USC Application tips: Activity Summary

The activity summary for USC is quite extensive.  I suggest that you start the process in a word processing program and than copy and paste.  They provide a great example of an activity summary within the application, so make sure to use that format for reference. Remember not to make this a laundry list, but a highlighted collection of interests and achievements.

Finding a Tutor

Some students may need a tutor to help them master a concept or for enrichment in a certain subject. Before you hire a tutor you want to make sure that they have the experience necessary to meet the needs of not only your student, but also your family. To assess if the tutor is the right fit consider asking some of these questions:

Have you worked with students from this school district?
What ages do you work best with?
How much tutoring experience do you have?
Have you had teaching experience?
What subjects do you tutor in?
How many hours do you plan on working with my student?
Do you have references and a background check?

By asking the right questions you start the process of finding a tutor to help your child succeed.

Here are some local tutoring resources:

Clarity Learning Center
Mathnasium

College Visits 101

College Visits are important elements of choosing the right campus for you because they allow a student to develop their own opinions about a campus. When you make your college visit be sure to leave your assumptions at home and open your mind to the possibilities of the college that you are visiting. Here are a few tips to make sure that you make the most of your next college visit.

1. Listen to your first impression. Many students that I work with rely heavily on their first impression from their visit to make their final decision regarding the right college for them. Scribble down notes and take in your surroundings because the first few moments on campus will likely shape your overall opinion of the campus.

2. Enjoy being the “visitor” on campus. Do not try to blend in, but instead let people around know during your visit that you are checking out their campus and they will be sure to point out the campus highlights.

3. Read the literature. You can find out a lot about the culture of the campus by not only reading college view books, but also the school newspapers. If you have time check out a bookstore to get an idea of the overall tone of the campus.

4. Be a student. Go to a class that interests you or check out the dining halls for lunch to get a insider’s view of college life. Read at the local coffee shop or walk to the dorms during your visit. The best way to get a feel for the campus is to find easy ways that you can be like a college student in the few short hours that you are there (make sure to schedule your visit when classes are in session).

5. Find the fun. A sporting event of a great performance on campus will allow you to get a taste of the school spirit of a campus as a visitor.

By incorporating these tips you will make the most of your college visit and hopefully find the college that fits your academic and social expectations.

The UC Application Online

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Cutback increase CSU competition

Budget cuts due to the recession force the CSU system to offer fewer spots for student this coming fall. Fewer spots increase competition and the CSU system is already seeing a surge in the number of applications they are receiving this month. According to some reports applications are up 53% from this time last year. Students need to get their CSU application in on time and make sure that apply to a variety of CSU campuses to increase their chances of getting into a CSU.