🍦 Daily Digest Aug 22: How to get leadership positions in your clubs

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

1. School of the Day: University of Toronto, Canada’s largest university

2. Admission Blueprint: How to get leadership positions in your clubs

3. Staying Calm: How to pace your senior year

4. TikTok Thursday: Why you shouldn’t lie on your application

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
University of Toronto

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: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 68,228
📊 Acceptance Rate: 77% (76k applicants, varies a lot of by major)
💸 Tuition: $44,000
📅 Admission Options: January 10th (priority), after that Rolling Admissions
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Arts & Humanities (#5), Social Science & Public Health (#5), Computer Science (#37) (US News)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Social Sciences (25%), Mathematics and Statistics (18%), Liberal Arts (12%)

Some Positives

🌍 Academic Excellence
The University of Toronto (U of T) consistently ranks among the top universities globally, offering a wide range of programs known for their rigorous academic standards. It’s particularly renowned for research in fields like computer science, engineering, and medicine.

🔬 Research Opportunities
U of T is one of Canada’s leading research institutions, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research alongside world-class faculty. The university’s extensive resources and research funding make it an ideal place for students interested in innovation.

🌎 Diverse Community
With students from over 160 countries, U of T boasts a vibrant and diverse student body. This multicultural environment enriches the student experience, fostering global perspectives and cultural exchange.

🏙️ Location in Toronto
Located in Canada’s largest city, U of T offers students access to a dynamic urban environment. Toronto is a hub for culture, business, and innovation, providing students with numerous internship, networking, and job opportunities.

🤝 Strong Alumni Network
U of T has a vast and influential alumni network, including leaders in various industries around the world. This network can be a valuable resource for students and graduates in terms of mentorship, career advice, and job placement.

🎨 Extracurricular Opportunities
The university offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, allowing students to pursue their interests outside the classroom. From student government to cultural clubs and athletic teams, there’s something for everyone.

Some Negatives

📚 Large Class Sizes
Due to the university’s large enrollment, some classes, especially in the first year, can be quite large, which may make it difficult for students to receive personalized attention from professors.

💸 High Cost of Living
Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, and the cost of living, including rent, food, and transportation, can be a significant burden for students, particularly those not from the area.

⚔️ Intense Competition
U of T is known for its rigorous academic environment, which can be highly competitive. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming for some students, leading to a stressful experience.

❄️ Harsh Winters
Toronto experiences long, cold winters with heavy snowfall, which can be challenging for students who are not used to such weather conditions. The harsh climate can impact daily life, including commuting to classes.

🏠 Limited On-Campus Housing
On-campus housing is limited, particularly for upper-year students, making it necessary for many students to find accommodation off-campus. This can add to the stress of finding affordable and convenient housing in a competitive rental market.

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
How to get leadership positions in your clubs

Leadership roles in clubs and extracurriculars are a great way to make a lasting impact and strengthen your college applications. Whether you’re aiming for president of a club or captain of a team, here are some strategies to help you step into those leadership shoes:

🏅 Why Leadership Matters: Leadership positions aren’t just about titles—they’re a way to develop essential skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving. These roles give you the chance to take initiative, guide others, and make meaningful changes. Colleges and future employers value these experiences, as they show your ability to lead and contribute to a team.

🔍 Understand the System: Every club or organization has its own method for selecting leaders, whether through elections, appointments, or merit-based recognition. Make sure you understand how leadership positions are filled in your extracurriculars. Attend meetings, ask current leaders about the process, and start preparing early.

👥 Build Relationships: Getting close with teachers, advisors, and current club members can make a big difference. These relationships not only provide you with valuable mentorship but also help you gain support when it’s time for elections or appointments. Be genuine in your interactions and show your enthusiasm for the club’s mission.

💡 Make Meaningful Contributions: Leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about making a difference. Take initiative in your club by organizing events, proposing new ideas, or helping out whenever you can. When others see your dedication and impact, they’re more likely to support your leadership aspirations.

🎯 Highlight Your Strengths: When it comes time to campaign or apply for a leadership role, focus on what sets you apart. Whether it’s your organizational skills, creativity, or ability to bring people together, make sure you communicate how these strengths will benefit the club. Be confident, but also show that you’re eager to learn and grow.

🌟 Stay Consistent: Consistency is key in leadership. Show up to meetings regularly, be reliable, and keep contributing even when you’re not in the spotlight. This commitment will demonstrate your readiness to take on a leadership role when the time comes.

Securing a leadership position is about more than just being elected—it’s about proving your dedication and making a meaningful impact. By understanding the system, building relationships, and consistently contributing, you’ll be well on your way to stepping into a leadership role that allows you to shine.

STAYING CALM
How to pace your senior year

Senior year is a whirlwind of responsibilities, from maintaining your grades to navigating the college application process. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but with the right approach, you can manage it all while still enjoying your final year of high school. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

📚 Balance Your Coursework: As a senior, it’s crucial to maintain strong grades. Even with college applications in full swing, don’t let your coursework slip. Set aside dedicated study time each day to stay on top of assignments and prep for exams. Remember, your final transcript still matters!

📝 Tackle College Apps in Chunks: The college application process can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable tasks can help. Set weekly goals for completing sections of your applications, such as finalizing your personal statement or gathering recommendation letters. Portals also often end up crashing right before the deadline because of the sudden rush of applications. Submit early, plan ahead, and spare yourself the stress!

🎭 Stay Engaged in Extracurriculars: Keep up with the activities you love, but consider scaling back if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a leadership role in a club or continuing a sport, maintaining involvement can strengthen your applications and keep your life balanced.

⏰ Master Time Management: With so much on your plate, effective time management is key. Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for studying, college apps, extracurriculars, and relaxation. Prioritize tasks and be realistic about what you can accomplish each day.

🍃 Take Time for Yourself: Amidst the hustle, don’t forget to prioritize self-care. Whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, or just hanging out with friends, make sure you’re giving yourself time to recharge. A balanced life will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year.

By pacing yourself and managing your time effectively, you can navigate senior year with confidence. Remember, this is your time to shine, so take care of yourself while you work toward your goals. The world is your oyster!

TIKTOK THURSDAY
Our favorite TikToks we found last week

Don’t tell big lies on your application: This view does a really good job of covering how colleges tell whether or not you’re lying on your applications. Basically, don’t lie.

What do colleges look at first in your application: Many of us know little about the behind-the-scenes of college application reviews, and this video helps you understand what officers are actually looking for.

What to do as seniors before applying: In this video specifically for high school seniors, Dylan Ott, now a student at UPenn’s competitive M&T program, goes over things that really helped him in his college application.

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 every Wednesday, so be sure to check back frequently!

1600.io: A comprehensive resource offering practice tests, video explanations, and personalized study plans designed to help you achieve a perfect SAT score. Ideal for focused, self-paced study.
USC Find Your Counselor: USC website that makes it really easy to find out your point of contact for USC applications
Common App Ready: A series of resources and videos from the Common App team that walk you through each section of the application. Perfect for first-time applicants.

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
Looking for past mailings?

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

IDEAS COME FROM EVERYWHERE
Have an idea for the newsletter?

Is there a question you’ve been dying to have answered related to college admissions? Or, is there something just nagging you about Scholar Scoops that you want to see fixed soon? We want to hear from you. You can submit feedback at https://forms.gle/7Rj2eBCiauEc5oNV8. Thank you so much!