🍦How to stand out doing basic activities (Dec 5)

Good morning folks! Here’s the lineup today:

1. Info Zone Refresh: new on-demand ways to learn more + contact colleges

2. Hear from your peers: Conversation with Atharv about engineering and standing out doing all the same things

3. TikTok Thursday: our favorite #collegeadmissions videos

TRIVIA
🌟 Alumni Match

Before becoming a prominent figure in business, reality TV, and politics, this individual started his college journey at a New York City university known for its Jesuit traditions. After two years, he transferred to an Ivy League school in Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in economics from a program often ranked among the best in the country. Who is this alum, and bonus—which are these 2 schools that he attended?

INFO ZONE
New ways to get in touch with Brown and Dartmouth!

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.

(NEW) Email a Current Dartmouth Student - direct contact info for a current Dartmouth student; any time and any day

(NEW) Brown University Pre-Recorded Info Sessions - any time and any day

Wharton Undergraduate Virtual Information Session - Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM

Columbia University Info Session - Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM until 8:00 AM

UChicago Virtual Campus Tour - Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Rice Virtual Admission Information Session - Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM

HEAR FROM YOUR PEERS
Conversation with Atharv

When most people picture engineering, they think of strict formulas and rigid processes. But for Atharv Deshmukh, a senior at BASIS Independent Fremont, engineering is anything but. With a creative flair and a knack for turning conventional paths into something uniquely his own, this application Atharv is looking to show his “unconventionalness” and his unique view on engineering to colleges. Read more to see how he approaches this challenge.

📚 What are you interested in studying? How did that interest develop?

I’m definitely interested in Computer Science and Engineering. My interest into all this started back in elementary school, when I joined a robotics team. At first, I wasn’t really into engineering or software because, honestly, it felt like everyone else was doing it. But as I got older, I started to notice that even though everyone was doing computer science, computer science had so many cool applications—especially software engineering. It began to grow on me and once I started going to hackathons in high school, I realized I could use tech to also express myself and create anything, and that’s when I really got hooked.

🛠️ How do you view engineering as a field?

Most people think engineering is super rigid and technical and just overall boring/stressful, but I see it as something really creative. It’s about solving problems in unique ways and bringing ideas to life.

🏫 Are you looking for schools that share that perspective on engineering? What kind of college experience do you want?

Definitely. I want a school where engineering is challenging but also has this holistic approach. I’m looking for a place with a strong entrepreneurial presence—tech-focused but with room for creativity and diversity of thought. Schools with a strong startup culture really appeal to me.

🌟 How do you make your interests (robotics & software) stand out when a lot of people are into the same things?

A lot of people did robotics in middle and high school, but—fun story—I actually stepped away from it. Instead of just following that same path, I took pieces of what I learned and created my own journey. For example, I started teaching programming, which gave me a chance to share what I know while adding my own spin to it. Now, while doing these applications, it’s less about listing what I’ve done (because, yes, a lot of kids have done robotics and taught programming) and more about showing how I’ve grown through this entire journey.

🔍 What’s your process for researching schools? How do you validate they have the vibe you want and the programs you’re interested in?

When I research schools, I don’t think like a college applicant—I think like someone who’s already a student there. I dive into the club directories and ask myself, “If I were here, what would I actually be doing?” It’s not just about academics; it’s about imagining the full experience. And I love finding unique things, like Georgia Tech’s Seek Discomfort Club that takes weekly ice baths. Stuff like that really stands out to me and I throw it in my supplemental essays, too.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: What the UCs want you to do after you apply—check out their official guide!

(NEW) UC After You Apply - the official UC guide for what to do after you apply

(NEW) Cruz Hacks - win recognition and prizes UCSC’s premier hackathon for high schoolers and undergrads

Peterson's Scholarship Search - find the best scholarships for you out of over 1.9 million scholarships and grants

Stamps Scholars - win up to $360,000 in total scholarships at partner schools

TIKTOK THURSDAY
Our favorite #collegeadmissions videos

TRIVIA ANSWER
Looking for the answer to our fun trivia question up at the top?

Answer: Donald Trump, Fordham University and University of Pennsylvania

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Take that break but mind your deadlines!

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!

December SAT: December 7
Most ED/REA Acceptances: December 15th

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!