🍦New Diversity Initiatives(Dec 6)

Good morning folks! Here’s the lineup today:

1. Link Lounge Refresh: New media sources for you

2. Hear from your peers: Atharv talks about evolving writing style and unconventional ECs

3. Friday News Focus: Brown’s new diversity initiatives

TRIVIA
🏈 Gridiron Quiz

In November of 1869, these two New Jersey colleges played the very first college football game. The final score was 6-4. Have an answer in mind? Check the bottom of today’s newsletter to find out if you’re right!

LINK LOUNGE
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 (Part 2)

I know that you’ve been a part of many “unconventional” extracurriculars—could you tell us more about that? How would you recommend others follow those paths?

Yeah, my high school activities have been a little out of the ordinary, but I think that’s what’s made it so impactful. I haven’t been part of that many traditional school sports or athletics, instead opting to do a lot of things on my own. For example, I co-founded a nonprofit called Code for Cause, where we started out organizing hackathons for social good. It all sounds so grand now, but it all started back when we saw a problem—hackers were building unimportant projects and forgetting about them at hackathons—and we then followed our passions and tried to find a solution to that problem. That’s how most of my activities come to be—find a problem and then solve that problem.

In general, when it comes to doing something unconventional, my advice is to keep your eyes open. Ideas are everywhere—you just have to notice them, and when one clicks, don’t hesitate. Put in the work and follow through. A lot of people like to call these “passion projects,” but I think they’re just opportunities waiting for someone bold enough to grab them.

I’ve noticed that people tend to stick to the safe route, like joining clubs or summer programs, because it feels familiar. But sometimes, stepping into the unknown is where the magic happens. Don’t let fear hold you back from trying something different.

How do you share those unconventional experiences in your application?

You really have to enjoy writing these things and be authentic. You know best what you’ve been working on for so long, just talk about that. For example, I’ve talked about Code for Cause hundreds of times now, so I’ve got my whole spiel down.Every time I share, I know best what I’m talking about.

When you’re writing or talking about what you’ve done, don’t force yourself to fit into a box or copy what you’ve seen online. Just be yourself. Authenticity is so much more powerful than trying to sound like someone you’re not. People will connect with the real you, so lean into that.

How has your writing style evolved over this application season?

My writing style has definitely become more conversational over time. I think a lot of people shy away from that because it’s not what they’ve been taught in school. But here’s the thing: colleges aren’t looking for the most formal essay—they’re looking to get to know you.

For me, writing the way I talk feels natural, and it’s the best way to show who I really am. Don’t feel like you have to cram yourself into a box or follow some strict formula. Be authentic, and let your personality shine through, because that is what colleges are trying to get to know—your personality.

What resources have helped you the most this application season?

I don’t know how accessible this is to everybody, but for me, creating a strong relationship with my school’s college counselor has been a huge help. We don’t just talk about extracurriculars or essays—she knows me as a person, and that makes her advice so much more resourceful. I’d definitely recommend others to find a mentor and don’t just take their feedback, but also start just talking to them and creating a relationship with them.

Another big one has been staying organized. I’ve seen friends stress out because they didn’t keep track of deadlines or lost drafts of their essays. Trust me, a simple spreadsheet or folder system can save you so much hassle. It’s about eliminating unnecessary stress so you can focus on what really matters.

How have your peers influenced your application process?

My friends have been a huge part of my writing process. When I first started writing essays, I tried to make everything sound super polished and professional—and honestly, it just wasn’t me. Then I shared my drafts with a few close friends, and they told me to stop holding back. They encouraged me to be more authentic, and that advice changed everything.

I know some people are hesitant to share their work because they think of their friends as “competition,” but I don’t see it that way. We’re a team. We grow by helping each other, and lifting each other up only makes us all better.

Any final advice to share with the rest of the world?

It’ll all work out. Seriously, don’t stress too much. Take it one step at a time, stay focused, and trust yourself. You’ve got this.

INFO ZONE
ICYMI: 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

FRIDAY NEWS FOCUS
Brown’s new diversity initiatives

Brown University recently unveiled a new recruiting initiative aimed at increasing diversity among its student population. The program, titled Pathways to Brown, is designed to attract more students from underrepresented racial and socioeconomic backgrounds by building stronger connections with high schools, community-based organizations, and college access programs nationwide.

The initiative focuses on creating tailored pathways for students by providing resources such as pre-application counseling, financial aid workshops, and personalized engagement to help prospective students navigate the admissions process. Brown also plans to strengthen partnerships with community colleges, targeting transfer students from diverse backgrounds to further expand its inclusivity efforts.

This move aligns with a broader trend in higher education, as institutions seek innovative ways to address persistent equity gaps and comply with evolving legal and social pressures to diversify their campuses. Brown hopes the program will enhance access for talented students from all backgrounds while maintaining its high academic standards.

Read the full article: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/12/05/brown-launches-new-recruiting-initiative-boost-diversity

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

Answer: Princeton and Rutgers (Rutgers won!)

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!