Adventures of the SAT. Sam and Eric through the Office of Admission took the SAT test in December.
 Yes, that is proper. They willingly took the SAT. For fun! Hard to believe, I understand. We speak frequently about the SAT and our Dean of Admission, Tim Brunold, suggested we go on it in order to connect to the students with whom we work. Sam and Eric accepted the task. I sat down with both of them to talk about how it went. This is what they had to say:
Q: Why did you decide to take the SAT?
S: I was curious. We use it and have so many conversations around it so it felt irresponsible to maybe not actually understand what it ended up being like.
E: I guess we decided to just take the test for a few reasons. I think both of us thought it could be fun. (We might have been incorrect). And it was thought by us would help us relate a bit to your applicants and understand that it was just one aspect of the process.
Q: Now that you’ve finished your undergraduate and graduate work, did you discover it easier or more difficult this time?
S: It was certainly harder, I do believe because I don’t sit in a classroom analyzing literature or doing math these days, so my brain just is not trained for that kind of stuff anymore. I additionally took it before the writing was added so it seemed a great deal longer with that added part.
E: I thought the reading and writing were considerably easier this time around. I suppose the lots of 15-20 page papers We composed did some good. It surely proves just how important those plain things are in university. The math part? Less. It was hard to remember things like geometry when I haven’t done them since 9th grade.
Q: whenever was the last time you took the SAT?
S: a ten years ago!
E: 7 years ago.
Q: What were your first impressions this time around?
S: the available room was cold and I didn’t like that we were sitting at a table with folding chairs.
E: Yes, the room had been very cold. It absolutely was also a really tense atmosphere.
Q: are there any surprises?
S: I happened to be surprised that nobody stared at us. Did we really blend for the reason that well, or did one other students just not care?
E: Yes, I became also disappointed that other students don’t observe that we are older. It claims lot about how focused individuals get concerning this test. Also, halfway through the test it was wanted by me become over.
Q: Was there something that discouraged you?
S: Yes. Why can you use a graphing calculator and you can’t use mechanical pencils?!
E: I didn’t like I was startled every single time the proctor called ‘time. that I didn’t know what ended up being coming next, and’
Q: will there be anything you would do time that is differently next?
S: I would take snacks, but no water because a 5 minute bathroom break is not long enough in a gym of 90 people.
E: I would personally have brought a blanket.
Q: conclusions?
S: using the test reminded me that this is truly simply one data point in the procedure.
E: It was enjoyable in a weird way, but I could not take it again.
Therefore I’m sure lots of you’re wondering what their scores were… Well let’s just say they’re glad it has ended!
BEING A GLOBAL CITIZEN: Q&A w/ Uche Mordi about the Alternative Spring Break Program
It seems unreal to express but break that is spring right around the corner for many of you. At USC, it is a time for an instant recharge to gear up for the last push towards the end associated with year that is academic. Numerous decide to spend their time at house, stay on campus and have now adventures in Los Angeles, or get on a trip outside of the city. For this website, I interviewed USC senior student, Uche (pronounced ‘Òochay’) Mordi, and she discussed the procedure of deciding to go to Guatemala with USC’s Alternative Spring Break program. She’s currently finishing up her last semester at USC and certainly will graduate as an Economics major, Natural Science minor with a Pre-Pharmacy emphasis.
Q: First of all of the, that’s a name that is cool. What does it mean?
A: Uche means ‘God’s decision’ in Igbo, a Nigerian dialect.
Q: So, where did you go for the spring break final year?
A: I went to Guatemala, to three different towns. The three towns and cities had been Atitlán, Panahachel and Retalhuleu. We had been there for ten times. The first two and a half days were all about tourism. We desired to get knowledgeable about the cities. Then the rest of the time, we worked in these areas that are rural time from 9am to 5pm. Most of the task involved solid work at the schools. We performed yard work, painting, interior designing, and just the general beautifying associated with the schools. The trip was absolutely focused on volunteerism.
Q: Why did you wish to go?
A: The reason that is initial I acquired into a various research abroad system, but that program ultimately did maybe not work out, so we used this as an alternative. My friend recommended that I look into ASB (Alternative Spring Break).
Q: shmoop.pro Why did you select Guatemala?
A: The programs with ASB are split into worldwide or domestic trips. We definitely wanted to choose a worldwide program because of my Spanish history. I needed to make use of my abilities that are spanish I haven’t visited South America.
Q: How do you’re feeling about global opportunities at this school and the method USC encourages development as a global citizen?
A: USC does a good job as of this, not merely because of the high population of worldwide students. Our study abroad programs are superb mostly because of the quantity of programs available that caused my routine. I did sonot require to be a particular major to get abroad.
Q: What do you like concerning the Alternative Spring Break program specifically?
A: ASB requires students to own an open mind. We now have to be familiar with the different culture that we are stepping into. I love how ASB prepares the pupils for this trip and they really emphasize the culture shock we might experience. I was allowed by it to grow my perspectives.
Q: Is there a favorite memory you might have?
A: The long bus rides to the village that is small. I just loved hearing the non-public tales of individuals connecting to kids that are different. But there is one that sticks out from the rest. It’s the memory I have from the final day. It really hit me personally just how the villagers we served in those 10 days had been providing us gifts for the ongoing work we’ve done, although they don’t have much at all. It had been amazing to see those who might possibly not have the same resources we enjoy, yet still feel the desire to provide us with what they could out from the kindness of these hearts. I’ll always remember that.
Q: What had been one thing that is unexpected happened during the trip?
A: It’s not only the connection I’d because of the people we were serving. I additionally create a bond because of the students I continued the trip with. We nevertheless keep in touch, we’ve tees that we proudly wear that help us reminisce about the trip also it created this system of help that I still have today.
Q: Any advice you want to share with anybody who wants to study abroad?
A: avoid being afraid to get into unknown. There are many other avenues at USC where you can connect with people and produce lifelong friendships besides the more popular options. Explore niches that are different don’t fixate yourself into one team. This concept just speaks to the energy associated with the Trojan community and just how expansive it could be. It is more than simply a community that is professional it’s a personal system of support throughout one’s lifetime.
