Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. These might be some of the favorite things this holiday season. It’s probably the most time that is wonderful of 12 months to be with the people you love.

But you know what is NOT on my favorite list?

When the ones you love force you to go to holiday parties. Ugh.

Listed below are 5 situations/questions you may possibly show up against as a high school pupil throughout a vacation party and ways to deal with them.

1. So, exactly what colleges have you applied to?

The trick here is never to get certain. Try not to name a university if you will help it. Naming one will only lengthen the conversation. Keep it vague. Maybe just mention one of many two coasts. It doesn’t matter; just pick one; West or East. If they push for you really to say a name, simply ask what they’re drinking and when they require a refill. Thus giving you a justification to go out of and they think you are therefore polite for doing something good.

2. Therefore, will you be a (insert parents’ university right here) graduate too?

You need to rehearse your holiday party laugh weeks in advance. This would be a time that is great take action. Respond with a hearty laugh and ask them if then they require a drink refill.

3. Therefore, what did you write your essay about?

Think of the fake essay topic days ahead of time. It must be 1-3 sentences very long. Do not exceed that number. Make it seem smart, but also confusing enough that they mightn’t want to understand more. Use words that are big. Then end it with your hearty laugh and have them if they need a beverage refill.

4. Did you know that so-and-so got into ‘xyz’ university action that is early?

I am aware everything you want to state. It probably involves getting in trouble and not having the ability to go to that New 12 months’s Eve party you’ve been anticipating to all or any year. Instead, just bite your tongue. Literally, place some food in your mouth, and bite your tongue purposefully. Make a big scene out of it and excuse yourself.

5. So, shmoop pro have you been looking forward to home that is finally leaving?

Never just say yes. The trick here is convey your sadness about leaving home while simultaneously showing them how emotionally mature and prepared you are for the chapter that is next your life. Formulate your very best sad face weeks in advance. For best outcomes, create a single tear. When the time comes, give them your best performance that is oscar-worthy. Walk away and based on your own performance, you might make them feel guilty for even asking.

Therefore as possible see, just like in college, preparation is key. Then you may find yourself actually enjoying these holiday parties if you come in prepared. Best of luck and have a great season of holiday parties!

What is the Point of a Application, Anyway?

What is the point of a college application? This may be a question you’ve asked yourself either out of reflection or perhaps frustration if you’ve started working on your applications. We ask you for a credit card applicatoin you and get a sense of how you may thrive academically and personally at USC because we want to get to know. We don’t have enough time to sit down and talk to every applicant one on one so we ask you to provide us a number of information in an attempt to gain a sense of who you are. As you complete your applications, ask yourselves if the content reflects who you really are, not just as a pupil but additionally as a individual.

Writing a personal statement is stressful. Up until this point, I’m guessing many senior school students have only written academic documents. You’ve been asked to analyze works of fiction, economic styles, historical events, etc. but likely no-one has sat you down and asked you to write about yourself. Offered the aim is to give admission counselors a feeling of yourself, be authentic and genuine in tone and content. Write about things which are essential for you. This is mostly for sophomores and juniors, as seniors have actually obviously already written and perfected their essays (right!?).

Another essential aspect is showing your interest and fit for each school you are applying to. As I’ve mentioned before, you ought to have reasons that are specific you are excited about and deciding on a school and convey that through the writing supplements. Also you can learn a lot by reading student blogs and looking at the projects coming out the departments you are interested in if you haven’t had the chance to visit a college.

I once heard an admission counselor talk about an application being like a museum. You reach curate the museum to show us all of this things that are awesome your self. By walking through your museum, what things are most important to showcase if you wanted someone to get to know you? Lots of times, people are uncomfortable chatting about themselves. This is simply not about bragging, but rather showing us the greatest parts of yourself that you have worked so very hard to cultivate and develop. Show us your accomplishments but tell us why also they matter to you. We aren’t seeking one particular thing or one type of person. My favorite section of working at USC is all the different kinds of students we get to work with!

With our December 1st scholarship deadline approaching, make sure you’re finding the time to thoughtfully and thoroughly come up with an application that presents you within the strongest light feasible!