How would you describe yourself in three words for USC's application? (2024)

Hi everyone! For those who applied or are applying to USC, they ask you to describe yourself in three words. I'm a little stuck on this prompt, so I'm curious, how did y'all approach it? Any suggestions?

9 months ago

Hello! For USC's three-word prompt, I recommend choosing words that genuinely represent your personality, values, or passions. It's important to be authentic and unique, as this prompt serves as a glimpse into who you are as an individual.

When selecting your words, consider your strengths, personal characteristics, and achievements that make you stand out. Not only does this let the readers know about your qualities, but it also allows you to showcase those aspects of your personality that you consider most worthwhile.

Additionally, you may want to avoid choosing overly generic or cliché words that many applicants might use, such as "hardworking" or "determined." Instead, focus on specific terms that give a unique insight into your life experiences or perspective, like "innovative," "globetrotter," or "philanthropic."

Finally, remember to ensure that these words tie into your overall application and support the narrative you're presenting. For instance, if you're a passionate environmental activist with substantial involvement in your community, using words like "committed," "sustainable," and "advocate" would help reinforce this aspect of your profile.

For more advice on this, and USC's other prompts, check out this CollegeVine essay breakdown: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-usc-essays

Good luck with your application!

9 months ago