration Issues .)
• The Subject should be "Document Submission."
• In the Question box, type "I have attached my financial documents and passport copy."
• Use the Attach Documents function to add your documents.
• Click the Submit Your Question button when you are done.

08. Is there a list of what can and cannot be used for the financial documentation?

The U.S. government requires that all international applicants provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses for themselves and their dependents (if applicable) before a formal letter of admission and I -20 or DS- 2019 can be issued.

All submitted financial support documents must include:

• Name of the account holder (student or sponsor)
• Date of issue (which must be within one year of your intended program start date)
• Name of the bank or financial institution on official letterhead
• Amount available for withdrawal (conversion to USD is not necessary)
• Professional, certified translations if financial documents are not in English
• Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Sponsored Studies at USC if the financial documents are not in the USC applicant’s name

Types of Financial Support that are Normally Accepted *

• Savings deposit and checking accounts
• Approved/sanctioned education loans. “In-principle” sanctioned loans will not be accepted*
• Bank letters or Solvency certificates from bank
• Time/fixed/term deposits or government bonds available for withdrawal at any time
• Approved and Employer, Government, or Organization sponsorships/scholarships
• Provident funds ONLY IF document states amount available for withdrawal
• USC scholarships/assistantships (this documentation will be submitted by your academic department directly to the Office of Graduate International Admissions)

Types of Financial Support NOT Accepted

• Investments in fixed assets such as property, Demat accounts, mortgages, jewelry, residences, automobiles, etc.
• Retirement funds, pensions, life insurance policies
• Tax Returns
• Salary/Payroll Statements
• Pending or Provisional Educational Loans
• [Chartered] Accountant portfolio
• Candidate scholarship letters or scholarship applications

09. Do I need to submit a Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC?

If the financial document's account holder(s) is not the student, a Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC should be included.

For the Confidential Statement, you can use the online, fillable PDF form .

Sponsorship Letters must state the account holder’s name, student’s name, current date, and relationship between student and sponsor.

Students may have more than one sponsor or source of funding.  A separate Letter or Confidential Statement form is required for each sponsor.

For materials submitted through the Ask a Question form, a confirmation of receipt email is not sent. Depending on when the materials are received, it can take 3 to 7 business days before the Letter of Admission and Statement of Intent becomes available in a student's YouSC portal.

If the Letter and Statement of Intent are not available in you YouSC portal after 7 business days, you can contact the USC Graduate Admission Office through their Ask a Question form.

01. Is there a commitment deposit and how do I pay it?

MS:  Yes, the non-refundable commitment deposit is $1000. The deposit goes toward your tuition once you enroll.

Once you have been admitted, log into your YouSC account and go to your Statement of Intent. Once you have selected your program in the Statement of Intent, you will be prompted to pay the $1000 commitment deposit. (See below for image.)

PhD:   There is no commitment deposit for doctoral students.

02. I have decided to enroll at USC. Where can I find information on orientation and next steps for new students?

MS & PhD:  Please visit our  Newly Admitted Students  page for orientation dates and a checklist of next steps.

03. Can I change my program after I have been admitted?

MS & PhD:  In order to change programs, you will need to complete your first semester in the program to which you have been admitted. After completing that semester you may request to transfer to another program. Your request will be reviewed by the department to which you are requesting transfer and they will make a decision on the request. Requests for a change of program are not automatically approved and may be denied.

MS & PhD: Deferral requests will be considered if you have experienced unexpected circumstances that will prevent you from applying for, or enrolling in, the semester which you originally intended.  Please read the following carefully:

• You may submit a request to defer your application for a future semester within one year of your original application semester (Example: If you were admitted to Fall 2022, you could defer your admission to Spring 2023 or Fall 2023)
• Admission is not guaranteed and deferred applications are reviewed along with all other applications for that term
• You do not need   to submit a new application or pay the application fee again. You will need to submit any information that has changed since your original application, including updated/final transcripts, valid and official test scores, and/or financial documents
• You can only defer to semesters for which your program has a start term (i.e. if a program does not have a spring start, you cannot defer to spring. You would need to defer to the following fall)
• All updated application materials need to be received by the application deadline for the new semester to which you are applying
• If you already submitted your intent to enroll and commitment deposit, and your request to defer is approved, the $1,000.00 commitment deposit will automatically be applied to the new term if readmitted

Complete and submit the  Deferral Request Form .  You will receive a confirmation of your submission and further instructions.

05. How do I submit the Statement of Intent?

MS & PhD:  Click on the Statement of Intent button once you log into  you.usc.edu . Submitting the Statement of Intent form will allow you to create your university email account, register for Graduate Student Orientation, and access your USC records.

Note: Even if you opt not to attend USC, we ask that you submit the Statement of Intent.

06. If I was not admitted for a previous semester, can I reapply?

MS & PhD:  You are welcome to reapply for a future semester. How you do this depends on the circumstances:

1) If you did not receive an admit decision for the semester to which you applied, you can have your application updated within one year of your original application term. To have your application updated to a future semester, please complete the online Contact form and include your USC ID.

2) If you were denied admission and choose to reapply, it is in your best interest to submit new and compelling academic information that was not part of your original application, such as updated transcripts and/or test scores. You will need to submit a new application and pay another application fee. (On the application, make sure to indicate that you have applied before and input your USC ID number when prompted.) You can complete our online Contact form   to check on whether you will need to re-submit transcripts and test scores. (Make sure to include your USC ID number.) Any materials that have changed since their original application (including updated transcripts, test scores need to be submitted by the application deadline for the new semester to which you are applying.

Note: It is recommended that PhD applicants try contacting faculty before submitting a new application.

07. Can you provide me with a reason if I was not admitted to a program?

MS & PhD:  As there was a comprehensive review of your entire application, we are unable to offer specific reasons for your denial. The faculty has set parameters for admission based on GRE scores, overall academic performance, and major-specific academic performance, and unfortunately we did not feel it was possible to make an offer of admission at this time.

08. How do I transfer my I-20 from my current school to USC? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS: Full information on how to transfer your SEVIS record to USC so that an I-20 for your USC program can be created, is available at http://admissions.usc.edu/docs/admission/TransferringYourSEVISRecordtoUSC.pdf . (NOTE: You will still need to provide USC with acceptable financial documentation .)

If your transfer form requires International Advisor contact information - Name: Sarah Butler; Address: 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Telephone: 213-740-1111; Email: [email protected] .

PhD: Full information on how to transfer your SEVIS record to USC so that an I-20 for your USC program can be created is available at http://admissions.usc.edu/docs/admission/TransferringYourSEVISRecordtoUSC.pdf .

If your transfer form requires International Advisor contact information - Name: Sarah Butler; Address: 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Telephone: 213-740-1111; Email: [email protected] . (IMPORTANT: This information is only for use on forms. If you have visa or SEVIS questions, please use this online form so that you are issued a record number.)

09. When will I receive my I-20? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  I-20 papers are generally issued within a week of when the Statement of Intent has been submitted.

Note:  Financial documentation  needs to be submitted before the Statement of Intent becomes available in the you.usc.edu portal.

PhD:  I-20 papers are generally issued within a week of when the Statement of Intent has been submitted.

I-20 papers for applicants enrolling in Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 will be issued from February 2020 onwards.

10. How (and when) do I complete Degree Verification? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Degree verification through IERF needs to be submitted before the end of the student’s first semester and can be done after arriving at USC. More information can be found on the  Degree Progress  pages.

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How to start a personal statement for grad school

A well-written personal statement showcases an applicant’s unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. This guide will help you start the process of writing an effective personal statement for grad school, providing valuable tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

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Begin the writing process early to allow ample time for brainstorming, drafting, and revision. This is your chance to explain why you are a capable candidate for the program and how it aligns with your aspirations. Take the time to reflect on your strengths, achievements, and what sets you apart from other applicants.

Research the graduate program thoroughly so you can understand its specific requirements, values, and objectives. For example, with USC Price’s Master of Public Administration program online it is important to recognize how your personal experiences, background, and interests have shaped you and will shape your engagement in the program and USC Price community. This knowledge will help you tailor your personal statement, highlighting why it is an ideal fit for your academic and career goals. 

Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to start the brainstorming process. For example:

• What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
• What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
• What have you learned about this field already? 

For a full list of prompts visit USC Online’s guide on How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application .

How to format a personal statement for grad school

It’s important to first read the essay prompt on the university’s website and follow the specific requirements listed. For example, USC Price’s Master of Publication Administration Online’s Admissions section explains that statements should be approximately 1,000 words and address the following questions: Why are you interested in pursuing the Master of Public Administration degree? How will a Master of Public Administration degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?

To ensure a well-structured and cohesive personal statement you should plan and outline your ideas before you begin writing. Consider the prompts you’ve already asked yourself, the research you’ve done on the program, the main points you want to address and the order in which you will present them. This will help maintain a clear and logical flow.

Start with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and provides a glimpse into your story. Then, develop the body paragraphs to highlight your academic background, relevant work experiences, and skills. Finally, conclude by summarizing your goals and emphasizing how you will contribute to the field.

Remember, the personal statement serves two functions – it allows the admissions committee to get to know the applicant better, and it serves as a sample of your writing skills. 

The Introduction

Perhaps the most important part of your essay is the introduction. This is your opportunity to hook the reader. Attempt to offer a unique perspective and avoid clichés. Here are some ways to start your personal statement: 

• Reflect on your motivations and interests : Share the experiences or moments that sparked your interest in the subject. Explain why you find the field meaningful and how your previous academic or professional experiences have contributed to your decision. By showcasing your genuine passion and dedication, you can create an engaging opening that demonstrates your commitment to the field.
• Start with a thought-provoking question: Pose a relevant and specific thought-provoking question that encourages the reader to contemplate the topic. This approach instantly grabs attention and shows your eagerness to explore complex issues within your field. Ensure that the question seamlessly connects to your experiences or interests.
• Tell a compelling story: Share a personal anecdote or transformative experience that highlights your journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Connect your story to your field of study. By narrating a compelling story, you make your personal statement memorable and provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your character and motivation.
• Begin with a bold statement: Start with a bold claim or surprising fact that challenges conventional thinking within your field of study. Support such statements with evidence or personal experiences that validate your viewpoint, positioning yourself as a forward-thinking and motivated candidate.

Finish strong with a compelling conclusion

A strong conclusion for your graduate school personal statement is crucial for leaving a positive and lasting impression on the admissions committee. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling conclusion:

• Recap your key points: Summarize the main ideas you have discussed throughout your personal statement. Highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences that make you a strong fit for the program. However, avoid simply restating what you’ve already mentioned. Instead, offer a concise recap that reinforces your qualifications.
• Connect to future goals: Transition from discussing your past experiences to emphasizing your future goals. Demonstrate how the graduate program aligns with your aspirations and explain how the knowledge and skills you’ll gain will help you achieve your career objectives. This shows that you have a focused and clear vision.
• Express enthusiasm and commitment: Convey your excitement and enthusiasm for the program and your chosen field of study. Highlight why you are genuinely interested in pursuing further education in this area and how you plan to contribute to the field. For example, a Master of Public Administration applicant could express enthusiasm for helping nonprofit organizations connect with their constituents. This demonstrates your dedication and readiness to make a significant impact.

