🍦 Daily Digest Aug 19: Managing stress during application season

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

1. School of the Day: University of Georgia

2. Admission Blueprint: How to make a college list

3. Mindful Monday: How to manage stress during application season

Also, we launched on Product Hunt this morning, and it would mean so much if you could give us an upvote as it helps so many people find out about this newsletter! Here’s the link: https://www.producthunt.com/posts/scholar-scoops

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
University of Georgia

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: Athens, Georgia
🏛️ Founded: 1785
🎓 Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,714
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1310/29
💰 Tuition: $11,180 (in-state), $30,220 (out-of-state)
📊 Acceptance Rate: 42.5%
📅 Admission Options: Early Action (October 15), Regular Decision (January 1)
🏆 Most Popular Majors: Psychology (9%), Biology (9%), Public Health (5%) (US News)

UGA offers a mix of strong academics, a lively campus atmosphere, and deep-rooted traditions. From its top-ranked programs in business, journalism, and public affairs to its dedication to research, UGA provides students with a well-rounded education. The campus is also known for its beautiful green spaces, historic buildings, and the buzzing energy of downtown Athens. Founded in 1785, it’s one of the oldest public universities in the United States, with a rich history and a vibrant campus life. Let’s dive into what makes UGA stand out!

Some Positives

📜 Oldest Chartered University: UGA holds the title of being the first state-chartered university in the United States, laying the groundwork for public higher education. It’s a place rich with history, which can be a big draw for students interested in a legacy of learning.

🎶 Birthplace of Bands: Athens, GA, is famous for its vibrant music scene, being the birthplace of iconic bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s. Music lovers will find plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy live music.

🏛️ Historic North Campus: UGA’s North Campus is steeped in history, with beautiful architecture and landmarks like the famous Arch. It’s a visually stunning place to spend your college years, with picturesque spots perfect for studying or just hanging out.

🔬 Research Powerhouse: UGA is a top research institution, especially known for its contributions in agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. The university also runs the Georgia Sea Grant, focusing on marine and coastal research, which is ideal for students interested in these fields.

🏈 Football Fandom: UGA’s football team, the Georgia Bulldogs, has a massive following. Sanford Stadium is packed on game days, with over 92,000 fans cheering for the Dawgs. The sense of school spirit and community during football season is infectious and a core part of the UGA experience.

Some Negatives

🏛️ Historic, But Maybe Too Traditional: While UGA’s history is impressive, some students might find the emphasis on tradition and the university’s conservative culture a bit overwhelming. The rigid customs, like the superstition around walking under the Arch, can feel stifling to those who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere.

📚 High Expectations, High Pressure: UGA’s academic environment, while prestigious, can be quite competitive and stressful, particularly in research-heavy programs. The pressure to perform and maintain high grades may be a concern for some students.

🏈 Football Dominance or Distraction?: UGA’s strong football culture can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great for those who love the sport, others might feel that the focus on football overshadows other aspects of campus life. The massive crowds and game day activities can sometimes disrupt campus routines for those who aren’t as enthusiastic about the sport.

🎓 Limited Cultural Diversity: Despite its size, UGA has struggled with cultural diversity in the past. Some students have noted that the campus can feel less inclusive at times, which might be a consideration for those looking for a more diverse college experience.

The University of Georgia blends academic excellence with a lively student life, making it a great choice for those looking for a balanced college experience. Whether you’re into sports, music, or research, UGA has something for everyone. Go Dawgs

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
How to make a great college list

Creating the perfect college list is like building a playlist for your future—each college is a different track that sets the tone for your next chapter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft your ultimate college playlist. 🎧

1. 🧠 Start with Self-Reflection
Before diving into college websites, take a moment to reflect on your needs and desires. What are your academic interests? What kind of campus culture appeals to you? Do you thrive in a bustling city or prefer a quieter, more rural setting? Understanding your preferences is key to creating a list that resonates with you.

