🍦 Daily Digest Aug 17: The perfect way to ask for a recommendation letter

Good morning folks! Here’s what we have today:

1. School of the Day: Cornell University, best engineering Ivy?

2. Admission Blueprint: How to ask for a rec letter

3. Get Ready for College: How to select a roommate

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Cornell University

Every day, we cover a different school, helping you learn something new about your favorite schools or find a new school that could end up being your dream school.

📍 Location: Ithaca, NY
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 15,735
📊 Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1520/34
💸 Tuition: $68,380
📅 Admission Options: November 1st (Early Decision), January 2nd (Regular Decision)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Computer Science (#6), Psychology (#7), Business (#8) (US News Rankings)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Computer and Information Science (17%), Business and Management (13%), Engineering (13%) (US News)

Cornell University, perched atop a hill in the picturesque town of Ithaca, New York, is known for its rigorous academics, diverse programs, and stunning natural surroundings. As a member of the Ivy League, Cornell combines a commitment to public service with private university prestige, offering a unique blend of resources and opportunities. With seven undergraduate colleges, ranging from the College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, students can find their niche in almost any field of study. If you’re intrigued by what Cornell has to offer, here are some more interesting facts:

🐻 Big Red Bear: Cornell’s mascot, the Big Red Bear, is a symbol of school pride and spirit. The bear has been part of Cornell tradition since the early 20th century and is a beloved figure at athletic events and campus celebrations.

🏞️ Ithaca is Gorges: Cornell’s campus is famous for its natural beauty, including the stunning gorges and waterfalls that weave through the area. The saying “Ithaca is Gorges” is both a play on words and a testament to the breathtaking scenery. Be sure to check out the Cornell Botanic Gardens and the numerous hiking trails that surround the campus.

🍦 Cornell Dairy: A must-visit for any Cornellian is the Cornell Dairy Bar, where you can enjoy delicious ice cream made from milk produced by Cornell’s own cows. It’s a sweet reminder of the university’s land-grant mission and commitment to agricultural education.

📚 Ezra’s Vision: Cornell was founded on the principle of offering “any person… any study,” a vision laid out by founder Ezra Cornell. This inclusive philosophy continues to guide the university’s commitment to diversity and accessibility, making it a place where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

🎭 Arts and Culture: Beyond academics, Cornell has a rich arts scene. The A.D. White Library is often compared to Hogwarts with its Gothic architecture, and the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of student productions throughout the year.

🧠 Research Powerhouse: As a top research university, Cornell offers undergraduates numerous opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research. Whether it’s in engineering, the life sciences, or social sciences, students have access to world-class facilities and faculty.

🏛️ Historic Campus: The iconic McGraw Tower, home to the Cornell Chimes, is one of the university’s most recognizable landmarks. The chimes have been ringing daily concerts since 1869, and learning to play them is one of Cornell’s unique student traditions.

Whether you’re drawn to its academic excellence, vibrant student life, or simply want to explore the gorges, Cornell University offers an inspiring environment for its students.

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
How to ask for a rec letter

Asking for recommendation letters is a crucial part of the college application process, especially now, as the school year kicks off. Here’s how to approach your teachers to ensure you get strong, personalized letters:

🔍 Understand What Rec Letters You Need
Before asking, research the colleges on your list to understand exactly what recommendation letters they require. Some schools might ask for letters from specific subject teachers, while others may have no preference. Knowing these details ensures you ask the right teachers and meet all the requirements for your applications.

🎯 Choose the Right Teachers
Reflect on your past classes and consider which teachers know you best—both academically and personally. Ideally, these are teachers who have seen you grow, overcome challenges, and contribute positively to the classroom environment. Remember, it’s not just about choosing the teacher of the class where you got the highest grade; it’s about who can speak to your character, work ethic, and potential.

⏰ Ask Early
The earlier you ask, the better. Teachers often get flooded with requests, and asking early shows that you’re organized and considerate of their time. Aim to make your request in the first few weeks of school, giving them ample time to write a thoughtful letter.

✉️ Make It Personal and Specific
When you approach your teacher—whether in person or via email—be polite and specific about your request. Mention why you’re asking them, what you hope they can highlight in your letter, and provide any relevant information about your college list or future goals. This helps them tailor the letter to your needs.

