🍦Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Off (Dec 13)

Good morning folks! Here’s the lineup today:

1. Link Lounge Refresh: Standardized tests and decision dates

2. Admission Blueprint: Improving from ED to RD

3. Friday News: The role of Calculus in apps

TRIVIA
🧸Guess these alumni and their school!

This beloved filmmaker and animator is responsible for creating some of the most iconic animated films of the past few decades, including Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo. Before dazzling audiences worldwide, he studied character animation at this university. Can you guess the school—and the alum?

LINK LOUNGE
Decision dates and tests!

Test Prep Review - get free full-length practice tests for standardized tests

Big Future Timeline - College Board’s official guide to help keep you on track for college apps

(NEW) ED Decision Dates - the official decision dates for your ED/REA schools

(NEW) CrackSAT - free practice standardized tests

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
Improving from ED to RD

🎯 Improving from ED/EA to RD
Didn’t get into your Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) school? It’s okay—RD season is your chance to shine! Here’s how to use the extra time to level up your application:

🔍 Reflect and Refine
Take a hard look at your application. Were your essays clear and compelling? Did you showcase growth, leadership, or unique passions? Ask a trusted counselor, teacher, or mentor for feedback—they can provide insights you may have missed.

✍️ Strengthen Your Essays
Your personal statement and supplements are your secret weapon. Use the lessons from your ED/EA apps to craft essays that are even more authentic and specific. Dive deep into why you’re a great fit for each school, and tailor every response to the institution.

📈 Update Your Resume
Have you taken on new responsibilities, started a project, or earned awards since your ED/EA submission? Include those updates! Colleges love seeing continued growth and initiative.

📝 Send a Mid-Year Report
Your RD schools will want to see that you’re still working hard. Keep up your grades, and make sure your mid-year report reflects your dedication.

💌 Show Demonstrated Interest
For schools that track interest, reach out! Attend virtual sessions, send thoughtful questions to admissions reps, or write a letter of continued interest (if appropriate).

🤝 Seek Strong Recommendations
If you have the option to add a new letter, consider someone who can highlight a unique aspect of your skills or character that wasn’t fully covered in your ED/EA application.

🛠️ Use Your Experience
Think of your ED/EA process as a trial run. You’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t. Use that knowledge to perfect your RD apps.

Remember, RD is often more competitive, but it’s also your chance to showcase your best self. Approach the process with focus, confidence, and the determination to make your dream school a reality! 💪

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: New sessions from GTown and Emory!

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.

CMU Remote Information Session - Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 3:30 PM

(NEW) Emory College Virtual Admission Session - Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

(NEW) Georgetown Virtual Information Session - Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM

Harvey Mudd General Engineering - recorded info session about Mudd’s only Engineering Degree

FRIDAY NEWS
Calculus and Admissions

Okay, so a new Hechinger Report article dropped about the role of calculus in admissions. This article is all about the hold that high school calculus has on college admissions and how that’s starting to change, but not fast enough. It starts by explaining that calculus has long been considered the gold standard for demonstrating academic rigor. Admissions officers even say it helps signal whether a student is ready for STEM or competitive programs. In fact, over half of the surveyed officers think it’s at least “somewhat important” in evaluating students, and most say it boosts an applicant’s chances.

The thing is, not all students have the same access to calculus. The data shows that only about 20% of U.S. high school students take it, and it’s even lower for Black and Latino students, who often attend schools without the resources to offer advanced math. Critics argue this emphasis on calculus creates systemic barriers. It basically means that kids in under-resourced schools are starting at a disadvantage when it comes to getting into selective colleges.

What’s interesting is that alternatives like statistics or data science are becoming more popular, especially as they’re seen as more practical for real-world applications. Some colleges are warming up to these newer courses—close to half of all admissions officers think statistics is as valuable as calculus. But even with this shift, calculus still holds a lot of weight because it’s been ingrained in the system for so long.

If you want to dig deeper, check it out here.

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

Answer: UCLA and John Lasseter

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!

Most ED/REA Decisions: December 12th-15th
Most RD Deadlines: January 1st - 6th

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
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