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Spring 2011 Application

The document provides information and instructions for applying to the Washington Semester Program taking place in Spring 2011. It lists 9 required items that must be submitted by October 15, 2010, including an application cover sheet, resume, essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts, writing sample, internship choices form, articulation agreement form, and scheduling an interview. It also provides details about the program structure, credits earned, registering and using financial aid for the program.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

447 views5 pages

Spring 2011 Application

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TO: Prospective Washington Semester Students

FROM: Christine Wilson, Coordinator

RE: Washington Semester Program

Spring 2011

Please submit the following as your application packet by October 15, 2010 to Christine
Wilson in RGL 108:
School of Policy,
Planning, and 1. APPLICATION COVER SHEET: (enclosed)
Development
2. ONE FORMAL RESUME: Include education, professional background, relevant
Office of Student
Affairs courses, volunteer experience, extra-curricular activities, honors and awards. Please
contact the Career Center if you need assistance in drafting your resume.
Christine Wilson
Washington
Semester 3. ESSAY: A one-page, double spaced, type written essay explaining why you want to
Coordinator participate and what you hope to gain from the Washington D.C. semester program. If
your cumulative GPA is below a 3.0, please attach a one-page, double spaced, type
written statement on your academic abilities to participate in this program.

4. TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: One must be an academic

recommendation; the other can be either work or personal. If your GPA is below a
3.0, the required letters of recommendation must both be from academic sources.
Please have the letters sent to the attention of Christine Wilson: Washington Semester
Coordinator, School of Policy, Planning, and Development, RGL 108, 650 Childs
Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626. This portion of the application should be
completed immediately as there are often delays in acquiring recommendations.
Important Dates:
5. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: Please visit JHH for an official transcript.
October 15, 2010:
Application Deadline 6. WRITING SAMPLE: An ‘A’ paper, re-typed if necessary to remove all typos or
spelling errors. It should be short, concise and preferably analytical in nature (3-4
October 18-22, 2010:
pages). If you are selected as a participant in the program, this will serve as a writing
Interviews
sample for prospective employers.
October 22, 1010:
Notification 7. INTERNSHIP CHOICES: Once students are admitted to the Washington Semester
program they will be given access to a password protected internship database
consisting of 500+ internships. Students will receive resume assistance and advice
from the GWU Washington Semester staff and will be encouraged to contact agencies
on their own. Background work will be done by GWU so the student would hopefully
have an internship secured before arriving in Washington.

8. ARTICULATION AGREEMENT: Please have your advisor fill out the articulation
agreement. This may be obtained from Christine Wilson in RGL 108 when you are
admitted to the program.

9. PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW: A professional interview with the Washington

University of
Semester Coordinator is required as part of the application process. Sign-up sheets
Southern California will be available on October 15th in RGL 108.
Los Angeles,
California 90089-0626 If you have any questions during the application process, please contact Christine Wilson at
Tel: 213 740 4127
Fax: 213 740 7573
[email protected] or (213)740-4127.
e-mail:
[email protected]
www.usc.edu/dept/sppd
WASHINGTON, D.C.
SEMESTER PROGRAM
Application Cover Sheet
Please Print or Type Please indicate your class standing for the semester you are
applying
Spring 2011  Junior  Senior
Intended Graduation Date: _________

PERSONAL INFORMATION

First Name: ______ Last Name: Middle Initial: _

Student ID: ________ - ________ - _______ Birth Date: _______ / _______ / _______

Major(s): _____ Minor(s):

_______________________________________

Cumulative USC GPA: ____________________________

LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION

____________________________ , CA

Street Address City Zip Code

( ) - ____________________________________________

Phone # Email Address

PERMANENT CONTACT INFORMATION

________________ _ , _ _________

Street Address City State Zip Code

( ) _ - __________

Phone #

The information provided on this application is correct. I agree to abide by the regulations of the Washington
Semester program. I also grant the University of Southern California and The George Washington University
permission to use any photographs of me and quotes taken in connection with the Washington Semester program
and The George Washington University.

