How To Get into University of Southern California (as an out-of state state student by Rayan Overcast)
Related Reading: Is the SAT still important in California? (Blog Post)
What made me want to go to California as an out-of-state student from Maryland?
Living outside Baltimore, Maryland, makes it hard for a kid to imagine living elsewhere. Life without blue crabs during the summer, snow days on a Tuesday in February, and a plague of East Coast cicadas in the spring, is purely a foreign concept. Growing up in Ellicott City was an amazing experience and more of a playground filled with ideas for an adventurous soul to do. If I knew I would be living in Los Angeles one day, my younger version would be profoundly confused. The only bay area I knew was the area surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, going into the city meant seeing the Ravens or Orioles play, and a hike in nature meant a walk on a farm or green field. But now, almost 20 years since I was born at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, I am studying at the University of Southern California. I can’t imagine ever moving back to the East Coast. But how did I end up here?
To understand how I am now studying at USC it is important first to understand the school system I grew up in. I attended the Howard County Public Schools System, which, in the best way to describe it, is a perfect environment for a kid to reach the stars while also providing each kid the freedom to go only as far as they want to. While role models are around every corner, at HCPSS fewer individuals are willing to be guardians of your school process. Thus, your school experience is almost fully on you and whatever motivates each child. This was overtly exciting but also intimidating. When I got to Mount Hebron High School I was excited to involve myself and make the most of the next four years.
How I spent my time with extracurriular activities
When I started high school, college was not on my mind in any capacity since, after all, most kids ended up going to the University of Maryland anyway. It is important to note that the University of Maryland is not a bad option. It is an amazing school with a great business program and an even better computer science program, not to mention the instate tuition that makes it extremely affordable. Thus, being fine with doing good enough to go to UMD was the primary mode of thought. However, college wasn't my motivation for getting involved, I simply love people. My jovial spirit led me to join and be involved in as many of my passions as possible. It was my goal from the first day of freshman year to the last day of senior year. I first dove into football and lacrosse, sports that provided stress release and comradery for all four years of school. From an academic standpoint, I eventually became the National Honors Society president, Model United Nations president, Math National Honors Society webmaster, and the Mock Trial team Co-Captain. Being busy fed my hungry mind and soul as I was able to connect, work, and build relations with an array of people that I still hold near to me today.
Despite my purely social intentions, I still reaped the benefits of being involved. I became a 2022 USA Lacrosse Academic All-American, recipient of the County Executive Award for Excellence in Political Science & Government, recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, 2021 Diamond Challenge Semifinalist, and Maryland Mock Trial -- 2021 Quarterfinalist. Now my idea of where I could end up after High school had slightly changed. I was still fine with going to a Maryland school, however, I now wanted to see the possibilities of where I could maybe get in. My SAT was 1490, a great score by many’s standards but still not over an “elite” 1500 score. But in my mind, college applications were simply a collage of all your accomplishments, grades, and scores from the past years, and I had some belief that my collage blended well creating a portrait of my passions and success.
What I decided to study business and go to college out of state
Eventually, I applied to the University of Maryland and the University of Maryland Baltimore County as safeties. Knowing I would get in both were amazing options. Afterward, I decided to take my shot at a long list of prestigious colleges for business majors. I was unsure if I would be able to afford, or even be willing to leave my family for another state. However, each application was done with care and research. Long winter days at Barnes and Noble helped fuel the production of my essays, and countless YouTube videos informed me of valuable information on each of my targeted institutions. I compiled everything and took a chance. Then, in February 2022, I was notified that the University of Southern California wanted to extend me a scholarship for the next academic year. Most would've been ecstatic. I was happy since it was the first college I heard back from, but also conflicted. Financially, based on acumen, and for business, it made sense. But leaving Maryland was terrifying. I would miss so many moments with my, then, seven-year-old, little sister. I would miss the excitement of snow days, and the smell of crab cakes. I wasn't sure if I was ready to leave.
Why I ended up choosing USC in California
At the end of the process, I was accepted into USC, UCLA, BU, and both Maryland schools. But again for every reason imaginable, USC made sense for every reason. So there I was, not counting down the days, but making them try to last longer as my move-in day approached. Now, fast forward and I am a junior at USC. I can't imagine being anywhere but the West Coast. From clubs to social organizations, I have been able to make the most of my experience thus far. Looking back I feel that following what made me elated throughout all of high school was also what made me successful in finding a place where I am pushed to be better every day. I am outside my comfort zone purely because I was able to have the opportunity to do so. If I had not feed my outgoing spirit by using the resources I had at hand, I would never have known the palm tree-surrounded campus that I have now made home.
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