🍦 Our conversation with a Purdue Admissions Director (Nov 12)

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

1. Upcoming Visits Refresh: Caltech & UCLA have some great ones coming up!

2. Daily Deep Dive: Cornell University

3. A First for Scoops: Our first conversation with an admissions officer, from Purdue

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

🔔 Princeton’s Bells: Princeton University has a “carillon” in its Cleveland Tower, a musical instrument of 67 bells that rings out music and can be played live by a trained musician.

INFO ZONE
Upcoming Virtual Info Sessions to start learning more about what admissions are looking for

(NEW) Caltech Admissions Officer Q&A - Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

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

DAILY DEEP DIVE
Cornell University

Every school has a personality. What is Cornell’s?

Cornell’s all about digging deep into academics with a super hands-on approach. Unlike other schools where you might stay in the theory zone, Cornell is all about rolling up your sleeves and tackling real-world problems. For example, take Dyson’s Applied Economics degree—it’s packed with intense math courses that you don’t always see in other business or social science programs. And it’s not just Dyson. Whether you’re in the College of Engineering, known for its heavy research focus, or Agriculture and Life Sciences, which mixes practical skills with farming science, you’re getting the tools to hit the ground running in your field.

How does that different personality affect their admissions philosophy and process?

Because Cornell is looking for students who are prepared to roll up their sleeves for their field, each college’s admissions team focuses on finding applicants who fit their specific style of hands-on learning. Since each of Cornell’s undergraduate colleges reviews applicants separately, they’re looking for candidates who not only have strong academic skills but also show a passion for tackling real-world challenges in ways that align with their college’s unique focus. So, if you’re applying to Dyson, they’ll want to see your knack for applied economics, while the College of Engineering is scouting for students who live and breathe STEM.

How to tackle those essays?

Cornell’s supplemental essays provide an opportunity to show your alignment with the school’s mission and values. Here’s how to tailor your responses:

1. Be Specific About Your Goals: Each of Cornell’s colleges expects you to understand how its unique resources and focus areas fit your academic and career plans. Be explicit about how Cornell’s offerings—such as specific courses, research centers, or faculty—match your ambitions. Specificity is key.

2. Emphasize Applied Learning: For example, if you’re applying to CALS, consider mentioning how hands-on learning or fieldwork aligns with your career goals in environmental science or agriculture.

3. Show Intellectual Curiosity: Whether you’re excited about data analytics in Dyson, biomedical research in Human Ecology, or innovative design in Architecture, connect your passion for learning with a drive to use knowledge practically and impactfully.

A FIRST FOR SCOOPS
Our conversation with Ms. Mandie Corcoran, Purdue Seniors Admission Director

🎤 Exclusive Interview Alert: Today, we’re excited to bring you the first of a three-part interview series with Ms. Mandie Corcoran, Senior Assistant Admissions Director at Purdue! Ms. Corcoran dives into Purdue’s offerings, admissions insights, and general tips for putting together a successful application and having a rewarding four years of college. Each section will unpack specific topics—from the qualities Purdue values most in admissions to all the unique opportunities at Purdue. Tune in to find some information that might just give your application the edge it needs!

Every school has a vibe, what would you say is Purdue’s? What factors, like EC impact or intellectual curiosity, are valued the most by the admissions department?

Purdue has a distinct college-town feel, centered heavily around student life and engagement. The campus vibe is welcoming, and the student body tends to be humble, friendly, and intellectually driven. Collaboration and innovation are core values, so you’ll find a strong sense of community that emphasizes working together over competition. The social atmosphere is active, with a focus on school spirit and sports, and most classes have an intimate, close-knit feel.

In the admissions process, Purdue is looking for applicants who embody these collaborative values and who are eager to contribute to the community. They seek students who can bridge gaps, value inclusion, and demonstrate intellectual curiosity, favoring those who align with Purdue’s spirit of cooperation and openness.

Are there any unique opportunities, such as co-op programs or experiential learning, that help students gain practical experience in their fields?

Purdue excels in providing experiential learning, with 90% of Engineering and Computer Science students completing an internship or co-op during their studies. Purdue’s co-op program, which is managed through the career services office, connects students with career fairs and recruiters. This program has a significant footprint, with six or seven Purdue co-op students working in the Bay Area alone.

Beyond internships and co-ops, Purdue offers distinctive programs like GEARE in the College of Engineering, which includes a study-abroad component combined with an internship. With over 1,000 clubs and organizations, many of which are professionally oriented, students gain access to a robust alumni network and invaluable career preparation. Professors are approachable and encourage students to get involved in research, creating even more avenues for hands-on learning.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Some banger links we dropped for you

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.

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

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

Burger King Scholars Program - $1,000 to $60,000 awards, due December 16

California Community Colleges Dual Enrollment Program - take college-credit courses as a high schooler, for free

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
November 15 is almost here!!

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
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!