Remember to keep your conclusion concise and focused, as you have limited space to make your final case. Ensure that your conclusion aligns with the overall tone and theme of your personal statement and reinforces the key messages you have conveyed throughout the essay. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling conclusion that strengthens your application and leaves a positive impression on the admissions committee.

Tips to make you stand out from the crowd

In addition to nailing down the right grad school personal statement format, you also have to ensure you are using an appropriate tone and highlight relevant key points that enhance your chances of being selected for the program. Below are some tips to consider:

• Be reflective and authentic: Admissions committees seek personal statements that are authentic and reflective of your unique qualities and experiences. Avoid generic statements and clichés, instead focusing on specific examples that illustrate your strengths and abilities. Reflect on your journey by sharing personal anecdotes, experiences, or research projects that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Highlight relevance: Based on your research, emphasize the relevance of your professional experiences, skills, and academic background to the program. Draw connections between your academic achievements, research projects, internships, or work experience and the skills and knowledge required in your field of study. Clearly articulate how your past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the program and how they align with your future goals. For example, a successful applicant to the MPA online program cited how their experience working remotely during the pandemic prepared them to collaborate on group projects in the program. 
• Demonstrate motivation and fit: Admissions committees are interested in understanding your motivation for pursuing graduate studies, why you are passionate about the field, and what drives your intellectual curiosity. Highlight specific faculty members, courses , research opportunities, or unique aspects of the program that attract you. This demonstrates that you have done your research and have a genuine interest in the program.
• Revise and seek feedback: After completing your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your personal statement. Ensure that your writing is free from grammatical errors and that you are within the word count. Read your statement aloud to check for flow and coherence. Once you feel like it is ready, seek feedback from trusted mentors and peers who can provide suggestions.

A compelling personal statement is crucial for making a lasting impression on the admissions committee. This guide on how to start a personal statement for grad school is the first step in helping you stand out from the crowd. Remember to allow ample time to prepare, craft a strong introduction and conclusion, and follow our tips to make a compelling case for why you are the perfect fit for the program. 

Learn more about the Master of Public Administration online admissions requirements by registering for an information sessions here , or connect with a USC admissions counselor at [email protected] who can help guide you through the application process.

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KSOM Department of Medical Education

The personal statement.

Your personal statement should reflect your personality, interests, goals, and how you fit with the specialty you have chosen. For many students, preparing the personal statement is the most difficult part of the residency application process, but it should not be painful or anxiety-provoking. Your job is to produce one page (about 600 words) of coherent, error-free writing that gives a flavor of your personality and your interest in the specialty.

“We are here to help you with your personal statement from brainstorming through proofreading.”

When you have narrowed your specialty choices to one or two, check with a faculty or Student Affairs advisor to get a sense of what is expected of personal statements in that specialty. Some specialties are more open to creative statements while others want something more straightforward; some tend to be more personal while others are very professionally focused.

Once you complete at least one rotation in the specialty you have chosen to apply to and have an idea of what personal statement expectations are for that specialty, you can begin work on your personal statement. For some students, this may be as early as April, and in almost every case, should be no later than July. The more time you give yourself to brainstorm, consult with advisors, write, potentially re-write, edit, and proofread, the less stressful this process will be.

Some Helpful Tips:

• If at any point you are feeling stuck, please check in with one of us. There is no need to expend any of your writing energies on being frustrated or anxious.
• Try to resist the temptation to read sample essays or advice online. Doing so is rarely helpful, and may leave you feeling confused. View the personal statement workshop for more information.
• Start early! We cannot stress this enough. The sooner you begin your statement, the more time you will have to seek input from multiple advisors, re-write your entire essay from scratch if necessary, proofread meticulously, and devote time to other aspects of your application. It will also allow you time to step away from your essay that you can return to it with fresh eyes. Initial personal statement review appointments with a staff career advisor must be done by August 1st!
• If you feel moved to try a metaphorical or thematic essay, give it a shot. We have seen very successful essays that used experiences with wood-fired pizza oven or sandcastles as metaphors for students’ chosen specialties. If you don’t feel moved, though, don’t wrack your brain for a creative angle. Only a small percentage of essays are structured like this, and a lot of the ones that are can feel forced.
• When in doubt, just try telling your story as straightforwardly as possible, in chronological order. An essay that begins “I first knew I might be interested in surgery when…” is likely to be perfectly acceptable.

Personal Statements, Research Statements, and Diversity Statements

• Author By Troy Mikanovich
• Publication date September 19, 2023
• Categories: Professional Development
• Categories: application , jobs , phd , resources

(An idiot’s guide)

Me. I’m the idiot here.

I emphasize this because I can’t know exactly what any individual search committee is looking for when they put out a call to hire new professors. Some of this is because different programs and different universities are looking for different things; some of this is because programs and universities aren’t always sure what they are looking for.

Also–and for some of you, maybe more importantly–I am not faculty. I’ve not been hired by a faculty search committee and I don’t plan on trying to be. If I’m so smart, why am I etc.

Nevertheless, if you’re here it is because you are trying to put together application materials for faculty positions and are probably feeling overwhelmed. Apart from being the specific person that a search committee had in mind when they opened the call, there is no surefire way to get past a first cut. Take that as a consolation.  You will already be doing a lot to costume your academic life for different calls; no reason to forget who you are under the makeup.

Here’s how this resource is organized.  First, I’ll outline a basic framework for writing about yourself that I think can suit any application materials you’ll be asked for.  This framework isn’t a template for a whole document; rather, it is a way to organize individual examples that you will be describing in your documents. To be honest, I don’t know what a teaching/research/diversity statement should “look like.” But I can tell you what they should do.

Next, I’ve put together a list of questions that I’d ask you if we were to meet in person to talk about your professional documents. Each one comes with an explanation of why I’m asking that and a suggestion for how your answer might change the way you prepare your application materials.  If any of the advice doesn’t seem like it fits you, it probably doesn’t! Take what seems helpful and leave the rest behind.

First, my assumptions:

• There’s probably a better way to do things, but you can’t always know what that is.  Making conscious decisions about your writing –being able to explain why you’ve written what you’ve written–is better than many (most) writers will do.
• Much of your material will be essentially the same for most of the jobs you are applying for.  However, you will probably have to do some work to tailor your materials to each (sometimes more sometimes less).
• The opportunity to make it further in the process a few times–to get some experience with interviews and maybe even campus visits or job talks –can be helpful in the long run (and is probably a more likely short-term goal than getting hired for the one position that you think perfectly suits you). 
• It isn’t wrong to tier your job prospects. Put your energy to things you really want but leave the door open to be pleasantly surprised. 
• If you’re in it for the long haul, shoot for a process that is sustainable . Writing a few dozen perfect, bespoke cover letters and then burning out is probably less effective than writing a really good cover letter that you can more or less adapt to different jobs.
• It is ok to take a break and miss a call. Maybe it is because I grew up in a gambling family–we had a slot machine and a craps table in the living room–but I think that this is as much a numbers game as anything else. It is probably more likely that you’ll burn yourself out worrying you might miss a big windfall than it is to actually hit the jackpot. Take care of yourself.

If you don’t share these assumptions–or, if these assumptions don’t reflect what your advisors have told you about the job market or what you want out of this–don’t worry! There’s a reason you are applying to academic jobs and I am working my way out of platinum rank in Street Fighter 6. But, at the same time, take those discrepancies as a chance to think more about the process you are developing to apply for academic jobs. No matter what it looks like, it should work for you, nobody else.

Talking about yourself: A framework

You can come up with a distinct purpose for any kind of document in your application portfolio.  Let’s use a real example.  Here’s what is required to apply to a tenure-track position in the Communication Media Studies department at Loyola Marymount (9/19/2023):

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning on September 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. A complete application portfolio requires: 1) a letter of application, 2) a current curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts (submitted as a single pdf), 4) one example of representative scholarship (such as a published article, key dissertation chapter, competitively selected conference paper, or manuscript submission), and 5) evidence of teaching excellence (a two-page summary of teaching evaluative criteria, evaluator type such as students, advisors, employers, etc., and results). Candidates should be prepared to submit the following materials upon request should they advance further in the search process: official transcripts, complete copies of original teaching evaluations (including qualitative comments) or other evaluations reflecting most recent years of university-level or equivalent teaching, a statement of teaching philosophy, sample syllabi related to the position, three letters of recommendation, and if the candidate does not have a doctorate, evidence of timeline and anticipated completion.

Lets line it up, required and available upon request:

• Cover letter
• Transcripts
• Writing sample
• Teaching evaluation
• Teaching statement
• Sample syllabi
• Letters of recommendation

(And also, while it isn’t listed here, I expect that the application portal has a section where you should upload/write a short diversity statement.  Sometimes the job listings are just about what the committee asks for and then the university has standard docs it wants, too.)

Presumably, each of these documents has a purpose (God, I hope so). Let’s jot that down:

• Your introduction to the committee
• Demonstrates professional acumen
• Clarifies your want in applying (i.e. pretend that “I need a job” isn’t sufficient)
• Summarizes your fit for the position
• Easy summary of your professional/academic credentials
• Tbh I have no idea why they ask for this but presumably it is to make sure you are not fabricating an entire career. Maybe it makes sense for new career scholars
• Demonstrates research/writing expertise
• Clarifies how you imagine yourself and your contributions within the field.
• Helps to contextualize you within a broader canon of scholarship
• Evidence that other people can stand you
• Clarifies your pedagogical approach and goals
• Describes past teaching experiences
• Further opportunities to demonstrate your fit within the university
• Similar to the teaching statement but in a less abstract way
• More evidence that other people can stand you.  This time, presumably important people

Of these materials, only a few are written by you specifically for the purpose of applying to a job:

• Teaching Statement

That means that in this application process you only have control of the following:

• How you introduce yourself to the committee and display your professional acumen
• How you describe the reason you are applying
• How you clarify your fit for the department/university
• What professional/academic experiences you highlight
• What your pedagogical approach is; what teaching experiences you highlight

So, let’s take one of those tasks and figure out how to do it.

