That is roughly the number of college fairs we went to this past year. 350 college fairs mean a huge selection of brochures and inquiry cards handed out to a large number of prospective students with countless questions. From time to time, someone should come by and surprise us with an unique question. But also for the part that is most, most concerns will be general. Don’t worry; we don’t expect you to stress about the question that is next will cause you to stick out from the crowd. We don’t mind hearing the questions that are same as long as the questions are relevant to you. The purpose of this website is absolutely help simply take less of a passive role during these university fairs. Be proactive and have actually a plan. a foolproof game plan.
The Pregame Warm-Up
The best means to show initiative is by doing pursuit prior to the college fair. (NOTE: it is you’re preparing for; whether it’s a first date, job interview, or buying a dog, you will always get better results if you replace ‘college fair’ with whatever. It is simply commonly good practice.) Doing this extensive research might prevent you from asking a question like, ‘Have you got a psychology program?’ A better informed question might be, ‘I see that you have a psychology program and that tons of research is happening in that department while that is a valid question. Can you please speak to me personally on how to get in touch with faculty who is involved with research?’ That question not only shows initiative, it also sets you apart. Boom! Instant connection made.
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
With regards to a college fair, a good offense could suggest various things. It could mean learning which universities will be present ahead of some time creating a premier ten list of which tables you must see. It could also mean arriving early to make sure you maximize your time and effort. A college fair is a opportunity that is great get one-on-one face time with counselors that will be reading your applications and advocating for you. You might obtain a small bit longer with us in the event that you arrive promptly. Finally, a great unpleasant move is bringing pre-printed labels with your contact information, highschool, graduation 12 months, etc. By doing so, you do not waste time filling in information cards and also have more time for asking questions. Bam! More connections made.
Rookie Go
For a few of you, these college fairs will likely be your first rung on the ladder at the college search process. If that is the instance, you will probably spend most of your energy taking brochures and completing inquiry cards. That is very fine and it is just as productive. You ought to realize that many schools permit you to contact their admission counselors directly. USC is certainly one of these schools. It is an idea that is good ask anyone behind the table for a business card for those who want to call us at a later date when you have particular questions. Have a pamphlet home, do research and then email/phone us with more informed questions.
Last Pep Talk
Stay straight. Be confident. Maintain eye contact. Smile. Give a firm handshake. Dress well. Stay hydrated (you’ll be walking and speaking lot). Be your own advocate; don’t make your parents do the talking for you. Be professional and friendly. Finally, make the most of time there. It is not a time for you to get up with friends or take freebies. Be active and also have a purpose. We’re there to help you, but eventually it is up to you how beneficial you need that time to be.
Asking for Letters of tips: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Asking a teacher to write you a letter of suggestion can be considered a daunting task. For just one thing, most of the right time, you won’t ever actually see whatever they write about you, so there is a lot of trust that goes into the process. And two, they might say no, which will make you wonder if they had been actually too busy, or if they just didn’t have sufficient good what to state in regards to you to fill up an entire page!
Here, we shall lay some tips out for requesting a letter of recommendation:
The Good:
•Ask a teacher whom you have formed an association with to write you a recommendation, whose program in which you’ve got worked exceptionally difficult, and/or whose subject you are passionate about. This does not necessarily have shmoop custom essay writting to function as the instructor of the course by which you received the grade that is highest. Sometimes, the best recommendations are the ones which can be able to genuinely convey the difficult work and dedication a student has put right into a class.
•Provide a resume to your recommender, transcript, and anything else that will be helpful for them to personalize your suggestion.
•Have variety in your recommenders. If you do choose to submit more than one, you should ask someone that can highlight a different aspect of your personality while we only require one letter of recommendation from an academic source for most majors at USC.
The Bad:
•Forgetting the thank you note! You recommenders spend lot of time on these letters. Don’t neglect to show them that you appreciate their efforts.
•Asking your recommender a few days in advance of the date that is due a letter. Remember that many instructors (and counselors especially) may have to write many letters throughout the Fall months, and that leaving your request until the last minute will not make them very happy.
The Ugly:
•Submitting ten letters of recommendation! Or also five, for that matter. Again, we just need one page of recommendation, so be aware of how many extra letters you send. Honestly, multiple letters rarely offer any information that is fresh.
So remember, give your recommenders plenty of advanced warning, ask someone whose course you’ve worked difficult in, be thoughtful in the range additional letters you submit, also remember to show your appreciation!