Student’s Signature: ___________________________ Date: / /

WASHINGTON, D.C.
SEMESTER PROGRAM

ACADEMIC POLICIES & SERVICES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How is the program structured?
The USC/GWU Washington Semester program consists of 16 units of credit and will comprise four components:

• PMGT 101, Electoral and Legislative Processes: a survey course - 4 units

Features lectures and discussions from GW’s faculty and other experts in the field of political management.
• PMGT 107, Practicum in Political Management: a skills practicum - 4 units
The skills practicum provides students an opportunity to work in small teams, under the supervision of
professionals, acquiring hands-on knowledge in a simulated campaign modeled on current electoral contests
and policy battles.
• PMGT 192, Tutorial in Political Management: a tutorial - 4 units
Instructors will take an in-depth look at the new Congress and how its agenda will be influenced by a partisan
realignment within the body itself, a new administration, and the expectations of interest groups and the media.
• PMGT 187, Professional Internship: internship seminar – 4 units
Students will learn what is involved in maintaining a position in the field of applied politics through field work
and self-assessment and reflection.

2. Will I get credit and how many units will I earn?

USC students receive letter grades and 16 units of USC credit for the Washington Semester.

3. What will these units count for?

It varies by major as to how the Washington Semester units will apply to an individual student’s major. Depending on
the student’s major, a student brings back major and/or elective credit. Students should consult their academic advisor
to determine how units will apply to their degree.

4. How large is the program?

GWU has agreed to accept 30 USC students to the Washington Semester program. If there is higher demand, USC
may send more than 30 students on a space available basis.

5. How does the internship work?

All students enrolled in the Washington Semester participate in an internship. The GWU staff works directly with each
student to identify professional objectives and offer resources to assist students in securing rewarding internships.
Interns can choose to work on Capitol Hill, in the White House, at associations or lobbying firms, public interest
organizations, public opinion research organizations, media consulting firms, or news organizations.

6. How do I secure an internship?

Once students are admitted to the Washington Semester program, they will be able to access GWU's online database of
over 300 internships.

Registration and Financial Aid

1. What do I register for?

Students will register for 16 units of credit at USC. Instructions regarding registration will be disseminated once
students are selected. Students will pay USC tuition to USC.

2. How do I register?
You will receive D-clearance for these 16 units from Carmen Gomez in the School of Policy, Planning and
Development Student Affairs Office—RGL 108, telephone 213-740-6842; email: [email protected]. You may then
register via the touch-tone registration, online, or in person at the Registration Office.

3. How do my grades from The George Washington University get recorded at USC?
You will receive 16 units of credit for the Washington Semester. These credits will be recorded on your USC
transcript as letter grades and be calculated into your GPA.

4. Can I use my financial aid on this program?

Yes. Since students will be registered at USC, all of their USC grants, loans, and scholarships may be used. Those
receiving College Work Study should talk to their USC Financial Aid officer about the feasibility of converting it to
loan money.
For those expecting a loan check, two options are available. One option is to set up a direct deposit to your checking
account with the cashier’s office, which is recommended. The second option is to indicate someone as your power of
attorney to pick up your loan check and mail it to you.

Application
1. How do I apply?
Complete the USC Washington Semester application. An interview is also required. Applications may be obtained
from the School of Policy, Planning and Development Recruitment and Admissions Office, RGL 108, (213)740-4127
or downloaded from the website.

Housing and Accommodations

1. Where do I stay in Washington?

Students live in residence halls located on the GWU campus. Each room includes a kitchen and is equipped with a
cable and a computer hook-up. Additionally, many restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores located on or
near the campus accept GWorld, GWU’s official identification card.

The classrooms, the library, the Foggy Bottom/George Washington University Metro (subway) stop, and the athletic
center are within a five to ten minute walk from all campus buildings.

2. How much does it cost?

Housing rates are approximately $5,600. If you and one or two other students wish to room together, the request will
be accommodated as long as both (or all) of you list preferred roommates on your housing application.

3. What if I have a contract with USC Housing for spring semester?

If you need to break your USC housing contract, please take your Washington Semester Program acceptance letter to
the USC Housing Office. They will allow you to break your housing contract mid-year.
Also, if you are requesting University Housing when you return, please inform the Housing Office so they can reserve
a space for you.

Other Features
1. Can I use the other facilities at GWU?
You will be granted a George Washington University Student ID card (GWorld) and will have access to the library,
dining, and sporting facilities, as do regular GWU students.

2. How do I get around town?

The classrooms, the library, the Foggy Bottom/George Washington University Metro (subway) stop, and the athletic
center are within a five to ten minute walk from all campus buildings.