mintchocolate,
USC
B.S., Neuroscience
USC Trustee Scholar (full tuition), Neuroscience and Pre-med, science researcher
Features Included
6
Essays
16
Schools
14
Scores
4
Advice
3
ECs
0
Sports
Results, Essays, and Advice
Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
-
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Applied for a B.S. in Neuroscience
Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: NoSchool Specific Essays
Personal Statement644 WordsInterest in other academic subject, Issue of personal significance, Role model/inspiration, Story central to identityJust before I fall asleep, I have a momentary epiphany, a fleeting insight that might float away if I don’t write it down. I sit up on my bed, reach for the block of Post-it notes on my bedside table and add the idea to my vibrant collection of Post-its already on the wall of my room. From countless occurrences like this over the years, my thoughts run rampant on the wall, each multicolored note containing ideas to improve...Personal Statement657 WordsInterest in other academic subject, Issue of personal significance, Role model/inspiration, Story central to identityIn the midst of the rush at the airport, I sit in a black tattered seat at the gate, people-watching. Announcements call for passengers as they race through the crowd, their rolling suitcases zigzagging behind them. Others make themselves comfortable on benches - their makeshift beds - in an attempt to survive a grueling ten-hour layover. My mind starts to wander. The airport is my favorite place in the world. Where some see a source of irritation, I see a...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay282 WordsDescribe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit) Neuroscience has the exciting potential to tell us how thoughts are created, how the brain crafts “the mind,” and how a constant bombardment of information is processed into memories. USC’s Neuroscience major would allow me to explore these aspects of the brain. In addition, the Thematic Option Honors Program would allow me to gain new...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school276 WordsWhat is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? (250 word limit) With two weeks remaining, I was finally approved to enter the regional science fair. I was excited to share the research I’d been working on since summer, but the idea of pulling off an entire presentation this fast felt daunting. In search of advice, I asked my best friend, parents, and even my counselor. They all told me no. Conflict rose inside me. Everyone wanted me...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay275 WordsHow did you first learn about Rice University, and what motivated you to apply? (250 word limit) As I was researching universities with ample opportunities for a budding scientist and physician, I learned of Rice University’s impressive program in the biological sciences. I was excited to learn that Rice was one of the few highly active research institutions that allowed undergraduates to contribute to its rich scientific community. Many professors here conduct fascinating research that I want to be a...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school182 WordsWith the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study. (150 word limit) Biology has the exciting potential to tell us how the brain creates thoughts, how the immune system fends off dangerous pathogens, and how our cells work in unison to make us who we are. But our bodies aren’t invincible—many diseases burden our society today. While volunteering at the local hospital, I...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school168 WordsPlease briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit) The summer after junior year, I conducted immunology research on angioedema, a disease of uncontrollable swelling and the potential to cause asphyxiation and death. The cause of the type I studied was unknown and it had an unexplained correlation with lymphatic cancer; therefore, my project focused on investigating both of these. After reading articles and conducting many trials, I found a probable explanation in a multifunctional...School Specific Advice
More Essays
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General Admissions Advice
Whether I used a private admissions counselor, and advice I received439 WordsI used a private admissions counselor for some of my schools (Yale, UC Essays, and the Case Western BS/MD program). The counselor really helped me with staying on track with my essays since she gave deadlines and specific things to accomplish until our next meeting. This really helped me avoid procrastination during a tough first semester (I had chosen a pretty rigorous class schedule which, in hindsight, I wish I hadn't). However, I ended up changing many of the essays we worked on together and honestly, I liked my essays more than the ones the counselor advised me on....My advice about getting recommenders590 WordsI have done a lot of research on the college admissions process. I've accumulated a lot of information since I started researching it in 8th grade (yes, I was a little obsessed). Letters of recommendation can be a very big deal in elite college admissions and can often push an applicant over to the accepted pile or keep them from it. Having said that, I did not internalize this soon enough and it might have had a factor in my admissions decisions. Here's my advice: I had a unique situation with one of my recommenders. I had the same math...Recommended summer activities during high school and college356 WordsI was never good at science research or science fairs during middle school but after taking AP Bio, I found that I really had a passion for it. I applied for an internship program in my sophomore year where they teach you how to read journal articles and how the scientific method works in the real world. After doing that, I had a summer internship at a neuro-oncology lab that really took me places. I completed a project on cancer metastasis to the brain and from here I got to present my research at an international scientific conference with my...Whether I took out loans or applied for scholarships, and my advice342 WordsI applied to a couple of scholarships. First of all, I applied to USC on a whim by the December 1st deadline to see if I could qualify for any of their merit scholarships (I was not eligible for need-based financial aid). This was a very last minute decision but I am so glad I applied because in January I was notified that I was a Trustee Scholarship finalist, which is their full-tuition scholarship. At the Explore USC overnight event, I had a ton of fun and learned that USC had a lot to offer. I was particularly enamored with...
High School Performance
High School TypePublicWeighted GPA4.47(equivalent to 4.00 unweighted)RankTop 5%
College Classes In High School
Academic Performance in High School Steady
Test Scores
Highest ACT34ACT Score DetailsOther ACT ScoresACT Prep
SAT Prep
SAT IIs
AP / IB Classes and Scores
Details10 classes and scores
Sports
Extracurriculars
ActivitiesAmerican Red Cross, Debate Club/Team, Hospital Volunteer
Experience & Awards
How Spent Summers
Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
Application Additional Materials
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