USC 6th Annual Graduate Student Preparation Program for Undergraduates

Wednesday, March 12 – Friday, March 14, 2014 | Los Angeles, CA – For the 6th year in the row, the University of Southern California Graduate School hosted over 40+ high achieving undergraduate students from across the country for an all-expenses paid trip to not only visit the campus, but to be prepared and inspired to pursue advanced degrees.

The Graduate Student Preparation Program (GSPP), as it is now referred, is a program I hold near and dear to my heart. In 2006-2007, I helped to orchestrate the first program of it’s kind under the auspices of the office and Dr. Richard Andalon, Associate Dean of graduate academic and professionalization programming, and diversity outreach at USC. Each year the cohorts are never short of amazing. With added staff and a host of graduate volunteers over the years, especially this year, the GSPP pulled off yet again without a hitch.

As always, the days were full of non-stop programming activities. Wednesday we held a welcome dinner at the Radisson Ballroom, where we greeted the students, gave some inspirational remarks, and prepared them for what to expect during their visit. On Thursday, I was honored to moderate the student presentations, graduate panel, as well as, deliver two back-to-back programs on writing competitive personal and research statements, and developing a polished and professional curriculum vitae. Later in the evening we treated the students to a group dinner at LA Live, which gave them the independence afterwards to explore downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

The program finally concluding on Friday with continental breakfast and farewells. Just like every year, a few days always feels like we’ve known each other for a long time. We look forward to seeing what’s in store for this cohort, as a few have already applied and been admitted into graduate school this next year!

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