🍦 Today's Scoops: Popular merit-based scholarships (Sep 20)

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh

2. School of the Day: California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

3. Friday News Focus: Connecticut roles out Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP)

LINK LOUNGE REFRESH
New Resources & Scholarships!

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we will be updating the Link Lounge section with links to great resources such as scholarships and tools during the college application process. You’ll find it at the top of your email on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and near the bottom during the rest of the week.

Coca-Cola Scholars - $20,000 college scholarship for high school seniors

Robertson Scholars Program - Full-ride scholarship to Duke or UNC, if you get into either school

(NEW) Kolly - AI-powered platform for standout college applications

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

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: San Luis Obispo, CA
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 20,963
📊 Acceptance Rate: 30.4%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1340/30
💸 Cost: $12,924 (In-state), $26,970 (Out-of-state)
📅 Admission Options: December 2 (Opens October 1)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Undergraduate Engineering (No-doctorate) (#5), Architecture (#3), Computer Science (#88) (US News)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Engineering (23%), Business (18%), Agriculture/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Studies (11%) (US News)

Pros:

🌱 “Learn by Doing” Approach – Cal Poly emphasizes practical, project-based learning across all majors, preparing students for the workforce with hands-on experience. Explore Cal Poly’s philosophy.

🏗️ Strong Engineering & Architecture Programs – SLO’s College of Engineering is ranked among the top in the nation for public institutions. The Architecture program also consistently ranks high, with a notable emphasis on sustainable design.

🍴 Student-Run Farms and Vineyards – Agriculture students get the unique opportunity to work on Cal Poly’s organic farm and vineyard, making it a leader in sustainable agriculture education.

🔬 State-of-the-Art Research Labs – From aerospace to environmental sciences, Cal Poly has advanced facilities and labs where students can work on real-world research projects. Check out the labs.

🤝 Extensive Co-Op and Internship Opportunities – With strong ties to industries, many students complete internships or co-ops during their time at Cal Poly, often leading directly to job offers. Learn more about their career services.

Cons:

🏘️ Difficult Housing Situation – SLO’s on-campus housing can be competitive, especially for upperclassmen, leading many students to search for off-campus options in a tight housing market. Find more housing tips here.

📚 Quarter System Challenges – The fast-paced quarter system can be overwhelming, with midterms coming around quickly, leaving little room for catching up if you fall behind. Read about adjusting to the quarter system.

🚗 Car-Centric Campus – While SLO has a gorgeous campus, public transportation options are limited, and a car is almost a necessity for getting around town and beyond. Check out campus parking info.

FRIDAY NEWS FOCUS
Connecticut roles out Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP)

Full article: https://ctbythenumbers.news/ctnews/automatic-admissions-program-helping-students-reach-college-acceptance

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system has launched the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) to simplify college admissions for eligible high school seniors. The program targets students with a 3.0 weighted GPA or 2.75 unweighted GPA, allowing them automatic admission to participating colleges and universities without fees, essays, or recommendation letters. CAAP, which partners with Common App, aims to improve access to higher education, particularly for first-generation, low-income, and minority students. The program has already benefited many, offering 2,706 students direct admissions, including 1,206 first-generation students.

The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) reflects broader trends in higher education focused on accessibility, equity, and simplification of the admissions process. By eliminating traditional barriers like application fees, essays, and recommendation letters, programs like CAAP aim to make college more attainable, especially for first-generation, low-income, and minority students.

While programs like CAAP may not exist everywhere, they represent some broader themes in the world of college admissions, and show where the field is headed. Here are some of those trends:

1. Accessibility and Equity in Higher Education:

   CAAP aligns with a growing national movement to reduce barriers to college access. Many institutions are focusing on reaching underrepresented groups, particularly first-generation and low-income students, by simplifying admissions and offering automatic acceptance to qualified candidates. This push reflects a desire to level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds.

2. Streamlined Admissions Processes:

   Traditional admissions requirements (essays, recommendations, etc.) are often seen as unnecessary hurdles. CAAP is part of a broader trend toward “test-optional” or even “requirement-free” admissions, which aim to increase student access to higher education. The goal is to move toward a more holistic approach to admissions, where GPA and academic readiness are prioritized over time-consuming applications.

3. Technology and Partnerships in Education:

   The partnership between CSCU and Common App signals an increasing reliance on technology to facilitate admissions processes. With Common App’s involvement, applying to multiple institutions simultaneously becomes easier, reducing the stress and complexity for students. This trend highlights the role technology can play in breaking down traditional barriers to college entry.

4. Support for First-Generation and Underrepresented Students:

   Programs like CAAP are especially crucial for first-generation students who may lack the resources or guidance to navigate complex admissions processes. The emphasis on equity signals a growing awareness of systemic barriers in education and the need to remove them to create more inclusive college environments.

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Coke Scholars deadline 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!

Coke Scholars Round 1 Deadline: September 30
University of Texas/UNC Chapel Hill Early Action Deadline: October 15
Most ED, REA & EA Deadlines: November 1

THE ARCHIVE
Looking for past mailings?

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

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