Here’s something from an old statement of mine. It isn’t a great example, but it’s an example. I’ve highlighted statements that demonstrate my present philosophy in green , statements that provide past evidence for that philosophy in orange , and statements that demonstrate the future significance of that philosophy in purple. The verb tense gets a little confusing (i.e. statements about what I have done and will continue to do sort of bridge the gap between orange and purple), but it more or less works:

These experiences have emphasized the important role that I can play to not only support students as they consider their own goals, but also to facilitate their engagement with the larger educational structures and communities that they belong to. This, in turn, has shaped how I’ve sought to adapt my work to better serve marginalized students. For example, in my courses at the University of La Verne, I worked to diversify my syllabi to include more scholars of color, more female scholars, and scholars from “non-elite” institutions. Doing so, I hope, inspired more analytical engagement between me and my students about the extent to which the production of academic knowledge is, itself, contingent upon the same kinds of structural inequities that our courses try to interrogate. Likewise, I worked to incorporate more “nontraditional” assignments in my course design, looking for ways that standard research papers could be supplemented (or even replaced by) activities that seek to engage students on a number of skills or genres that may prove more enriching for those with different learning styles abilities, or career goals.

If you’ve talked to me before, you might see how this lines up with the AXES framework of academic argumentation (and the AXES editing technique I’ve outlined here ). Following that technique, I’ve outlined the Assertion in blue , the supporting eXample in red , the Elaboration/Explanation in pink , and the Significance in olive :

These experiences have emphasized the important role that I can play to not only support students as they consider their own goals, but also to facilitate their engagement with the larger educational structures and communities that they belong to. This, in turn, has shaped how I’ve sought to adapt my work to better serve marginalized students. For example, in my courses at the University of La Verne, I worked to diversify my syllabi to include more scholars of color, more female scholars, and scholars from “non-elite” institutions. Doing so, I hope, inspired more analytical engagement between me and my students about the extent to which the production of academic knowledge is, itself, contingent upon the same kinds of structural inequities that our courses try to interrogate. Likewise, I worked to incorporate more “nontraditional” assignments in my course design, looking for ways that standard research papers could be supplemented (or even replaced by) activities that seek to engage students on a number of skills or genres that may prove more enriching for those with different learning styles abilities, or career goals

Again, the colors/order aren’t one-to-one. It would probably be a more accessible and successful paragraph if they were.  Either way, if you find yourself stuck–in any of the documents you have to write–try the three-part structure I’ve outlined above. What do you think? Why do you think this? What are you going to do?  Or, if you’re more comfortable with the AXES model: What are you saying about yourself? How did you get that way? How do those things connect? So what?

Guiding Questions

Now, onto the questions. The only thing a writing coach is good for is telling you what it is like for someone who has not written your words to read your words. And I mostly do that by asking big dumb questions. Here’s what we would talk about during a session on your application materials along with explanations.

What are the materials that the search committee is asking of you? What do you look like from just those materials?

This seems kinda dumb and obvious, but stick with me. Some postings might ask for a CV, a teaching statement, and a diversity statement; others just a CV and a research statement; some might all want of them; and others might name the documents they require something silly like “Evidence of Academic Rigor and Achievement” or some nonsense.  Beyond that, you might be asked for letters of recommendation upfront or those might come later on (thankfully, the trend seems to be for those to come after a first or second cut).

Anyway, all that to say that it is important to think about what any given search committee will know about you from just the materials they ask for.   There’s a balance here–you don’t want to double up all your information, but you also don’t want to put something really important about your scholarship in just one document if that document is only going to be sent to a small sample of the universities you are applying to.

Here’s an example: Two jobs, one at UNR and one at UNLV.  Equivalent departments, equivalent tenure-track positions, teaching and research at both. UNR wants a CV, a teaching statement, and a research statement; UNLV wants a CV, a research statement, and a diversity statement. In their application portals, though, the way that they define these documents overlaps.  UNR says that your teaching statement should “demonstrate how you’ve adapted your pedagogy to suit the needs of marginalized communities.” UNLV says that your diversity statement should “demonstrate your commitment to confronting both institutional and interpersonal prejudice in the classroom.”

So, the quick answer would be that both your teaching statement and your diversity statement should demonstrate your commitment to diversity and social justice. And that’s probably true! But, it’s a problem of degree.  If your entire teaching statement is written to essentially be both a teaching statement and a diversity statement, you are going to have trouble adapting that for calls where they want both–you’ll be leaving a lot on the table in your teaching statement and your diversity statement will seem repetitive.

What to do : There isn’t an easy solution to this, but there are things that you can do to make the process of matching your application materials to the jobs you are applying to a little easier.  First, keep a way-too-long version of each of your materials (CV, teaching statement, diversity statement, research statement, whatever else) on your desktop . This isn’t the version you send out to schools, this is the version that you draw from for the shorter, more targeted version that you send out to schools. Then, as you tailor your materials to each new application, add to your reservoir. This can be helpful both for subsequent applications that ask the same kinds of questions and also as a way for you to reframe and reimagine your qualifications and professional narrative. For instance, the description of that grant proposal you’ve always used to demonstrate your research prowess might also be a good way to tie your research to some broader community outreach that another university is looking for.

Why are you highlighting the specific thing you are highlighting in your teaching/research/diversity/etc. statement?

It is easy to go into the job hunt process thinking that you need to show every potential employer all your accomplishments from every vantage. But, think of the process from the perspective of the search committee:

It is different at every university, but most job searches (at least for full-time tenure-track positions) are the result of lots of administrative horse-trading. The department needs to fill vacancies in both Digital Media Studies and Global Marketing, but the dean says they can only do one of those things. Or they can do both as long as they make it work financially. On top of that, when they open the call, they’ll receive several hundred applications. Maybe their process involves a quick first cut where a central committee scans through CVs and cover letters.  Maybe there’s a lot of money on the line and every application is considered by a couple teams and then the whole committee gets together to submit their top candidates. I dunno–those sound plausible, right? Again, I’m the idiot here. But I’d put folding money on the process being a bit different everywhere you apply.

To that end, as with any job application–or journal submission, or conference proposal– you should discern from the job call what particular things the department is looking for and then make sure that your materials highlight those aspects of you as a candidate.  That is to say, that if a position is very teaching intensive, you’ll have diminishing returns on every new tidbit you include about your research background.  Sure (in this hypothetical position) they would probably want to know that you can research; but they’re hiring you to teach.

What to do : There are lots of ways to edit your application materials. Rather than just focusing on grammar or typos or coherence, though, think about each section of each document rhetorically: “What does this example say about me? What does this example do for me?” For each paragraph in your application materials, write yourself a one-sentence note on the side, something to the effect of “This example demonstrates X about me.” If, after reviewing your entire teaching statement, you notice that each paragraph demonstrates that you’ve incorporated multiple modalities of instruction into your classroom, you have to wonder–do all of these examples need to support this one idea or can I frame some of them differently and emphasize a different aspect of my teaching? Maybe that bit about assignment design could be reworked to emphasize the way that you are preparing students with a diverse range of college goals for different careers after they graduate. Maybe you could emphasize that you’ve incorporated these different kinds of teaching materials to uplift voices or kinds of discourse that have been marginalized by more “traditional” teaching materials. None of your experiences demonstrates any one thing; you might fit the needs of the department you are applying to even if you don’t notice it at first.

If you are asked to expand on any of what you talk about (in an interview, job talk, etc.) what will you say?

This might feel like jumping the gun, but as with keeping a larger document full of the examples you pull from for your submittable application pieces, it can be an exercise in sharpening your explanation of yourself. Many students who come to me struggling with application materials often say something to the effect of “I’m not good at writing about myself.” Fair enough. But there’s writing about yourself and then there’s writing about yourself , which is to say that you can tell stories about what you’ve done and what’s happened to you, but you can also narrate those stories in order to give your audience a better sense of who they are talking to. But why does this matter?

I’ve emphasized it to death, but you won’t be able to be everything you want to be in your application materials. What you’re offering is a condensed version designed for easy accessibility with the understanding that your reader probably isn’t going to spend a lot of time writing what you’ve spent a lot of time writing.

What to do: For the individual experiences/descriptive sections that you write about yourself, try annotating each part with a note about how deep or involved or complex it is. For instance, if you are describing your dissertation research, here are the things you could presumably talk about (short of copy-pasting the whole thing):

• Social/real-world context
• Academic context (research gap)
• Broad research question
• Operationalized research question
• Selection of data-type
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Descriptive results
• Major arguments
• Significance for different audiences
• Connections to prior scholarship
• Limitations
• Future research

But not all of that is important right now–not in the context of research statement (or whatever document). Instead, we can think about your dissertation in three layers: What pieces are needed for the general story, the more involved story, and the story for experts:

General story

• Methodology (simplified)

More involved story

Expert story.

Sure, there isn’t one way to simplify or complicate the story (maybe for some kinds of research, the academic research gap is more salient than the social context). But, the point remains that you get to decide how complex and complete your retelling is. And sometimes it helps to lead with a simplified version and keep the more complex version in your back pocket for when you need it. This may be more helpful for those who have made it past the paper application stage–knowing how to frame your research differently for a panel of students than a panel of professors is important. However, considering it as you write your application materials can give you a stronger sense of the ways that you do and do not fit the headline version of what the department is looking for (and how you can adapt).

What are the ways that you can demonstrate your “fit” within an institution/department?

“Fit” is kind of a shell game.  Certainly there are ways that you as a candidate might fit better in one department or another, but I’d bet that the range of potential successful candidates for any given job is probably pretty diverse. In short, if they want you, they want you.

I don’t think it is worth chasing fit. To be clear–I think it is a good idea to apply for jobs that you think might be longshots.  Whether because you don’t feel qualified enough or because you think you aren’t the perfect fit, it’s best to let someone else tell you that. However, there’s a difference between giving it a shot and trying to be something you’re not. If you know that the department is looking for a quant and you’ve never taken stats, save yourself the headache.

But, if fit is a shell game, there are a lot of shells. And as an exercise it might be helpful to wonder about all the different ways you can or cannot fit into a department. Excluding things that are particular to schools with a devotional mission, there are a lot of ways to align yourself with the wants of a university or department:

• Research focus
• Methodological focus
• Teaching focus
• Demographics/goals/interests of the student body
• Community ties/focus/outreach/commitment
• Relevant industry experience
• Relation to the mission of the university
• Topical expertise/interest
• Geographic/national considerations
• Dominant theoretical presuppositions
• Opportunities/expectations of public service

And probably a lot more. But, if you find yourself stuck trying to personalize your materials to any one place, try to think beyond the keywords in the call to see if there are other ways you might fit the bill.

Sample Personal Statement Mechanical Engineering (USC, Imperial)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

An NYU’s senior applied to 7 top Mechanical Engineering grad programs in the US and the UK and got into all but one. He spent nearly a month writing the perfect personal statement that he used to apply to top schools. Variations of this personal statement got accepted to Stanford University, Imperial College London, University of Texas A&M and UCLA. He has graciously shared his personal statement so that prospective applicants can benefit from it.

Sample Personal Statement Mechanical Engineering

I am eager to pursue a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering to deepen my knowledge in engineering design, mechanics, and analysis. My research interests are primarily driven by my life aspirations, dynamic undergraduate experience, and professional mechanical engineering expertise. Given my credentials, I firmly believe that I resonate with core values at [Name of School] and I will make an ideal candidate for this institution.

