Badum…badum…badum… The bass of a 2008 pop song reverberated against my erratic heartbeat as my sweaty fingertips dragged the mouse across my computer screen. I glanced nervously around the school lunchroom that, despite the noble efforts of the PTO committee, still reeked of steak nuggets and suspicious grape juice. The students of Hutto Middle School quickly claimed the booths along the wall, too embarrassed to be the first to conquer the dance floor. This was my first school dance....

Ever since I can remember, my parents have always encouraged me to contribute to society and never stop looking for ways to serve others. When I was in tenth grade, I discovered that military families overseas can use coupons up to six months after their expiration date. I recruited some of my friends and started a service club, calling it “Savings for Soldiers.” We went to the local recycling center and dug for discarded coupon books. We have reached out...

Words fascinate me. The way that one can manipulate diction and syntax to woo, inform, anger, placate, and even spark a revolution interests me more than any other academic study. My dream job would be to work at a publishing firm or teach English in a high school setting. To study English at one of the best schools in the country would be a dream come true. Along with challenging curriculum, Los Angeles offers so many internship and networking opportunities....

These are the essays I wrote for USC. The prompts were: 1. USC students are known to be involved. Briefly describe a non-academic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you. (250 word limit). 2. Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 word limit).

Start a creative community service...

Get as involved in the school you are transfering to as possible. Try...

I toured all but one of the schools I applied to. If they know that...

Always try to sit down with your admissions councelor or coach....

When I look at my application, I see three things that helped me out (given my sub-par test scores). 1.) Location. I come from a backwoods Georgia town. Nobody from...