The brain chemistry. USC Supplemental Essay: How will you pursue your academic interests

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit)

fascination with the brain

My fascination with the brain has prompted me to pursue a degree in neuroscience at the Dornsife college while following the pre-health pathway. I strongly believe that USC's neuroscience program offers me the greatest opportunity to to attain academic fulfillment. The program covers a wide breadth of disciplines within neuroscience, such as developmental and cognitive neuroscience, which will help me to further develop an in depth and well-rounded understanding of the brain. I plan to fully take advantage of USC's experienced and knowledgeable staff by immersing myself in the research labs taking place in the neuroscience department. One exciting lab that particularly catches my attention focuses on how molecules work together to enable neural signaling within neurons. As chemistry is another strong interest of mine, being able to observe and study the interplay between chemistry and neural functioning would be an exciting goal for me upon transferring. I'd also hope to associate myself with fellow students with whom I share a similar career path through clubs such as the Pre-med mentoring society or the Neurosurgery Student Interest Group. At the same time I believe that helping my community is a vital aspect of my growth as a student and an individual, so I would love to take part in one of the many groups at USC that aims to give back such as the StudentsCare group. The multitude of opportunities that USC offers assure me that there is no better place to hone my skills for my path ahead.

@Holt I would really love your incite for this one Holt

James, Neuroscience is almost totally based upon research at this point. So when you decide to pursue studies in Neuroscience, you must be able to justify your interests in the field. I suggest that you try to find out about some of the cutting edge research being done at the university as a response to this essay. As I recall, you are very much interested in the research aspect of Neuroscience. From what I have read, USC professors have some pretty interesting research ongoing. So maybe you can say something about pursuing your research interests by applying to become an assistant to one of the professors whose research is ongoing or is about to be started at one of the many research facilities of USC? Like i said, you will need to delve deeper into the academic interests that you can pursue. It will help your application if the academic interests you will pursue directly relate to your chosen major as well. That will show a passion for study and information that can help you become a better student in this particular field.

@Holt I really appreciate your feedback. Can't tell you how much it helps!