2. 🎓 Divide and Conquer: Safety, Target, and Reach Schools
A well-balanced college list should include a mix of:

• Safety Schools: Colleges where your academic credentials significantly exceed the school’s averages, making acceptance very likely.

• Target Schools: Your academic profile aligns closely with the average admitted student.

• Reach Schools: The dream schools where your stats might be below average, but you’d love to attend if accepted. Aim high, but keep your expectations realistic.

3. 🔍 Research, Research, Research
Once you’ve identified potential schools, dig deeper. Visit their websites, attend virtual tours, and check out student reviews. Look into academic programs, campus facilities, extracurricular opportunities, and even dorm life. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel about your choices.

4. 💸 Consider Finances
Understanding the financial aspect is crucial. Research each school’s tuition, available scholarships, and financial aid packages. Use Net Price Calculators to estimate the true cost of attendance. Don’t shy away from schools with higher sticker prices—many offer substantial aid. FAFSA and CSS Profile are great starting points for financial aid applications.

5. ✂️ Narrow Down the List
As you gather more information, start narrowing your list. I can’t tell you exactly how many you should apply to but apply to enough to keep your options open but not so many that you feel overwhelmed. Each school you add to your list has a different set of required essays and you can use that to get a sense of how long it will take you to complete everything on your list. Make sure each school on your list aligns with your goals and interests.

6. 💭 Trust Your Gut
This is your college journey. While advice from family, friends, and counselors is valuable, the decision should ultimately be yours. Trust your instincts and choose schools where you can envision yourself thriving. 🏆

Creating a college list is both an art and a science. With careful thought, research, and a dash of intuition, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right college that strikes all the right chords in your academic and personal life. 🎶

MINDFUL MONDAY
Managing stress during application season

The college application season can feel like a marathon. With deadlines, essays, and decisions looming, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not—stress doesn’t have to be your constant companion. Here’s how to keep your cool and stay on track.

📅 Break It Down, Step by Step
Looking at your entire application to-do list can feel like staring at a mountain. The trick? Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Tackle one thing at a time—whether it’s writing a paragraph of your essay or finalizing your resume. Small victories add up!

📝 Set Realistic Goals
It’s great to be ambitious, but setting unrealistic goals can add unnecessary stress. Create a balanced schedule that accounts for your schoolwork, extracurriculars, and downtime. Stick to your plan, but don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go perfectly.

⏰ Take Breaks (Seriously!)
Working non-stop might seem like the way to get everything done, but it’s actually counterproductive. Taking short breaks can boost your productivity and creativity. Go for a walk, listen to music, or just breathe. Your mind will thank you!

👯‍♂️ Stay Connected with Your Support System
Lean on friends, family, and mentors during this time. Whether it’s to vent, seek advice, or just have a laugh, staying connected with your support system can help alleviate stress. Remember, you’re not in this alone!

💆‍♀️ Practice Self-Care
Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Try out some mindfulness exercises or meditation—just a few minutes a day can help keep anxiety in check.

🌍 Keep Things in Perspective
It’s easy to feel like your entire future hinges on these applications, but remember, college is just one step in your journey. No matter the outcome, there are always multiple paths to success. Focus on doing your best, and let go of what you can’t control.

🎉 Celebrate Your Progress
Don’t wait until the end to celebrate! Every time you hit a milestone—submitting an essay or finishing an interview—take a moment to acknowledge your hard work. Celebrating the small wins will keep you motivated throughout the process.

🤝 Ask for Help When You Need It
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it’s guidance from a counselor, feedback from a teacher, or advice from a friend, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

✨ Remember Your Why
When the stress starts to creep in, remind yourself why you’re doing this. Focus on your goals, passions, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Keeping your purpose in mind can help you push through even the toughest moments.

Application season is challenging, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By staying organized, taking care of yourself, and keeping a positive outlook, you can manage stress effectively and navigate this process with confidence. You’ve got this!

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
August SAT is this Saturday!

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
Looking for past mailings?

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

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