I cannot agree more with Dorothy Parker’s quote: “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity”, as I have always been a curious soul and things that pique my interest stays with me forever. I remember the first time I watched a dense network of nuts and bolts in my dad’s car engine. I could not look away. The tiny moving objects aroused an unquenchable curiosity in me. Logically, I entered college as a major in sciences, eyes widened by the boundless world of science I had just begun to get to know. 

I did my undergraduate in mechanical engineering, where I was engaged in research about combustion, machine design, mechanics of materials and computer-aided engineering. Through this coursework, I developed a basic understanding of a breadth of theoretical areas of mechanical engineering and their socioeconomic applications. However, what I enjoyed most about being a mechanical engineer was developing my ideas through coursework and discussing them with my peers outside the classroom.

Outside the classroom, my advocacy for innovative ideas was well rewarded when the Student Section Enterprise Team (SSET) in ASME International, based in New York, elected me as the Student Regional Chair (SRC) – a prized position among mechanical engineers’ community all around the globe. So naturally, I was also the Chairperson for my own Campus’s ASME chapter, which I had laid the ground for in my sophomore year. I was elated to know that ASME International and my department showed trust in me, which I fulfilled in its true spirit. As a chairperson, I managed high-powered university-level competitions and conferences to induce collective synergies of mechanical engineers from all over the country. I also took the self-initiative of developing my juniors’ interpersonal skills and arranged several professional development competitions.

Based on my performance in class and leadership abilities as an ASME chair, I was selected by my university to work with the national defence authorities in designing a mechanically simple yet multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle for my final year project. I was mainly selected because I had a firm grip over software packages involving calibrations and simulations. 

The simple thought of working for the defence authorities excited me as it was an honour to work on such a classified project.

This assignment was my first formal parametric study in mechanical engineering, which was a thorough scientific investigation. As I became proficient in many programs and databases, notably through these packages, the calibrations I proposed for the vehicle were well received by my professors. Later, the defence authorities developed an actual model on those parameters. My final year project was the catalyst that sparked a passion for studying vehicles and vehicle designs, and I actively looked for careers in top automobile firms in my country.

I found an ideal opportunity to start my career as a management trainee in the Development and Quality Assurance Department at Tesla Inc. During my brief stint of three months at Tesla Inc., I was introduced to the vast world of manufacturing techniques employed in the automotive sector. As a trainee engineer, I optimized methods to get the least number of defective parts per million. The more I was involved in optimization, the more I developed a desire to understand design mechanics, which could be engineered to reduce energy consumption. As luck would have it, during one of the events organized by ASME, I was a keynote speaker at a panel involving energy consumption. In the same panel, the CEO of Chevron Corporation took notice of my ideas. After the event, he encouraged me to work at Chevron and work on my proposed fluid design and mechanics ideas to reduce energy consumption.

It was an honor to be offered a job at Chevron, which I duly accepted. As an associate manager for the past 18 months at Chevron, I’ve developed a dynamic skill set around supply chain, projects and maintenance departments. Through my work in these departments, I have honed my data analytics and the ability to draw meaningful inferences from raw data. I have also become adept at management related to engineering practices. I have strived to increase my knowledge base at Chevron by constantly exploring Maintenance & Operation manuals. Through these manuals, I have bolstered my knowledge of Turbo-machinery, Engineering Materials, Machine Design and Fluid Mechanics. 

Although my professional trajectory is burgeoning, while working hand to hand with the Engineering Design department, I strongly resonated with celebrated sportscaster Vin Scully when he famously said: “Good is not good enough when better is expected.” I felt that although my four-year undergraduate coursework provided a baseline theoretical knowledge, I needed to hone my learning and practical exposure to further my passion in the area.  During my work with this department, I was commissioning a new gas processing facility and felt way behind in design and problem-solving scenarios. I particularly struggled with interpreting compressor and prime mover big data. I realized that if I had a more advanced knowledge base in mechanical design and engineering information modelling, I would have been able to give better theoretically sound solutions and help with process optimization. Given these technical handicaps, I strongly feel the need to upgrade my current knowledge base through a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

While searching for programs that match my research interests and professional experience, the Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from [Name of School] tops my list for its numerous attractions. Firstly, the prospects of studying at [Name of School] are fascinating because of its location in California, the hub of tech-based research in the U.S., like driverless vehicles etc., and numerous opportunities for internships in world-leading firms. Secondly, [Name of School] satiates my desire to study in schools with top-notch faculty specializing in areas where I want to further my research. I am particularly excited about working with Ivan Bermejo Moreno and Julian A. Domaradzki on crucial research areas such as computational fluid mechanics and high-performance computing.

Thirdly, by taking courses related to engineering analysis and engineering design modules at [Name of School] , I am looking forward to gleaning more information on methods of Finite Element Analysis coupled with Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics. I want to learn more about mechanical system design concerning tribology. Ideally, I would like to further my current tribological research of skid vehicles by calibrating it to be adaptive to the implications of environmental, cost and safety issues. 

Lastly, having been a chairperson of an elite group of mechanical engineers, I am looking forward to enhancing my leadership capabilities. I genuinely believe that [Name of School] student-led design teams make this program stand out among other programs as they are an ideal platform where I can test and enhance the capabilities of my prototype vehicle and put it for wide-scale use. I am confident that the above-outlined graduate degree plan and vibrant opportunities at [Name of School] will accelerate my career growth after my master’s degree. 

After completing my master’s program, I want to start my career as a mechanical design engineer in a top engineering design company such as Stantec. As a design engineer, I want to work on different global projects and provide design engineering solutions to a portfolio of industries for their needs. Various projects for other industries would give me new challenges each time and thus help me gain experience to evolve my skills. Leading design firms worldwide will help me get up-to-date with the latest tools with their training programs focusing on continuous professional development. I am confident that [Name of School] brand image, dynamic coursework grounded in its state-of-the-art research facilities and renowned faculty will be an ideal conduit for achieving my career goals. I will continue to work in the field of mechanical engineering with the same curiosity that was sparked in me when I first saw the engine parts of my dad’s car.

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To be eligible to apply, you must plan to receive a bachelor's degree before enrolling at USC Gould School of Law. If you are admitted, final transcripts confirming conferral of your undergraduate degree must be submitted prior to the beginning of classes in the fall. You must be able to attend law school full time and in person, as we do not offer online or part-time classes for our JD degree.

USC Gould's admissions process is guided by the view that an individual student that reflects the broad and rich experience of our society provides a superior benefit to the legal community. The primary goal of our admissions process is to enroll students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and whose background and experience will enrich the communities in which they seek to serve in their legal careers.

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Submitting Original Work

We expect that all written components of the application will be your original work. This means that the use of Artificial Intelligence, including ChatGPT and other similar platforms, is not permitted in the completion of your application. We value statements written by the applicant that reflect their unique voice and perspective.

Electronic Application

You must submit your application online through the  Law School Admission Council (LSAC) .

The application fee is $80. If you are experiencing hardship, have participated in the California Pathways to Law Program, Teach for America, the Peace Corps, US military, or have attended USC, and would like to seek a fee waiver, you may reach out to [email protected]  to make this request. An LSAC account number will be required to process your request. If you have already paid the application fee,  no refunds of fees paid will be processed .

Fee Waivers for the 2024-2025 application cycle for regular decision applications will be reviewed beginning August 28, 2024. We will not accept application fee waiver requests after our February 1, 2025 priority application deadline.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

All applicants, whether taking the LSAT or GRE, must also register for  LSAC's Credential Assembly Service . The CAS Report, provided by LSAC, contains your official transcripts, LSAT score(s), LSAT Writing sample(s), and letters of recommendation. Official transcript(s) for all post-secondary education, including graduate-level coursework, must be sent directly to LSAC. LSAC will evaluate each transcript and calculate your cumulative undergraduate GPA, but not your GPA for graduate-level coursework. Any graduate-level coursework will be considered subjectively in our review of your application.

To be considered for admission, you may take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is scheduled (in United States) on the following  dates  or go to  https://www.lsac.org/LSATdates  for more information.

Because we admit on a rolling basis, applications not completed by the February 1 priority deadline are at a significant disadvantage. We will not consider any LSAT scores taken after the February 2025 administration for admission in Fall 2025. You may submit your application with a pending LSAT score and we will hold your file until it is complete (i.e., we will not review your application until all LSAT tests for which you have registered have been posted, up to and including the February 2025 test, if applicable). We consider all LSAT scores going back five years.

Additionally, if you take the LSAT, your file will not become complete until at least one LSAT Writing Sample is processed and sent via your CAS report. We strongly encourage you to complete the LSAT Writing Sample prior to or soon after taking the LSAT. If you have or will have multiple LSAT scores, an application will complete with one LSAT Writing Sample, and we will not hold an application for an additional LSAT Writing Sample.

We report only your highest LSAT score to the American Bar Association (ABA) and other organizations. However, all scores will be considered in the application review process. If there is a significant discrepancy (four or more points) in your scores, we encourage you to submit an addendum to put the variance in context for the Admissions Committee. This should be addressed in the Additional Information section of the application.

Graduate Records Exam (GRE) Score

We accept either the LSAT or the GRE. While we expect the vast majority of our applicants will continue to apply with only the LSAT, you may want to consider whether the GRE is a suitable alternative. Factors such as: plans for other graduate study, your application timeline, and whether you will apply to other law schools that accept ONLY the LSAT should be considered.

If you apply without a LSAT score, you must take the GRE by March 1, 2025. There will be no exceptions to this date. If you have a reportable LSAT score, you may choose to report your GRE score, but it is not required.

If you report your GRE score, your application will not be completed until we receive your score report from ETS. The ETS school code for USC Gould School of Law is 4030. It is your responsibility to ensure your report is requested and communicated to USC Gould as your application completion will be delayed until the score is received.

ETS will only report scores for five years from the date of test. You must ensure you have a reportable score at the time we request your report from ETS. We will not accept self-reported GRE scores. If you choose to apply with the GRE, you must submit all valid and reportable GRE test results for the last five years. You may not choose which results to share. This parallels the requirement that five years of LSAT scores be disclosed on the application. Just as with the LSAT, we will accept an explanation for discrepancies between multiple GRE scores. Space to address multiple scores is provided in the Additional Questions section of our application.

The GRE is offered year-round. Please visit the ETS website for additional information. To complete your application, we require that you take the GRE by March 1, 2025; however, we strongly encourage your application to be completed by the priority deadline of February 1. GRE scores are officially reported approximately two weeks after the test date. We will not consider GRE scores for tests taken after March 1, 2025. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

All applicants applying with the GRE must subscribe to and utilize the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

The GRE will not be accepted for Early Decision or Rothman Scholar applicants. All Early Decision and Rothman Scholar applicants must apply with the LSAT.

