🍦It's TikTok Thursday! (Nov 21)

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

1. Upcoming Visits Refresh: new NYU and Penn Info Sessions

2. Daily Deep Dive: John Hopkins University

3. TikTok Thursday: #collegeadmissionstips

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

🍉 Watermelon Bash at Texas A&M: Students at Texas A&M celebrate the end of the school year by smashing watermelons with sledgehammers in an event called the Watermelon Bash. Organized since 1905, it’s a mix of catharsis and summer vibes.

INFO ZONE
New upcoming information sessions from NYU and Penn!

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.

Discover UCSD Session - Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 3:45 PM

UC Berkeley Admissions Presentation (FIRST-YEAR) - ****Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

WUSTL McKelvey School of Engineering Virtual Information Session - Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM

(NEW) NYU Virtual Information Session Webinar - Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 6:00 AM until 7:00 AM

(NEW) Penn Admissions Virtual Information Session - Monday, December 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM

DAILY DEEP DIVE
John Hopkins University

What vibe are they looking for?

Johns Hopkins University thrives on intellectual curiosity, a global perspective, and a commitment to innovation and impact. They seek students who approach challenges with creativity, perseverance, and collaboration, fostering an environment where discovery flourishes. This isn’t just about academic excellence; it’s about a passion for applying knowledge to solve real-world problems.

What sets Hopkins apart is its emphasis on research, interdisciplinarity, and a service-driven mindset. With initiatives like the Hopkins Student Research Network and proximity to world-class institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, the university offers a platform for students to explore and innovate across disciplines. They look for students who are self-motivated, driven by questions rather than answers, and eager to embrace a spirit of inquiry and collaboration.

Hopkins values individuality and resilience—students who bring unique perspectives shaped by their life experiences and who can see connections across fields, fostering progress through teamwork. They want applicants who see themselves not just as students but as changemakers poised to make meaningful contributions to society.

What the essay is looking for

Johns Hopkins’ single essay is an opportunity to tie your personal story to your academic, personal, and professional aspirations at the university. It’s a chance to show how your values, experiences, and skills will enrich their community while demonstrating how Hopkins aligns with your future goals. Here’s what they want to see:

• A compelling personal narrative: Share a pivotal experience or aspect of your background that shaped your character, values, or worldview. Be specific—describe how this experience led to growth or inspired your ambitions.

• Alignment with Hopkins’ ethos: Explain how your perspective and goals resonate with their commitment to inquiry, collaboration, and impact. This could involve research, service, or an interdisciplinary approach.

• Your future vision: Showcase what you aim to pursue at Hopkins and beyond. This can include academic aspirations, research interests, or a commitment to community service.

Approach Tips:

1. Focus on authenticity: Avoid overly polished or generic responses. Instead, write from the heart, reflecting your genuine self and unique journey.

2. Connect the dots: Show how your past experiences have shaped who you are today and how that foundation aligns with the opportunities at Hopkins.

3. Highlight resilience or adaptability: If applicable, discuss how you’ve navigated challenges and used them to grow.

What you can do RIGHT NOW to stand out

1. Clarify your personal story: Reflect on the experiences that have most defined you and how they’ve shaped your character, values, and perspective. Decide which aspect aligns most closely with Hopkins’ values and opportunities.

2. Research Hopkins’ offerings: Dive deep into their programs, faculty, and initiatives that align with your interests. Whether it’s the Center for Social Concern, the biomedical engineering program, or interdisciplinary research opportunities, identify specifics to reference in your essay.

3. Outline your future impact: Be prepared to articulate how you’ll use Hopkins’ resources to achieve your goals, whether through groundbreaking research, community engagement, or cross-disciplinary innovation.

4. Write with precision and personality: Make your essay vivid and memorable by using detailed anecdotes and reflecting on their significance. Avoid vague statements like “I love learning” or “Hopkins is perfect for me.”

5. Edit thoroughly: Keep your essay concise and compelling. Stick to the word limit while ensuring each sentence adds value to your narrative.

By demonstrating a blend of personal insight, intellectual curiosity, and alignment with Hopkins’ mission, you’ll create an essay that showcases why you belong at this world-renowned institution.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Some links we gave y’all yesterday

Collegevine Chancing - Get a rough estimate of your real acceptance rate based on GPA, test scores, and EC’s

Harvard Tips for Applying to College - quick and short 9 bullet points of tips to definitely read before applying

GE–Reagan Foundation Scholarship - Merit-based scholarship run by the Reagan Foundation

KapAdvisor - AI college counselor built on 80+ years of knowledge in the counseling space

TIKTOK THURSDAY
#collegeadmissiontips

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Take a break you deserve it! UC’s are almost here though!

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!

UC Deadline: December 2
December SAT: December 7

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!