Student Perspectives: How To Embrace Your Authenticity in the Admission Process

Picture this: you’re staring at a blinking cursor, the USC Common App portal open in one tab, ten half-finished drafts in another and a hundred questions swirling in your mind. What do they want to hear? How do I make myself stand out? What if I’m not interesting enough? I’ve been there.

I’m Michael Cahn, a second-year student at the University of Southern California. I know firsthand how intimidating the college admission process can feel. I’m a journalism major at USC Annenberg with a minor in the entertainment industry from the School of Cinematic Arts. This school year, I’ve been interning with Rotten Tomatoes at NBCUniversal and, during the school year, I stay busy through clubs and organizations like the Joint Educational Project (JEP), Annenberg Radio News, Marshall Entertainment Association and the Media Center. Looking back, I truly believe what got me here wasn’t a “perfect” application…it was an authentic one.

After being a student at USC for a year and a half now, I’ve seen firsthand just how passionate and driven USC students truly are. That passion shows up in both big and small moments, whether it’s late nights in Leavey Library as students finish a passion project of theirs or quick conversations between classes where classmates excitedly pitch their group project ideas. There’s a shared energy on campus that goes beyond academics; students genuinely care about what they’re learning and why it matters. At USC, being surrounded by peers who take that seriously has pushed me to be more curious, more engaged and more intentional about the stories I want to tell.

So, if you’re feeling the pressure to fit a mold, here’s my biggest advice: don’t. Here’s how to embrace your individuality and let your real self shine through every part of your application to USC.

1. Tell YOUR Story

When it comes to your personal statement on the Common App, this is where you get to show who you really are…so write something you genuinely love. I chose the final Common App prompt, which gave me the freedom to write about a topic of my choice. I wrote about Back to the Future (yes, the classic 80s movie) and used it as a way to reflect on how the past shapes our future and how I see myself shaping mine. It was quirky, fun, and 100% me. You should feel proud of what you write and excited to share it with USC admission counselors. The truth is, if you don’t love what you’re writing, why should someone else love reading it? When you pour your real interests and real reflections into your essay, you create something no one else could write. So, don’t overthink it. Pick a topic you genuinely resonate with, get excited about your own words, and let your personality shine. When you hit submit, you should feel proud of the story you’re sharing. It’s so tempting to write what you think admissions counselors want to hear. I’ve seen so many people stress about sounding impressive or “college-ready,” when really, the most compelling applications come from students who simply tell their truth. Your life, your family, your values, and your experiences–these are your strongest assets! In my application, I mentioned family traditions, the role models I look up to, and the challenges that shaped who I am today. Some parts were lighthearted; others were more personal. You don’t have to have some huge, dramatic story…small moments and memories can be just as powerful if they show who you are at your core.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Be a Little Unserious

So many students think that every inch of their USC application has to be deeply profound, which can be exhausting. USC’s “Quick Takes” on the Common App are short, fun prompts like “Favorite snack?” or “What’s your life’s theme song?” These are not trick questions designed to trap you; they’re there to help you show the side of yourself that doesn’t fit neatly into an essay or resume. Use this space to sprinkle in your humor and your random obsessions. Maybe you love pineapple on pizza (I don’t) or have a secret hobby! These little details help admission counselors imagine you as a real person walking through campus, not just a name on an application. USC admission counselors read thousands of applications every year. Sometimes, it’s that unexpected, unserious tidbit that can alleviate the stress of the USC application process. So, don’t be afraid to answer with personality…this is where you get to be your unfiltered self.

3. Highlight What You’re Passionate About

One of the most rewarding parts of filling out your college applications is realizing how much you truly care about certain things. Take the time to think about what lights you up. What do you spend your free time doing? What activities could you talk about for hours without getting bored? For me, those things were leadership, community service, and the performing arts. Throughout high school, I threw myself into clubs, volunteer projects, and performances because I loved them, not because I thought they’d look good on an application. But ironically, those genuine interests ended up making my USC application stand out even more. Now, as a student at Annenberg, I see this passion play out every day. In the Annenberg Media Center, I watch students eagerly pitch stories they care deeply about—whether it’s campus issues, national news or stories that reflect their own communities. Admissions counselors want to see what drives you, what excites you, and what you might bring to their campus community. When you talk about something you truly care about, your passion naturally comes through, and that authenticity is impossible to fake. If you find yourself dreading the process of writing about your activities, it might be time to rethink what you’re highlighting. Choose the things that mean the most to you, and the rest will fall into place.

It’s not always easy to hype yourself up on paper. Self-love can feel awkward, especially when you’re trying to “sell” yourself to strangers. But the truth is, the only way to write a standout application is to trust yourself. Write like you talk, don’t force fancy words or over-polished phrases if they don’t sound like you. Be proud of your achievements, but also be honest about your growth and what you want out of the college you’re applying to. Your application isn’t just a list of facts; it’s a chance to share who you are and who you want to become. I believe USC looks for students who are curious, driven and ready to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative community—and that starts with being real about what motivates you. The more you trust yourself, the more your confidence and authenticity will shine through. Remember, colleges are looking for real, driven people who will add something unique to their campus community. In the end, just be yourself: that’s what makes your application truly stand out.

Below’s an additional photo with some of my fellow student ambassadors :)