Twin Torero Experience: Aaron and Jared McCarthy

Twin Torero Experience: Aaron and Jared McCarthy

McCarthy Twins

The transition to college is an exciting time in any young adult’s life. However, with that excitement comes apprehension. The unfamiliar places, subjects, and people that a new student might meet appear daunting. However, for some Toreros, that journey was made with a familiar face — their twin. In the summer of 2012, 10 sets of twins committed to the University of San Diego — nine stayed at USD past their first year. Over the next few months, USD News Center will feature the twins’ stories, highlighting their shared experiences as well as who they are as individuals, giving them a chance to look back on the journey and contemplate what’s next.

“I always joke and say it’s like a marriage.”

For Aaron McCarthy, this is how he describes his relationship with his brother, Jared. Both siblings are currently in their senior year at the University of San Diego.

Originally from Lakeside, Calif., these fraternal twins are the first to acknowledge that their competitive nature usually comes out in their relationship.

“I am who I am because of the fact that I am a twin,” says Jared. “Every ‘A’ I earned in my class was to beat Aaron. Every time I scored a goal, I was one step closer to surpassing Aaron’s record. Having someone who was equally talented, smart, and athletic has pushed me to be better.”

A Twin Experience

The Young McCarthy Twins

Although Jared and Aaron disagree on whether twin telepathy truly exists, they do agree that their individuality is sometimes overshadowed by the fact that they look alike.

“It’s wonderful that you have a best friend,” says Jared. Though “it is difficult that we are viewed as one [entity] when we are so different.”

For Aaron, their individuality actually strengthens their relationship: “We are different enough to where we are able to learn from each other.”

Coming to USD

The plan wasn’t to attend the same school. Both siblings figured they would go their separate ways and the only overlap in applications was to USD.

During senior year of high school, Aaron flew up to the University of California, Berkeley, while Jared visited the University of Redlands.

“I remember sitting in a classroom packed with 700 students,” Aaron says. “I couldn’t see myself learning in an environment like this. It wasn’t until my last night in Berkeley that I called my brother to tell him my decision.”

“We actually picked up our phones the same day to call each other,” says Jared. “That call was when we told each other we had chosen USD. I guess that was one of those crazy twin moments people always hear about.”

A Sense of Comfort

Although originally questioning whether attending the same school and rooming together was stepping outside their comfort zone enough, both agree it helped them adjust to the new school environment during their first year.

“I liked how I could openly tell him if his side of the room was dirty or if we needed to clean the room,” says Aaron.

For Jared, there was a sense of comfort knowing his best friend would also be at USD with him. “Having a twin, you do most things together, especially if you are close. This includes meeting people,” he says. “Having my twin at school with me took off the pressure of having to create a new identity for myself.”

“One of my favorite memories with Aaron in college are the memories right before we go to sleep,” says Jared. “[We] catch up on our day and talk about what’s new in our lives. Despite having separate interests and not seeing each other as often as you might assume, this is the best way for us to catch up, no matter how short.”

The College Years

Since arriving on campus in 2012, these brothers have been active in both academic and extracurricular outlets. Aaron, an accountancy major, has been involved in the USD Honors Program, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and has travelled to Madrid, Spain through the USD Study Abroad program. He has also been recognized as a Changemaker Summer Fellow, is a part of the National Collegiate Honors Society, and has been a CASA Youth to College First Grade Tutor at the nearby Holy Family School.

Jared, a double major in behavioral neuroscience and theatre arts and performance studies, has been active on campus as a tour guide, a member of Mortar Board, and a Club Volleyball and Club Quidditch player. He has also been a part of Sigma Phi Epsilon and is currently working in the undergraduate admissions office.

What’s Next?

Although not sure exactly what they want to do after graduation, both agree it will probably be done separately. Aaron has accepted a position with Deloitte following graduation and Jared plans on attending graduate school to pursue a degree in counseling or therapy.

For both brothers, they are looking forward to what the new chapter may hold for them.

“I will miss having my brother with me along my journey (for lack of better terms),” says Jared, “[but] I’m so excited to chase my passions. My whole life I have worked so hard and I cannot believe how far I have come.”

— Allyson Meyer '16


Explore this series:
Twin Torero Experience: Katelyn and Michelle McSkane
Twin Torero Experience: Melissa and Michelle Stencil
Twin Torero Experience: Malina and Maya Hood
Twin Torero Experience: Ashton and Kalin Padberg
Twin Torero Experience: Aaron and Jared McCarthy



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