📄 Provide a Brag Sheet
To make the process easier for your teachers, prepare a “brag sheet” that outlines your achievements, extracurricular activities, and any specific examples you’d like them to include. This can help jog their memory and ensure they cover the points most important to your application. Here’s a great guide on putting together a brag sheet.

🙏 Follow Up and Say Thank You
After making your request, give your teacher some time, but don’t forget to follow up closer to the deadline to ensure everything is on track. Once they’ve submitted your letter, a sincere thank you note or email is a must. Express your gratitude for their time and effort in supporting your college journey.

GET READY FOR COLLEGE!
How to select a roommate

Okay, we might be getting a bit ahead of ourselves with this one, but it never hurts to know what to expect when you get to college. Hopefully you learn something new from this section and maybe even remember it whenever you start college!

Choosing a roommate is a significant decision that can greatly influence your college experience. Whether you’re preparing to live in a dorm for the first time or transitioning to off-campus housing, finding the right person to share your living space with is key to a harmonious and enjoyable college life. The right roommate can become a close friend, study partner, or simply someone who respects your space and routine. Here are some tips to help you navigate this important choice:

🕒 Be Honest About Your Habits
When completing roommate questionnaires or discussing preferences with potential roommates, it’s crucial to be truthful about your lifestyle, habits, and expectations. Whether you’re someone who burns the midnight oil studying or an early bird who prefers a quiet morning, honesty will help ensure you’re matched with someone compatible.

📞 Communication is Key
Before moving in together, have an open conversation with your potential roommate about essential topics like sleep schedules, study routines, cleanliness, and how you’ll handle guests. The more you communicate upfront, the fewer misunderstandings you’ll face later.

✨ Respect Differences
It’s important to remember that you and your roommate don’t have to be identical in personality or interests. What matters most is mutual respect for each other’s space, habits, and boundaries. A respectful relationship can lead to a positive living environment, even if you don’t have much in common.

📝 Set Ground Rules Early
Establishing ground rules from the start can prevent potential conflicts down the road. Discuss shared responsibilities, such as cleaning duties and noise levels, as well as how you’ll handle shared spaces and guests. Clear expectations will make cohabitation smoother for both of you.

🌍 Keep an Open Mind
College is a time to meet people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Even if your roommate differs from what you expected, keep an open mind—you might find that your differences enrich your living experience and help you grow in unexpected ways.

Is it better to room with someone I know, or should I opt for a random assignment?
Rooming with someone you know can be comfortable, but it can also strain friendships if conflicts arise. A random assignment may introduce you to someone new and broaden your social circle. Weigh the the pros and cons based on your personality and preferences, and what you ultimately choose to do is completely up to you.

What if I’m not comfortable living with my roommate after moving in?
If you find that living with your roommate isn’t working out despite your best efforts, talk to your resident advisor or housing office. They can often provide resources or solutions, including room changes if necessary.

Selecting the right roommate involves thoughtful consideration and clear communication. By approaching the process with honesty, respect, and an open mind, you can set the foundation for a successful and enjoyable living arrangement.

LINK LOUNGE
Key Resources & Scholarships

In the Link Lounge section, you can find links to great resources such as scholarships during the college application process. These links can be really helpful and will be updated as time goes on, so be sure to check back frequently!

Coca-Cola Scholars Program: prestigious $20,000 scholarship, 2024-25 applications now open
Fastweb Scholarship Finder: free service to search through hundreds of scholarships
Collegevine Sage: AI college counselor with over 2M users
Georgia Tech Admissions Blog: arguably the best admissions blog out there, providing commentary on important topics in the world of college admissions

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Important testing dates are coming up!

In the Daily Deadlines section, we will keep you updated on upcoming deadlines in the college admissions world. Remember to not procrastinate and stay ahead of these deadlines!

August SAT: Saturday, August 24
September ACT Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 25
September ACT: Saturday, September 15
University of Texas Early Action Deadline: October 15

THE ARCHIVE
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You can view all our previous posts at our website at https://scholarscoops.beehiiv.com

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