The personal statement is your primary opportunity to discuss who you are beyond the application basics. We are particularly interested in how your background (academic or otherwise) has led to your decision to study law. This is not the place to repeat items on your résumé.

The personal statement should be two to three pages, double-spaced and in at least 12-point font. The Admissions Committee values essays that are clear, concise and compelling. The personal statement is a writing sample, and you should pay particular attention to the details of your composition. The statement must be attached electronically.

We require two letters of recommendation and will accept a maximum of three. The most influential recommendations focus on your academic potential and are written by people who know you well and can evaluate your academic performance. Although recommendations not pertaining to academic abilities can be helpful, academic recommendations carry the most weight with the Admissions Committee. If you have been out of college for a number of years, a letter from an employer would be appropriate. We encourage employers to discuss your written and oral communication skills, leadership abilities and potential for the study of law.

You are required to submit a résumé that illustrates your work history, volunteer commitments, extracurricular activities, and any awards and/or honors. Your résumé should be no more than two pages, and all sections should be listed chronologically (most recent first).

Each U.S. jurisdiction establishes bar registration and admission standards for individuals who wish to practice law within the jurisdiction. An evaluation of character and fitness is an essential aspect of those qualifications.

We encourage you to contact the Board of Bar Examiners of the state(s) in which you intend to practice to learn the qualifications for admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction. The  National Conference of Bar Examiners  shares additional information on its website. If you are interested in practicing law in California, visit the  State Bar of California website  for information.

An affirmative answer to any of the character and fitness questions on our application requires a detailed written explanation and supporting documentation.

All candidates for admission have an ongoing duty to disclose material changes to their application especially as they relate to conduct matters (criminal or disciplinary) to the Dean of Admissions prior to enrollment. Candidates agree that providing inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information on the admission application, omitting information, or any additional changed information provided can lead to the rescission of any offer of admission and/or scholarship, or for discipline, dismissal, or revocation of the degree if discovered at a later date. Additionally, such a violation during the admission process may lead to referral to LSAC for a finding of misconduct in the admission process.

Diversity of Background and/or Experience Statement

The USC Gould student body is an exceptional group of individuals working collaboratively, empathetically, and with cultural competency, to best serve the various communities they will represent as lawyers. USC Gould aims to generate lawyers that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to leadership, public service, and serving those in need. Please describe how your contributions to the USC Gould student body may be unique by highlighting anything related to your life experiences or personal background that will help us get to know you better. Some examples of this include, but are not limited to the following:

• How your upbringing, culture, or other aspects of your life experience have influenced your goals and/or leadership development;
• How your experience with discrimination, economic disadvantage, family or personal adversity, or other hardships demonstrates your ability to lead, or serve the public or those in need;
• How living in a foreign country, rural or isolated community, or speaking a language other than English at home has better equipped you to attend and flourish in law school;
• Any unusual career goals, employment history, or educational background (including graduate study);
• Demonstrate unusual courage, determination, or inspiration that stems from overcoming hardship, including violence, illness, or natural disaster;
• Any unusual extracurricular achievement (including school or community service).

If you believe any item in your application requires clarification, you are welcome to submit a brief addendum to address the issue. However, an addendum is not another opportunity to submit a personal statement; it should be a concise statement addressing a particular aspect of your application.

USC Gould requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service (CAS). If you completed any postsecondary work outside the United States (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service (unless your foreign education was through a study abroad, consortium or exchange program sponsored by a U.S. or Canadian institution and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript). A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), which will be incorporated into your CAS report.

Foreign-educated applicants are not required to take the TOEFL exam. However, if you have taken the TOEFL exam, you must report your score on the application.

Non-resident applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships but are not eligible for federal financial aid.

USC Gould School of Law is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, political beliefs, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or age.

View the university's notice of non-discrimination.

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Want to be a Trojan? USC Personal Statement Essay Examples

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Interested in applying to the University of Southern California? Here are some USC student profiles for you to learn more about university and its application.

University of Southern California is a top private university on the west coast. Located in sunny Los Angeles, USC is very popular among high school students, proven by the most recent admissions cycle where they received over 64,000 applications .

What makes USC so popular? A part from its location, USC also offers students a diverse range of strong academic programs. The university has 13 undergraduate schools that offer prospective students the chance to dive deep into a subject matter that is not always offered as a major:

Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Leventhal School of Accounting

School of Architecture

Roski School of Art and Design

Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy

Marshall School of Business

School of Cinematic Arts

Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Viterbi School of Engineering

School of Dramatic Arts

Sol Price School of Public Policy

Thornton School of Music

Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

Many of these undergraduate schools/programs only accept a handful of students, making the application process even more selective. If USC is on your list, check out the profiles of the following USC students and get a sneak peek at what they wrote about in their USC personal statement:

1. Essay Topic: Failure Experience & Summer Experience

Essay Excerpt from MayaJayT

University of Southern California ‘21

“I can only tread for a little bit longer. I focus on my hands and feet swirling around in vicious little circles to keep my head above the water. It’s the only thing that can distract me from the thousands of square feet of open water that surround me on all sides. The waves are so choppy; I can barely see the shore in the distance. I try not to think about the fact that I am alone in the middle of Chesapeake Bay right before a storm…Oh wait, I’m not alone.”

Unlock her USC student profile to read her full application essay!

2. Essay Topic: Interest in Med/Sci/Math

Essay Excerpt from Joshuaargote

University of Southern California ‘22

“I was five thousand miles away from Washington waking to a desert landscape, Bolivia, with brick houses enclosed by barbed fences as far as the eye could see. Arriving just in time, I took a deep breath and stood before my audience: students, parents, and teachers. “Hoy dia,” I steadied my voice, “You will learn different ways to use biotechnology.” An old taupe-colored fabric on the wall unveiled a beautiful heliocentric DNA, kindling an audible awe from the audience.”

Unlock his USC application file to read his personal statement about his interest in the STEM field.  

3. Essay Topic: Diversity Statement & Volunteer/Public Interest Work

Essay Excerpt from Jaelencruz

“Freshman and Sophomore year of high school I tutored 1st graders at Kempton Elementary math and reading. Since the classes were classified as bilingual, I explained subjects in both Spanish and English thus making me a valuable asset to the teacher. My decision to peer tutor at this school was influenced by my desire to ‘pay it forward’. When I attended this school as a student, a high school student tutored me in my reading. The experience encouraged me to stay motivated and shaped me as a student because I realized someone cared and believed in me.”

Unlock her USC profile to read her college essay about her time tutoring!

4. Essay Topic: Story Central to Identity

Essay Excerpt from Croesquared

“My favorite book of all time is Catch-22. I’ve loved it ever since I read it years ago at age 12. I have shown it to everyone I meet. Thanks to me, there is no a copy of Catch-22 in the school library, in case anyone wants to read it. I know it’s not a book for everyone, but that has not stopped my proselytizing. Catch-22’s characters are so lovable and fun to read about that I analyze my favorites for hours just to pick up all of the hidden deetail that Joseph Heller expertly incorporated into the story. They’ve influenced me as I incorporate the lessons of the book into my personality. I’ve always been attracted to the hero of the story, Yossarian.”

Check out his USC student profile to find out more about how Catch-22 influenced his life.

5. Essay Topic: Challenged a Belief

Essay Excerpt from  Ingoma

“Public speaking has never been my forte. Speaking, in general, has never been my forte. Part of the reason is due to my fear public speaking; which only increased when I began high school. What also increased was my passion for justice. I am afraid of speaking out at times, but when I hear something I don’t think is right, I have to speak up.”

View her USC profile to learn how she dealt with her fear of public speaking.

Hope this was helpful for those considering applying to USC this fall! Interested in reading these students’ full supplemental essays in addition to their personal statements? Unlock all of them in one go with our USC Package !

Applying this year? For access to our college profiles, upgrade to our premium plans offer different levels of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school.

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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USC Essay Examples

Usc essay examples – introduction .

If you’ve been searching for USC Essay Examples, you’re in the right place. The University of Southern California is a private university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880, USC has 21,000 undergraduates and is a premier research university in the United States. So, it’s no surprise that the USC admissions is very competitive. The most recent USC acceptance rate was under 12% , lower than the average USC acceptance rate of 16%. 

USC has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,790 students, as of Fall 2021. It is ranked #25 in the U.S. News College Rankings. Its ranking, paired with the low USC acceptance rate, qualifies USC as a very competitive university. According to their website , most first-year students were in the top 10% of their high school class.

An Overview of USC Application Requirements

To understand how to get into USC, you must thoroughly examine the USC application requirements. This includes the USC supplemental essays. In this article about USC essay examples, we’ll look at USC essays that worked. We’ll also provide a breakdown of why these USC supplemental essay examples were effective. That way, you can learn how to write the best USC essay.

Let’s take a closer look at the USC application requirements. When you apply, you’ll submit several USC supplemental essays in addition to your Common App or Coalition App personal statement . Below, we will go through each of the USC essay prompts for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. We’ll also provide USC essay examples and USC supplemental essays examples. 

How many supplemental essays does USC have?

Technically there are 12-13 USC supplemental essays. However, don’t let that number scare you. Most of these are short answer essays, which are much easier to write than the typical supplemental essay.

The USC application only requires you to write one or two 250-word supplemental essays depending on your choice of major. You’ll also complete 10 short answer essays and one optional 250-word essay.

You should mostly focus on the required USC essay (or essays). Most students will only complete the required USC essay prompts. We’ll explore some USC supplemental essays examples—or USC essays that worked—later on in this article. That way, you can understand how to craft a successful USC essay.

Essays are a key part of the USC application requirements. So, use these USC essay examples as a blueprint. Then, model your USC essays after our USC supplemental essays examples. Remember, the USC essays are a way for USC admissions to learn more about your unique experiences. By reading your USC essays, USC learns who you are beyond the numbers and why you belong on campus. 

As of this year, USC admissions is test-optional . This means that the SAT/ACT is not part of the USC application requirements. If you don’t submit test scores, writing strong USC supplemental essays is even more important. So, make sure you understand why these USC supplemental essays examples stood out. Read these USC essay examples of USC essays that worked to learn what will make your USC essay shine.

What are the USC essay prompts?

Usc supplemental essay requirements for 2022-2023.

• Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words) (REQUIRED)
• Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break. (OPTIONAL)

The second USC essay prompt listed above is optional and is not included in the USC application requirements. So, we have not included it in our USC supplemental essays examples. If this prompt applies to your experience, you should answer it. Try to be straightforward and honest about your personal reasons for having a gap in your educational history. 

USC Short Answer Essays

For the USC application requirements, applicants are also asked to complete 10 short-answer questions. These are not the same length as the USC supplemental essays or the other USC supplemental essays examples. They have a 25-100 character limit. 

