I watched my parents separate, sickly sweet and sticky, honeyed and viscous torment drawn out in narrow stretches. I watched my grandmother decay and mold into a self-made death bed, sinking in pound by pound, day by day. I watched a house burn down without preamble or ceremony, gone without a single tear to stifle the flames. Escaping unscathed from these moments, I, a naïve child, convinced myself that I was strong, maybe even invincible. "So, did Mom tell...

My primary interest lies in the study of human behavior and its causes. Consequently, I hope to major in either neuroscience or psychology. During emotional or trying times, I tend to dissociate myself from the situation in order to gain an objective, almost clinical perspective. This habit, while a bit unsettling at times, allows me to observe and learn from the behavior of myself and others. If accepted into USC, I hope to work actively in the research labs during...

I am currently the president of the Habitat for Humanity club at my school. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing ministry that provides affordable housing to those in need. The organization follows a principle that I respect deeply. It attempts to help people help themselves without giving a free hand out. Volunteers such as myself help build the houses and the new homeowners are given an affordable, long-term mortgage plan. While the organization is providing assistance, it is not...

Open-minded, creative,...

USC isn't looking for what your other reach schools are looking for. They want the outliers. They want you...

I would have preferred to have known about the different deadlines for things like...

I think my honesty in my essay set me apart in a way that helped me with my college, but hurt me with others. I was...

I plan on attending graduate school in...