2025-2026 USC Keck

Started by wysdoc
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beepbeepboopbop02 said:
Interesting... I honestly interpreted it as a good outlet to discuss why the school would be a good fit. I feel like there's not a lot of area to talk about your interests or fit elsewhere.
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Idk how to quote but this person said this: 2020-2021 University of Southern California (Keck)

"As someone who interviewed at Keck last year, I would strongly advise that no one writes a 'why Keck?' response. Dean Arias specifically talked to us at the interview about how much she hates that question, and that she knows the real answer is 'it's a large research institution in Los Angeles with great weather outside'."
 
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Pallas said:
Idk how to quote but this person said this: 2020-2021 University of Southern California (Keck)

"As someone who interviewed at Keck last year, I would strongly advise that no one writes a 'why Keck?' response. Dean Arias specifically talked to us at the interview about how much she hates that question, and that she knows the real answer is 'it's a large research institution in Los Angeles with great weather outside'."
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ik its generally not recommended to do a why us essay in the extra info section but iirc they have a new dean now so the new Dean may think differently about the Q
 
As a current double USC student, I know for a FACT that USC loves to see the idea of the 'Trojan Spirit' personified in essays. I think the last one is a great place to show that.
 
If I add USC now to my AMCAS, would it still be okay to do 1000 characters, or does this only apply to the students that saw the 1000 character limit before.
 
JPace24 said:
As a current double USC student, I know for a FACT that USC loves to see the idea of the 'Trojan Spirit' personified in essays. I think the last one is a great place to show that.
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Could you elaborate on "Trojan Spirit"? What kind of values embody this? If there's a link you could send too that would be great
 
This may be stupid, but for the three things that I don't care about, would it be weird if I say I don't care about ranking up in video games if I can still play with my friends?
 
wysdoc said:
Isn’t that more relevant to their undergrad university?
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From my experience there, it affects all aspects of study. They really believe in the school spirit mantra whether you are an engineer in Viterbi or a Humanities major at Dornsife. Same applies to their graduate and professional programs -- they equally participate in the school activities and tailgates for football games. Then again, this coming from my biased perspective.
 
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JPace24 said:
I went to an admissions panel yesterday with their current Director of Admissions, Michael Richards. He said they are planning to send IIs starting in Mid August and ending in February.
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They should put you in a Trojan commercial
 
Geodon said:
They should put you in a Trojan commercial
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I bleed cardinal and gold (and am like $100K in debt)

debt GIF
 
girlscoutcookies said:
This may be stupid, but for the three things that I don't care about, would it be weird if I say I don't care about ranking up in video games if I can still play with my friends?
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I like that! I wrote that I don't care about chess rankings/I just enjoy playing, so I think it's in the spirit of what people say 🙂
 
JPace24 said:
As a current double USC student, I know for a FACT that USC loves to see the idea of the 'Trojan Spirit' personified in essays. I think the last one is a great place to show that.
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Hey! Current Keck student here - I would advise against a "Why USC" essay, especially in the last question. As other people have mentioned, Dean Arias told us several times, including on interview days, that she didn't like that question. I cannot guarantee that the new dean thinks the same, but I know quite a few med students who would give you a strong side eye if they're on the admissions committee. For Keck, embodying 'Trojan Spirit' means they take a lot of people who went to USC for undergrad or are from California. Otherwise, like any other school, they do look for mission fit, but that's more through your activities and personal statement because these secondaries are more designed to get to know your personality.

I would also recommend not putting your real name/identifying information on here!
 
InstantCoffee said:
Hey! Current Keck student here - I would advise against a "Why USC" essay, especially in the last question. As other people have mentioned, Dean Arias told us several times, including on interview days, that she didn't like that question. I cannot guarantee that the new dean thinks the same, but I know quite a few med students who would give you a strong side eye if they're on the admissions committee. For Keck, embodying 'Trojan Spirit' means they take a lot of people who went to USC for undergrad or are from California. Otherwise, like any other school, they do look for mission fit, but that's more through your activities and personal statement because these secondaries are more designed to get to know your personality.

I would also recommend not putting your real name/identifying information on here!
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You heard it here, folks! Welp, looks like being a 10 year trojan might have just flown out the window.
 
InstantCoffee said:
Hey! Current Keck student here - I would advise against a "Why USC" essay, especially in the last question. As other people have mentioned, Dean Arias told us several times, including on interview days, that she didn't like that question. I cannot guarantee that the new dean thinks the same, but I know quite a few med students who would give you a strong side eye if they're on the admissions committee. For Keck, embodying 'Trojan Spirit' means they take a lot of people who went to USC for undergrad or are from California. Otherwise, like any other school, they do look for mission fit, but that's more through your activities and personal statement because these secondaries are more designed to get to know your personality.

I would also recommend not putting your real name/identifying information on here!
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Iconic username. I'm an instant coffee fan myself...
 
InstantCoffee said:
Hey! Current Keck student here - I would advise against a "Why USC" essay, especially in the last question. As other people have mentioned, Dean Arias told us several times, including on interview days, that she didn't like that question. I cannot guarantee that the new dean thinks the same, but I know quite a few med students who would give you a strong side eye if they're on the admissions committee. For Keck, embodying 'Trojan Spirit' means they take a lot of people who went to USC for undergrad or are from California. Otherwise, like any other school, they do look for mission fit, but that's more through your activities and personal statement because these secondaries are more designed to get to know your personality.

I would also recommend not putting your real name/identifying information on here!
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Ahh, I am so torn on what to do for the last section now. 🙁My partner was Keck CO '25 and he suggested I do a "Why USC?" essay. Ironically, he applied and was admitted during 20-21 cycle--when the o.g. suggestion to avoid that kind of essay comes from.
 
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did anyone also get an email saying you'll get a secondary in the next "24 hours" but then not get the secondary?
 
biiigdreamer said:
Ahh, I am so torn on what to do for the last section now. 🙁My partner was Keck CO '25 and he suggested I do a "Why USC?" essay. Ironically, he applied and was admitted during 20-21 cycle--when the o.g. suggestion to avoid that kind of essay comes from.
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I don't think it will be a make-or-break thing (to the other people who have submitted already as well)! There are definitely people from my cohort who were successful with a "Why USC"-esque essay, most of us just chose not to based on the advice we were given. The rationale we were told is that California + research is almost everyone's reason, so essays that echo that sentiment don't really do anything for your application. If you have a unique or personal reason, I can't speak as to how it will be evaluated.
 
Not sure if this is new for this year but "Only applicants with an MCAT score of 506 and above are invited to complete our secondary application."
 
I’ve already submitted, but does anyone know how strongly they’ve preferred IS in the past? I’m OOS so I just wanted to know how difficult I’ve made this for myself lol
 
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