The short answer USC supplemental essays are:

• Describe yourself in three words. 
• What is your favorite snack?
• Best movie of all time:

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Dream trip:, what tv show will you binge watch next, which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate, favorite book:, if you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be.

These short answer USC supplemental essays, or “ short takes ,” are designed to help USC get to know you personally. These are more straightforward than the longer “Why USC” essay examples that we’ll look at. So, don’t stress yourself out trying to choose the perfect answer! This could be a chance to showcase parts of your personality that aren’t clear from the rest of your USC application. 

When reading this article on USC essay examples, keep in mind that the USC essay prompts are subject to change. That means the USC essay examples below will not match perfectly to the USC essay prompts above. They also might not match USC essay examples from other previous years.

However, these USC essay examples that worked can still provide insight into what makes USC supplemental essays successful. This can help you learn how to make your USC essay stand out to the USC admissions committee.

Before diving into the USC essay examples, take a short break with our college admissions quiz! 

USC essay examples

First, we’ll go over the two longer USC essay prompts. Then, we’ll analyze some USC essay examples—not just any examples, but specifically USC essays that worked. 

The first of our USC essay examples answers a USC essay prompt from a previous year. Though this question is not available this year, it can still be helpful. Remember, the USC supplemental essays give you the chance to highlight aspects of your identity and beliefs. As these USC supplemental essays examples demonstrate, when writing your USC supplemental essay, you should reveal something unique about your experiences. 

USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. (250 words)

Usc essay examples #1.

“Maybe I’m playing the devil’s advocate here, but rural white Americans have been marginalized by our economy. Think about coal-miners whose livelihoods depend on this job. Imagine how threatening global warming policies would be.” Silence. Shock was discernible in the sideways glances of my peers, who like me, were processing this statement.

I attend a private Christian high school. Located in the heart of Hollywood, it has exposed me to diversity of many kinds: religious, racial, and socioeconomic. However, the majority of us hold the same political views, hence our aforementioned reaction. Here he was– teaching at a liberal L.A. high school– asking us to consider the opposing perspective. In this climate of increasing political polarization, his proposition was refreshing. I found solace in this newfound ability to analyze current issues through an academic lens and explore different perspectives in the safety of our classroom. These discussions helped me recognize and overcome my own unconscious bias for the sake of learning, which ultimately expanded my worldview.

At a crossroads to either remain happily entrapped in the bubble of my beliefs, or expose myself to new perspectives, I chose the path of most resistance, bursting the bubble of political ignorance that threatens to divide people. Rather than delegitimizing different outlooks, I will embrace diversity at USC, listening to every perspective with an open mind. Though I initially misunderstood him, I realize now that my teacher had the right mentality; we could all stand to play the devil’s advocate once in a while.

Why did this USC essay work?

To write one of the many USC essays that worked, you must tell a concise and thoughtful story. Your essay should highlight aspects of your personality not seen elsewhere in your application.

As the first of our USC supplemental essays examples demonstrates, many successful USC supplemental essays also describe a personal change. This USC essay example shows the admissions committee that this applicant is a critical thinker with the ability to self-reflect. 

Of course, we don’t know who the writers of these USC supplemental essays examples are. Still, this essay discusses a piece of the writer’s experience likely not clear from their extracurriculars or intended major . Successful USC essay examples, however, should highlight a student’s character. Whether the author is a pre-med student or a history buff, their understanding of political polarization adds depth and to their profile. In this USC essay example, we don’t just learn who the author is. We also learn how they think and how they would operate on USC’s campus.

Growth narrative

Crucially, this USC essay example does not just describe an experience. It also focuses on the personal growth the student underwent. When thinking about what experiences to write about for your USC supplementals, ask yourself: how did this experience change me? What were my views on myself and the world before this experience, and what were my views after? As shown in the best of our USC supplemental essays examples, this essay demonstrates that the student has undergone a change in perspective. 

Additionally, our USC supplemental essays examples are well-structured and concise. This essay is no exception. When you only have 250 words to tell a story, a clear structure is paramount. By choosing to start with a quote from a teacher and moving into an anecdote, the writer immediately puts us, the readers, in their place. In this USC essay example, an anecdote serves as the “hook” for the essay. It engages the reader and makes them listen to what the author has to say.

As the author of these USC supplemental essays examples demonstrates, you should “hook” your reader with an attention-grabbing statement. Then, use the rest of your essay to tell your story. The writer’s use of an anecdote in their USC essay example grabs our attention. It makes us want to finish reading their USC supplemental essay—and offer them a spot at USC.

Why USC Essay Examples

The next two USC supplemental essays examples are examples of the “Why USC?” essay. The “Why USC” essay serves to convey to the USC admissions committee why you belong at USC. It does so through two “whys”: first, why you would like to go to USC, and second, why USC admissions should accept you.

In these USC supplemental essays examples, the writers detail their academic plans. They also highlight why USC is the best place for them to pursue those plans. Read these two USC essay examples to see how these students used their USC supplemental essays to enhance their USC applications. 

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Max 250 words)

Why usc essay examples #1.

Eleven years of dancing have given me a unique fascination for human biology. With each grand jeté and every pirouette, the biological systems in my body—circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and skeletal—operate together in their own constant dance, their harmonious movement choreographed by the brain. I am amazed by our bodies’ complexity, present even in the simplest of acts (it takes just eight muscles to point my toes). I’ve chosen to major in Human Biology, confident it will satisfy the insatiable curiosity I developed in dance class. Not only would its core requirements build upon what I’ve already explored in high school, it would allow me to delve into topics that pique my interest: genetics, evolutionary medicine, and neurobiology. 

While Human Biology would stimulate my intellect, my second choice major—Global Health— would challenge me to apply biology to the real world. Through this interdisciplinary major, I would be expanding various science-based courses to the humanities through electives like AIDS in Society and Cultural Competence in Medicine. Both of these majors are career-oriented and excite me to be a Trojan.

Although my ultimate goal is to become a doctor (possibly a neurologist), I am very passionate about doing missionary work in Peru after I finish pre-med. Applying my medical studies to serving impoverished Peruvian communities would give purpose to my family’s sacrifices for my education, and it would answer the question I have always asked myself: How can I make the greatest change in the world?

Let’s take a closer look at the second of our USC supplemental essays examples. As one of our “Why USC” essay examples, it focuses on specific majors and courses that will help the applicant achieve their career goals. When writing a “why USC” essay, or any “Why this college” essay, consider specificity . This student could study biology anywhere, so why should they study it at USC?

Their answer in this USC supplemental is clear, thoughtful, and well-explained. In the first of our Why USC essay examples, the student highlights USC’s majors of Human Biology and Global Health . It shows how these programs would provide the interdisciplinary education that this student is looking for. The unique electives will not only help the student on their way to becoming a doctor; they would also contribute to their humanitarian passions. 

A great hook

The “hook” of this why USC essays examples also makes it special. The student weaves dance,  one of their extracurriculars, into why they want to study human biology . In number two of our USC supplemental essays examples, this student employs a creative tactic to uniting two seemingly disparate interests: dance and a career in medicine. If the USC admissions committee were just reading this student’s resume and intended major without their USC supplemental, they would have no idea how this students’ hours of dance practice related to their dreams of becoming a doctor . Compared to other Why USC essay examples, this essay adds crucial information to the student’s USC application. 

Why USC Essay Examples #2

Captivated by connections between biology, public policy, and the social sciences, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare leadership that, uniting these fields, enables me to enhance the health and wellbeing of broad populations. USC’s strong focus on interdisciplinary exploration within and outside the classroom would encourage me to develop the necessary capacity to collaborate across multiple pathways, while building a deep understanding of the systems and complexities underlying the challenges of managing population health.

The Global Health and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention majors would allow me to explore these complexities through courses such as Case Studies in Global Health, which surveys different international responses to healthcare crises. Through Behavioral Medicine and Biological & Behavioral Basis of Disease, I could pursue my interests in psychology and study with faculty who focus on systemic connections, like one professor’s investigations into the overlap between behavioral health and biological stress responses. 

USC’s interconnectedness extends beyond pure academics—working with the Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, particularly the Ensuring Human Rights in Family Planning & Contraceptive Programs initiative, could provide valuable hands-on experience navigating social issues in a medical context. Similarly, the USC Inter-Health Council would provide unique opportunities to interact with diverse groups within a healthcare framework.

Increasingly, healthcare advances come with pressing questions about how to most efficiently and equitably manage them for the greatest public impact. USC’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning offers the perfect environment to develop the multifaceted knowledge and creativity needed to successfully address these challenges.

Similar to the previous example, the third of our three USC supplemental essays examples shines in its specificity. The student who wrote the second one of these Why USC essay examples clearly has done their research. They list multiple unique opportunities that only USC could offer. They have gone further than only looking at class listings and professors. In fact, they specifically address the organizations that they could only access at USC. 

Moreover, the third of these USC supplemental essays examples strikes a great balance . First, it shows that the student has done research about USC for their USC application. However, it does so while showcasing the student’s personal passions and goals.

In this USC essay, the student first details their own desire to “pursue a career in healthcare leadership” that would affect broad change. They also explain their need for an interdisciplinary course to achieve this goal. Then, finally, they explain how USC offered the best possible education for their personal purposes. 

How do I write a USC supplemental essay?

Now that you’ve read some USC essay examples that worked, you might wonder about your own USC essay. So, how can you write a USC essay that is as successful as these USC supplemental essays examples?

The key to supplemental essays is in the name: they should supplement your application materials. Your USC supplemental essays should add depth to your USC application. In doing so, they should help the USC admissions committee understand who you are. We can assume that our USC essay examples each added a piece to the puzzle of the writer’s identity. For example, the student who wrote about how dance inspired their interest in Human Biology. 

Three key criteria to keep in mind while considering how to write your USC supplemental essays are:

• Personality

In the USC example essay about different perspectives, we see how structure plays a role in how we read an essay. The essay had a clear beginning, middle, and end. It started with a particular experience, told us how that experience changed the student, and ended with how the student would act at USC given the lesson they had learned. 

When writing a USC supplemental, content means: what is this essay about? No topic is off-limits (though we would discourage you from choosing overly-done topics like winning the big game, overcoming a sports injury, going on a mission trip, or dealing with a loss). Overall, whatever you choose should be meaningful to you. Writing about something that matters to you will automatically make your essay stronger. It will also demonstrate that you are a passionate individual. In the third USC essay example, you can tell that the writer cares deeply about pursuing a career in health leadership. The USC essay is focused and clear. 

Personality in your essays

When thinking about how personality factors into your supplemental, think about authenticity. What are the things that make you, you? Think of the author of the second USC essay example. In their USC essay, they combine their dance extracurricular with their desire to study medicine. Then, they close the essay with a statement of their desire to make a positive impact on the world.

