Staff Quick Takes on Application Review
Believe it or not, one of the most important parts of the college application process is showcasing your personality or what makes you who you are. No two applicants are ever alike, and that’s one of the most rewarding parts of our work as admission counselors.
Right now, our team is in the middle of application reading season, which typically runs from November through May. It’s a crucial and exciting stretch where we dedicate our days to reviewing applications from around the world. It’s a time that requires focus, care, and balance as we read through each student’s story with thought and attention. Since it’s one of the most important parts of the admission process, we want to give you a glimpse into what this season looks like for us: how we prepare, find focus, and sustain the energy needed to read thoroughly for months at a time. Each counselor carefully reviews applications from the regions they manage as part of USC’s holistic review process, meaning every part of applicants’ story is read within context. On average, that means reviewing thirty applications a day, so finding our “reading rhythm” is essential.
At USC, one of the ways we invite students to showcase their individuality is through our Quick Takes: brief (often fun) responses to questions that highlight your personality and perspective. While USC is known for its academic excellence, we also value the experiences, interests, and qualities that make each student unique beyond the classroom.
Every counselor has their own way of preparing for this intensive season—whether it’s creating a quiet workspace, enjoying a morning coffee, curating a reading playlist, or taking time to recharge. To share a little of what that looks like, we decided to answer some of our own Quick Takes. This time, about how we get ready for the reading season.
Just as applicants Quick Takes help us get to know them a little better, we hope ours help you get to know us as the admission counselors who spend these months reading, reflecting, and shaping USC’s next incoming class.
Admission Counselor:
Allegra Gutierrez
Territories:
Greater Seattle Area, Washington
Quick Take:
What’s your go-to snack while reviewing applications?
Trader Joe’s Chili & Lime Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips and Dried Mango. Snacks are an essential part of my reading setup. I like to take short breaks between applications to reset, and since Trader Joe’s is right across the street at USC Village, it’s easy to restock when needed (also to give myself walking breaks). I like having both a sweet and savory option. This combo keeps me going through long reading days.
Admission Counselor:
Audrey Burba
Territories:
Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
Quick Take:
What’s your go-to TV show after reading applications?
The Real Housewives of Orange County or Salt Lake City. I used to live in Orange County, so I like to keep up with my girls there. Salt Lake City is also a go-to after reading; it’s full of drama. Plus, it’s a mindless show that’s purely entertaining for me. Growing up, my family gatherings were always full of energy and loud conversations, so this show actually feels comfortable after work.
Admission Counselor:
Yatin Saini
Territories:
New Jersey and Sacramento, California
Quick Take:
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate during reading season?
Conrad from The Summer I Turned Pretty. He’s quiet and calm, which would make it easy to focus and read peacefully at home. At the same time, he’s caring and attentive… The kind of person who’d make sure I take breaks, eat, and actually rest between reviewing applications. He’s thoughtful and intelligent, but also a bit of a handyman, so I know he’d help fix things around the house or take care of small tasks like doing the dishes while I’m deep in reading. Overall, he’d bring a good balance of calm and support to the reading season.
Admission Counselor:
Anna Babakhanians
Territories:
Glendale, Pasadena, and San Diego
Quick Take:
If your application reading season had a theme song, what would it be?
“Innerbloom” by RÜFÜS DU SOL or “Eyes on Fire” (Zeds Dead Remix) by Blue Foundation. Every reading season, I find myself listening to these two songs- they have become the soundtrack to my workflow. Both have that steady, atmospheric energy that helps me stay focused and in the zone for long stretches of reading. After months of listening on repeat, they’ve turned into my unofficial reading season anthems. They’re songs that immediately bring me back to the rhythm and mindset of reviewing applications.
Admission Counselor:
Reuben Hernandez
Territories:
Wisconsin, Iowa, Parts of Alameda County
Quick Take:
What are three words to describe yourself during application review season?
Three words to describe myself during application review season are advocate, resourceful, and on the go. As a territory manager, I advocate for my students during the review process. I’m resourceful as I learn about the context of applicant’s schools and important details of the college process. Lastly, I’m on the go because time management is extremely important these months. There is a lot of work to be done so my days are filled but it is important to find a balance.
Admission Counselor:
Jennifer Donis Gonzalez
Territories:
Pheonix, East LA, East San Fernando
Quick Take:
What is the best movie to watch after a day of reading applications?
In general, the best movie of all time is Shrek 2 in Spanish, specifically. It’s my comfort film and the jokes in Spanish just make me laugh even more! Winding down, finding something that is guaranteed to make me laugh and being able to turn my brain off after working hard. I even have print outs from the movie with captions in Spanish at my desk because everyone knows what that movie means to me.
Written by: Allegra Gutierrez, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission