🍦Do UC's like or dislike fluff in essays? (Nov 14)

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

1. Daily Deep Dive: The UC System

2. A First For Scoops: Part 3/3 of our Conversation with a Purdue Admissions Director

3. TikTok Thursday: our fav #collegeadmissiontips

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

⛲️ Getting your feet wet at Stanford: Stanford has a long history of fountain hopping, which is the tradition of jumping in water fountains around campus. It literally involves getting your feet wet, and trying to create whirlpools. This activity is usually done by almost all freshman during New Student Orientation and Admit Weekend.

DAILY DEEP DIVE
The UC System

UC’s Vibe: What Are They Looking For?

With more than 200,000 applications yearly, the UC system focuses on students who succeed within common academic standards but distinguish themselves through exceptional achievements. The goal isn’t just to be unique; it’s to demonstrate measurable success, like excelling in tougher courses or earning notable awards that set you apart. Simply put, the UCs seek students who have pursued familiar paths—grades, challenging coursework, extracurriculars—but done so at a higher level than their peers.

What the Essays Are Looking For

The UC PIQs require you to demonstrate where you’ve genuinely excelled without directly comparing yourself to others. Think of it as “show, don’t tell”—describe concrete examples instead of vague claims. For instance, rather than stating, “I push myself with tough courses,” share a time when you chose an advanced class despite the challenge and the result that came from it, showing your determination and capability in a concrete way.

What You Can Do RIGHT NOW

With the deadline approaching, focus on tightening your PIQs:

• Add Specifics: Make sure each answer includes concrete details that highlight what you did, not just what you felt or intended.

• Focus on Outcomes: Emphasize how your actions had a positive impact or led to personal growth.

• Keep It Personal: Review each PIQ for clear reflection on why the experience mattered to you, keeping the focus on authenticity over perfection.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Great resources for your apps and also for your bank account!

Free things with a .edu email - With the application in, some colleges might be giving you access to a .edu email—you can use them to get a bunch of free things!

PVSA Awards - A quick government volunteering award to stand out as app deadlines come around

dabbL Webinars - hear from current college students and counselors on tips to stand out

FIRST Scholarships - scholarships for FIRST robotics competitors (apply soon!)

A FIRST FOR SCOOPS
The Final Part of our Conversation with Purdue Admissions Director, Ms. Mandie Corcoran

🎤 Exclusive Interview – Part 3: Today, we’re wrapping up our insightful interview series with Ms. Mandie Corcoran, Purdue’s Senior Assistant Admissions Director for Northern California! In this final section, Ms. Corcoran provides valuable advice on evaluating colleges with a rich history, like Purdue, compared to newer institutions. She also demystifies Purdue’s process for transferring into competitive majors like Computer Science, giving prospective students a real look at what it takes to switch majors after enrolling. Don’t miss these practical insights to help you make informed and intelligent decisions as you plan for your college experience!

I’m specifically applying to the Computer Engineering department at Purdue, which I know is the oldest in the country and has a rich history of many influential discoveries. What do you think are the pros and cons to applying to a school with a rich history vs a school like UC Merced that is young and growing? How do you suggest students balance those pros and cons when deciding on a college list or which college to attend?

A lot of this honestly just comes down to your own research and soul-searching. There are definitely significant differences between attending an established school and a new school, and you’re really the only person who can decide what’s best for you. One piece of advice I would give is definitely make sure to visit the school if you can. Listen and take notes about the culture and all the offerings, but beyond that, jot down how you feel. Getting in touch with your gut feel can really help you ultimately make the decision of if you want to spend your next four years at a school.

As for the pros and cons of going to a historical school like Purdue, I’d say that it’s a really fun and rich experience to be part of an established tradition. As a student, you get to reap the benefits of an extensive alumni network, funding sources, and a strong reputation. At newer schools, however, students get the opportunity to be creators and trailblazers of school traditions and leave a legacy behind for years to come.

Another thing to consider is if a school gives you enough room to develop and change. Remember you’re going to be there for 4 years, and things inevitably change. Ultimately, just remember that when it comes to choosing a school, there’s really no “wrong choice”. Choosing education is the right choice, and wherever you end up choosing to go, having a rewarding college experience is largely in your hands. Just try to be as informed as possible!

We keep hearing from lots of schools that transferring into CS at schools is extremely difficult and almost impossible so instead, just apply directly as a prospective freshman. We keep hearing this over and over again but never really know what that transfer process actually looks like at the school. Is it informal and you just have to email a few people, or is there lots of paperwork, rec letters, essays, and all of that? Could you go over what that looks like?

Purdue’s process for switching into a competitive major like Computer Science operates on a “space-available” basis, meaning that there must be available slots for new students to enter the program. Additionally, transfer students compete for these positions, which makes the process competitive.

If a student decides to switch majors, they would work with their advisor to meet certain prerequisites, including achieving a specific GPA and completing required courses. Afterward, they submit a form to initiate the change. Although this process is structured and there are students who successfully transfer every year, Purdue generally advises students to apply directly to their preferred major during the initial admissions process, especially if that program is known to be highly competitive.

INFO ZONE
ICYMI: Some banger upcoming information sessions

Here’s some upcoming school virtual information sessions. These are great opportunities to learn more about school’s programs to determine if the school is a right fit for you. It’s also great to learn more about the school’s vibe and possibly what admissions officers are looking for. All the times listed are below are already converted into Pacific.

CMU Remote Information Session - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM

Northwestern Online Admissions Information Session - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM

UC Berkeley Admissions Presentation - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

Harvey Mudd Virtual Discovery Day (MVDD) - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 5:35 PM

(NEW—Hurry, fills up fast!) UCLA Virtual Information Session - Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

TIKTOK THURSDAY
our fav #collegeadmissiontips

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
November 15 is tomorrow! Pls submit!

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!

UDub, CU Boulder, Virginia Tech, and More Deadline: November 15
UC Deadline: December 2

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
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