At first glance, these are all unrelated ideas. However, by using a comprehensive structure, the writer showcases many aspects of their personality in only 250 words. As long as you steer clear of anything too personal (ask yourself: would you discuss this at the dinner table?), you are free to highlight your unique strengths and traits in your supplemental.

USC states on their website that they look for “a diverse group of students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions, who will enrich each other’s education by challenging each other, inside the classroom and out.” They expect your essay and short answer responses to help them “get to know your personality and your voice.” So, use your USC essays to showcase your unique perspective. Throughout your USC application, try to show USC admissions how you would contribute to the community. 

Additional Tips to Write the USC Supplemental Essays

Let’s break down this USC supplemental essay. This USC essay prompt asks you to explain your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. The USC essay can include your first and second choice major selections. Though this is seemingly optional, it is recommended. In fact, both of the USC essay examples detailed in this article list multiple major choices. 

Of course, a plan to pursue your academic interests must involve choosing a major. So, you should first reflect on what major you want to pursue at USC. If you’re not sure how to choose, USC has its own suggestions on how to select a major . Remember, whatever major you choose, you can always change it once you are admitted to the school. The USC admissions team just wants to understand how your academic interests will manifest at USC. So, you need to detail specific programs and majors that you are interested in. Look at our Why USC Essay examples above if you need inspiration for your USC supplemental.

Brainstorming

Once you have decided on your intended USC major, you can begin brainstorming for your USC essay. Think long term—what do you hope to achieve with your USC education? How can USC help you not only follow your academic interests but, more importantly, achieve your larger goals? Remember the second of our “Why USC” essay examples: without knowing the author’s goal of becoming a leader in healthcare leadership, we wouldn’t understand the importance of pursuing an interdisciplinary education. 

Also, always remember to highlight your personality. If you don’t share your unique story in your USC supplemental, your essay won’t enrich your USC application. If the USC admissions committee comes away from your USC essay learning more about USC than they do about you, then you haven’t done a thorough job with your USC supplemental essays.

USC Short Answer Essay Examples

When writing your short USC supplemental essays, don’t overthink it! Have fun with these ones. As long as you don’t say anything offensive or inappropriate, you can answer honestly. 

Remember that even though these questions are short and fun, you’re not answering them in a vacuum. Each of these questions still contributes to the story your USC application tells. For example, if you have a long list of TV shows to binge-watch, pick the one that best adds to your application– someone interested in animation might pick Bojack Horseman instead of Grey’s Anatomy .

If you need more prompting to spark your creativity, check out our more detailed review of these short USC supplemental essays from a previous year’s guide . 

University of Southern California (USC) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

How to craft original short answer responses

We’ve gone over some USC essay examples and what made them shine. Now, you might be wondering how to write unique, original short answer responses with only 100 characters. These short answer questions aren’t unlike the other USC supplementals. All USC essays that worked will highlight what makes a certain student unique. For these particularly short USC essays—as with the longer USC essay examples—the most important aspect is that you are true to yourself. 

The second piece of advice to consider when crafting these short answer USC supplemental essays is to pick the most creative choice. As long as you’re answering honestly, you have a lot of room to pick the answer that you think is the most fun or tells the most about how you view the world. But remember: the goal is to create the best possible depiction of yourself, not to be the “perfect” applicant. 

Here are some short USC essay examples to get the brain juices flowing. 

Let’s say I’m a student who is passionate about theater and want to go into K-12 education:

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl

Watching an original production of Shakespeare in the Globe Theater

Abbott Elementary

Mrs. Frizzle

The BFG by Roald Dahl

“‘Vocal Adrenaline’? The Science of Singing as Depicted in 21st Century Popular Media”

So, why did these essays work?

As this hypothetical student, I’ve:

• Listed things that I genuinely care about 
• Tied my answers into the story of my application ( Abbot Elementary is a show about teaching, The BFG is a well-known children’s book, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a musical theater song where the character won’t be stopped from achieving her dreams)
• Showed creativity and personality in my answers (traveling back in time to see Shakespeare, using the show choir team from Glee as the title of my class on vocal science). 

USC Supplemental Essay Top 5 Tips

With such a low USC acceptance rate, your supplemental essays are crucial to impress the admissions committee. Now that you have read and analyzed these USC essay examples, you are far better prepared to write your USC supplementals. That way, you can create the strongest possible USC application. 

Top 5 Tips for crafting your USC essay prompts:

✔️three key facets.

Remember the three key facets of a good supplemental essay: structure, content, and personality. In USC essays that worked, you’ll find that the author uses a strong structure to convey their ideas. They also make sure their character shines through. Strong USC essay examples paint a vivid picture of who the writer is and how they’d contribute to campus life.

✔️Focus on what matters to you

If you write passionately about something that matters to you, the essay will automatically be more effective. All of the USC essays that worked embody this perspective. So, use our USC essay examples as inspiration. Then, apply what you’ve learned from our Why USC essay examples (and other USC essay examples) to your own writing.

✔️Be detailed and specific

Be specific and do your research—take points from the Why USC essay examples. The more specific you are in your USC essays, the stronger they’ll be. The USC application process is competitive, so you should do all you can to stand out.

✔️Authenticity is key

Be vulnerable —let the USC admissions committee get to know you. As with all aspects of the college admissions process, authenticity is key. Be yourself in your USC supplementals.

✔️ Fill in the gaps

Use your essays to cover any gaps in knowledge that USC might have from the rest of your USC application. 

USC Essay Examples – Final Thoughts and Tips

The best way to become a writer of one of the few “USC essays that worked” is to study USC essay examples. The USC essay prompts change over the years. Still, how to get into USC despite the low USC acceptance rate always depends on the same factors.

Those factors are:

• Meeting the USC application requirements
• Crafting strong essays
• Doing all you can to help the admissions committee paint a comprehensive, compelling picture of who you are

So, use our USC essay examples to jump start your writing process. We hope they help you write clear and compelling USC essays. Finally, for more advice on how to write the best supplemental essays for USC, check out our blogs from previous years.

This article was written by Rachel Kahn . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Dental Residents CV & Personal Statement Writing

• Personal Statements

A note regarding services

Wilson Dental Library staff and librarians do  not review or edit CVs or personal statements.

Top 10 Dos for Personal Statement Writing

• Focus your statement with a thesis statement or main idea
• Choose what you want to write about before you write.  Put your ideas in order. 
• Use concrete examples from your own life. 
• Write about what excites you and interests you about the field of residency.
• Start your personal statement with something attention grabbing.
• End with a conclusion that refers back to the thesis statement or main idea.
• REVISE, REVISE, REVISE!
• Ask someone else to read your statement.
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
• Write clearly and concisely.  You don't need to impress your reader with poetic language either. 

Major Questions to Answer

• WHY have you selected this field of study?
• WHAT  motivates you to learn more about this field? 
• WHAT  do you want the committee to know about you that hasn't already been disclosed elsewhere in your application? 

Things to Consider

• Essays for residency will likely be more limited in scope - you are focusing on a specific specialty.  Why do you want to be a part of this specific specialty? 
• Find a 'hook' or something that will hold your reader. An essay for residency should focus on current topics/dental issues in the specialty. 
• If descriptive stories and anecdotes are done WELL, they can be a useful tool.  
• You've already listed your accomplishments on your CV.  There's no need to rehash them. 
• If you do want to highlight your accomplishments, elaborate on them and give concrete examples of what you DID. 
• ALWAYS link your statement to the specialty.  WHY do you want to do this?  What are your motivations? 
• Eliminate cliches. 
• Reflect professionalism.  Poorly written essays can sabotage your chances.
• Be sure to demonstrate compassion, social justice, but also be sure that if you write about being someone who is a compassionate humanitarian, that your CV reflects it. 

Things You May Want to Include

Include: 

• Personality traits that might make you a good fit for the program
• Challenges in the profession
• Teaching interests
• Research interests
• Life-long learning concepts
• Humanitarian service
• Next: CVs >>
• Last Updated: Aug 8, 2024 10:42 AM
• URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/healthsciences/statements

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Key searches, admission requirements, on-campus application deadlines.

Find deadlines and requirements for the Online MPH Program .

Find eligibility and requirements for the Progressive Degree Program .

Applicants to the Master of Public Health program should satisfy all requirements for admission to the  Graduate School . Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted to select programs.

The GRE is not required.

Official transcripts must be received from each accredited college or university attended.

Completion of at least one college level quantitative course

ALL letters must be less than a year old and on department letterhead. At least one letter must be academic. Letters from peer colleagues or friends will not be accepted.

Statement of Purpose and Objectives should be approximately 2-3 pages addressing both of the following questions:

• Why are you interested in pursuing the MPH degree at the University of Southern California?
• How will an MPH degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?
• Curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resume

Additional requirements for international applicants

How to Apply

Apply to the program via SOPHAS

• Prepare to apply by gathering all materials and information to complete your online application. These materials include personal statement, resume/CV, recommender’s information, personal, financial and education information. International applicants should review additional requirements .
• Create a SOPHAS account and complete all parts of the online application
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• instructions for domestic applicants
• instructions for international applicants

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3 USC Essay Examples By Accepted Students

The University of Southern California is a selective private school in Los Angeles. Its film school is consistently ranked the top in the country, though its other academic programs are incredibly strong as well.

USC requires applicants to fill out a variety of prompts, some in the form of essays and others as short-answer questions. In this post, we’ll go over three essays that helped real students gain acceptance to USC and explain what each essay did well and where it could be improved. 

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our USC essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

(Also, CollegeVine has a ton of other resources for your USC application. Want to learn what USC will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering USC needs to know. ) 

Essay Example #1 – 10 Minutes to Change the World

At what point does injustice become background noise?

Bloodied black bodies can be “liked” on Instagram. Gunshots in classrooms are easily reposted via Tiktok. My generation’s digital environment is so overwhelming we’re desensitized. Given the numbing nature of dark humor, youth prefer it over justice. Rape culture is palatable once it’s a punchline. Laughter is more socially acceptable than tears. 

A recent documentary about Jeffery Dahmer (which his victim’s family members did not consent to) has led to several callous jokes about his horrifying devastation of the Black gay community. Tiktok now hosts several trends concerning Dahmer, all spearheaded by Generation Z youth.

Humor is a valid coping mechanism, but it’s now a crutch for a generation that needs to start walking on its own. 

Why is shock humor desired today? Dark humor was how I grappled with my internalized racism, partly triggered by enduring racial slurs at school. However, the hilarity fizzled out once I realized how counterproductive it was. Now, rather than reposting footage of global tragedies or joking about them, I promote new bills, pro-cause literature, and nonprofits, celebrating the proactivity of our nation.

To begin my conversation, I would address my own desensitization, urging my audience to examine theirs as well. Through my talk, I want individuals to undergo a transformative examination of social media consumption and the role of humor in the face of tragedy. Hopefully, my talk leads them to consider how they can work to alleviate social issues, rather than laughing at them.

What the Essay Did Well

This prompt is incredibly open, which can be both a blessing and a curse: you can write about anything you want, but with that much freedom, will you be able to focus on something specific? For this student, the answer to that question is unquestionably yes, as they do a phenomenal job writing about a creative, nuanced topic, in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

The topic they choose is also personal, which is important. The purpose of any college essay is to teach your readers something about who you are, and if you write about a topic that you know a lot about, but aren’t emotionally invested in (like, say, the different kinds of screwdrivers you learned about while helping your dad with a summer project), your personality won’t shine through.

This student, however, focuses not on racism in general, which is far too broad a topic for an essay this short, but on the problematic ways Gen Z copes with racism. That unique perspective shows that the student both has strong critical thinking skills and can reflect on their own experiences. And to take things a step further, they are also willing to get vulnerable, and acknowledge their own role in perpetuating the very issue they are highlighting, with the section:

“Dark humor was how I grappled with my internalized racism, partly triggered by enduring racial slurs at school. However, the hilarity fizzled out once I realized how counterproductive it was. Now, rather than reposting footage of global tragedies or joking about them, I promote new bills, pro-cause literature, and nonprofits, celebrating the proactivity of our nation.”

In this part of the essay, the student shows a remarkable level of humility, and an ability to work on themselves. While getting vulnerable with a bunch of strangers thousands of miles away is not easy, this especially deep self-reflection is what takes this essay from good to great.

In addition to zooming in on their own character, the student also zooms out from their own experience, to arrive at thoughtful, compelling takeaways that assuredly would hold the attention of a million people. Lines such as “Humor is a valid coping mechanism, but it’s now a crutch for a generation that needs to start walking on its own” and “Given the numbing nature of dark humor, youth prefer it over justice. Rape culture is palatable once it’s a punchline. Laughter is more socially acceptable than tears” show that this student is not only personally invested in this issue, but ready to start taking steps towards solving it.

Lastly, this essay is incredibly well-written and easy to follow. The passionate yet conversational tone stays true to the goal of the prompt (start a conversation!), and because of the writer’s varied sentence structure, we never get bored or want to stop reading.

What Could Be Improved 

The main problem with this essay comes in its last paragraph: 

“To begin my conversation, I would address my own desensitization, urging my audience to examine theirs as well. Through my talk, I want individuals to undergo a transformative examination of social media consumption and the role of humor in the face of tragedy. Hopefully, my talk leads them to consider how they can work to alleviate social issues, rather than laughing at them.”

Unfortunately, this paragraph doesn’t tell us anything we don’t already know, which unfortunately means the student has essentially wasted 63 words in a 250 word essay. If you write a strong essay (which this student does), you do not need to wrap things up or connect your answer back to the prompt explicitly. Those things will just happen naturally.

Instead of this paraphrased, overly tidy conclusion, the student could have painted a picture of what their talk would look like. For example:

“Hopefully, I can inspire my audience to reflect on their own desensitization, as I did, by describing the time I retweeted ten Trump memes in an hour, and how that did absolutely nothing to help me feel better about the state of the country. Turning away from band-aid solutions and committing to sucking the poison out of the wound is challenging, but I hope that through my talk and conversations my listeners have with each other afterwards, more of us will feel ready to take on that challenge.”

This version doesn’t just summarize points the student has already made, but rather presents us with tangible ways (reflecting on their own low moments; conversations after their talk) they hope to continue fighting back against desensitization.

Essay Example #2 – The Power of Debate

Prompt:   What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? (250 words)

“Chill. Out.”

Surely my classmates felt annoyed that I had transformed a simple English debate about the existence of the American Dream into a full-on tirade, hands revolving in furious circles, voice emphatically piercing throughout the room. But for me, the slightest mention of a debate, even a minor discussion on the best team in the NFL (Patriots!), unleashes my passionate, borderline bombastic self, determined to conquer the war of words.

Of course, when discussing the merits of pharmaceutical price controls at a debate tournament, my assertive speaking style and quick-thinking become valuable assets. But other times, I find those tendencies to hinder what would otherwise be productive, civilized conversations. Often, a simple discussion about the merits of pineapple on pizza would quickly devolve into a redundant, unproductive squabble. I have to constantly remind myself that not everything needs to be debated endlessly, no matter how much I vehemently disagree (Pineapple on pizza, however, is a TERRIBLE idea).

Yet it is this desire to seek truth and conclusion, to vouch for my beliefs, that drives me to my life endeavors. Whether it be interning at an immigration law firm and fighting for clients’ prosperity or volunteering for a local Board of Education candidate, I strive to focus my love for reasoning and dialogue into avenues that benefit those around me. Pointless debates lead nowhere, but insightful, genuine conversations are essential to addressing the key issues that affect our community. And honestly, pineapple on pizza doesn’t really matter that much anyway.

Not only does this essay start with a one-line paragraph, it starts with two sentence fragments. This is a great way to begin a college app essay, because let’s face it: admissions readers have to plow through hundreds of essays per day. They don’t want to pick apart drawn-out introductions. They want something that’s going to pique their interest, and “ Chill. Out. ” meets this requirement. It immediately creates a drive to read more: what is the conflict here? Who’s saying “chill out,” and why? 

Throughout this essay, the writer uses physical and powerful verbs to describe their passion for debating. If you went through the essay with red pen, you’d underline a lot of dynamic action: “ vehemently disagree ,”  “ drive ,” “ conquer the wa r,” “ voice piercing through the room .”  Words like these involve the reader physically in the action of debate in a way that drier words, like “respond” or “address” would not. As a result, the applicant comes across as enthusiastic and passionate.  And, as the icing on the cake, the violent words make the author’s personal growth – their stoic mastery over their passions – resonate as more truthful by the end of the essay. We can appreciate their calm, because we’ve experienced their storm. 

By far, the most important element of this essay is its focus on a personal transformation . This applicant could have relished in their success on debate team or the Board of Education, but they don’t – instead, they involve these occurrences in a narrative about their fatal flaw . 

Why is this attractive to an admissions reader? Well, because it demonstrates that the applicant is introspective and interested in improving themself in deeply personal ways. For example, it takes humility to insert yourself into the perspectives of others (“ surely my classmates felt annoyed ”). And it takes honesty to 1) identify a problem with yourself and 2) correct your behavior (“ I have to constantly remind myself that not everything needs to be debated ”). 

What Could Be Improved

There is honestly very little this student needs to do to strengthen this essay as it already is captivating, passionate, and illuminating. However, a word of caution is to make sure the mood of your essay matches your personality. This essay works because as far as we can tell from what this student tells us about themselves and the activities they engage in, they are outspoken, quick-thinking, and love to exchange ideas. These qualities all lend themselves to a fast-paced, dynamic essay. But if that isn’t you, don’t try and inject powerful language into your essay to have the same impact as this student. Make sure your essay reflects you and the story you are trying to tell.

Essay Example #3 – Admitting You Were Wrong

This essay covers the difficult topics of eating disorders and mental health. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

Prompt: USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. Please discuss the significance of the experience and its effect on you. (250 words)

“You barely have lunch, and I’m worried that you’re not eating enough.”

My face burnt bright red. They know.

It was true, of course. Throughout sophomore year, my daily food intake slowly inched below 1,500 calories, barely enough to sustain a toddler. Six months in, my period halted its monthly cycle – hormonal amenorrhea. Tired, anxious, scared. Yet, nothing deterred the voice in my head from telling me that I would never be small enough.

With an already petite stature, my health was never questioned; people seldom criticized my diet or the amount of space I occupied in a room. Skinny was healthy, and I bought into that myth. Until I started to listen. I listened as my friend confronted me with her concerns. For the first time, I was exposed to a new definition of health detached from fear foods and aesthetics. Not immediately convinced but willing to change, her perspective encouraged me to do the research and reflect on my health subjectively. In the following week, dietetic research papers and videos filled my search history; the verdict was glaringly clear. I was wrong.

Today, I exercise for adrenaline. I eat for fuel. I recognize my worth beyond the number on the scale. Listening to a different perspective was all it took for me to unravel the flaws of my own, and that, as I currently eat the rest of the holiday toffee pretzels unabashedly, is something that I am forever thankful for.

This student opened up about a deeply personal topic in a that really allowed the reader to see the mental and physical effect her eating disorder had on her. We aren’t just told she had an eating disorder and when she was confronted by a friend it changed her perspective; we are shown  what she suffered through and what her original perspective was. 

Admitting to thoughts about the “ amount of space [she] occupied in a room ” and how “ Skinny was healthy”  demonstrates very clearly her mental stance on her body. That contrasts with her admission of her physical health: “ my daily food intake slowly inched below 1,500 calories, barely enough to sustain a toddler ” and “ my period halted its monthly cycle. ” Describing both the mental and physical aspects help us to understand the depth of the struggle she went through and how deeply engrained she was in her current way of thinking.

This essay has a triumphant ending that warms our heart for the student because she was able to find help and conquer her eating disorder. The last paragraph nicely reflects on the effect this new idea had on the student by showing us her new mental approach to food and her weight: “ Today, I exercise for adrenaline. I eat for fuel. I recognize my worth beyond the number on the scale. ” Finishing the essay with her giving thanks for eating “ holiday toffee pretzels unabashedly ” brings a light-hearted conclusion to a serious essay and leaves the reader with a smile on their face for how far this student has come. 

While the narrative this student tells is very good, it reads more like an “Overcoming Challenges” essay than a “New Beliefs” essay. This could be fixed with more attention to the encounter with her friend and her subsequent research on eating healthy.

We are simply told, “ I listened as my friend confronted me with her concerns, ” and that through that experience she was “ exposed to a new definition of health detached from fear foods and aesthetics. ” However, what we want to see is how this student grappled with the confrontation and what her mental and emotional response was to learning new information that contradicted her previous assumptions.

Like in the beginning, a quote from her friend would be a nice way to place the reader in the action. This student also provided us with a lot of introspection about her eating disorder, so the essay should pay the same amount of attention to her overcoming it. For example, she might write something like this:

“ ‘We are all concerned for you.’ The sad eyes of my friend roamed over my thinning body, and I heard my heart shatter. I wasn’t just hurting myself, I was causing all my friends and family to worry. ‘I think you’ll like this article.’ Turning her computer around, big bold letters ran across the screen: YOU ARE MORE THAN A NUMBER. I hesitated in the moment, terrified of letting go of the societal message to be skinny that had become my mantra. But as my sunken, tired eyes looked back at me in the mirror that night, I opened up the article and learned just how wrong I had been. ” 

Where to Get Your USC Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your USC essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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Personal statement question: word count

Hi all, I’m applying to a masters program at usc, the personal statement guidelines state the piece should be 500-550 words. How bad is it if you’re a bit over? Is 700 way too much? Anyone have any insight on this topic? I’m having trouble shaving off words without losing some of the narrative flow. Guidance is appreciated. Thank you.

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