🍦Quirky prompts(Dec 3)

Break is almost up, so we decided to chill out too, and have a shorter lineup today. Here’s the lineup today:

1. Info Zone Week Ahead: Check out a new Wharton info session

2. Daily Deep Dive: UChicago

3. Essay of the Week: A guide to UChicago’s Quirky Essays

TRIVIA
Guess the college!

🥧 This university sends out undergraduate acceptance letters on Pi Day, March 14 — an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π. Frequently, these admissions decisions are released at 6:28pm, which is known colloquially as “Tau time” (πx2). An exception was made for the earlier release time of decisions on March 14, 2015 — known as Super Pi Day — as the date reflects the full first five digits of Pi (3.1415) — when admissions decisions were released at 9:26am in order to continue with the next three digits of Pi. Think you know? Find out at the bottom of today’s newsletter!

INFO ZONE
Hurry and catch a Wharton undergrad info session!

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.

Georgia Tech Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts Webinar - Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM

Yale Virtual Student Forum - Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM PM

(NEW—Fills quickly!) 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

(NEW) 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

DAILY DEEP DIVE
UChicago

What’s the essence of UChicago?

The University of Chicago is for the relentlessly curious, the intellectually fearless, and the deeply analytical. It’s a place where ideas are challenged, assumptions are upended, and discussions stretch late into the night. Known for its rigorous academics and love of debate, UChicago attracts students who thrive on asking big questions—not just to find answers, but to explore the layers of complexity behind them.

This is a university where academic exploration is both a personal and collective journey. The Core Curriculum forms the heart of the UChicago experience, grounding students in a wide range of disciplines and teaching them how to think critically, write incisively, and tackle problems from multiple perspectives. It’s a place that celebrates intersections—where philosophy meets mathematics, economics intersects with sociology, and art history informs quantum mechanics.

But UChicago is not just about books and classrooms. The university’s Hyde Park campus, with its mix of Gothic architecture and modern innovation, fosters a tight-knit, quirky, and vibrant community. Students immerse themselves in the university’s unique traditions, from scavenger hunts and quirky improv groups to the occasional “Where fun comes to die” joke that’s made with equal parts irony and pride.

UChicago offers more than an academic haven—it’s a place where intellectual intensity is matched by a curiosity about the world at large. The city of Chicago, with its cultural institutions, entrepreneurial opportunities, and rich history, becomes an extension of the classroom. Students don’t just study theory; they apply it, whether through urban research projects, policy internships, or collaborations with the city’s dynamic arts and business communities.

What kind of student thrives at UChicago?

UChicago isn’t for the faint of heart or the passive learner. It’s for those who embrace rigor and dive into complexity. Successful UChicago students are:

• Inquisitive and Analytical: They enjoy grappling with abstract concepts, tearing apart arguments, and constructing their own.

• Creative Thinkers: Whether they’re writing poetry, solving puzzles, or designing experiments, they thrive on imagination and innovation.

• Collaborative yet Independent: They love a spirited debate and aren’t afraid to share ideas, but they also value the solitude that deep thinking sometimes requires.

• Quirky and Authentic: UChicago students wear their eccentricities proudly, finding joy in the unexpected and humor in the intellectual.

Why do students choose UChicago?

1. The Core Curriculum: UChicago’s Core isn’t just a set of requirements—it’s a philosophy. Students explore foundational texts, challenge their perspectives, and build a toolkit of intellectual skills that prepares them for any field.

2. Research Opportunities: From the sciences to the humanities, UChicago students engage in cutting-edge research alongside world-class faculty. The university is home to groundbreaking discoveries and institutions like the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

3. City Connections: With its location in one of the world’s greatest cities, UChicago offers unparalleled access to cultural institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Beyond culture, the city’s industries—from finance to tech—provide countless internship and career opportunities.

4. Traditions and Community: From the annual Latke-Hamantash Debate to the cult-favorite Scav Hunt, UChicago’s traditions are as unique and cerebral as its students. It’s a place where even the quirkiest interests find a home.

5. Global Impact: UChicago students and alumni are leaders in thought and action, influencing fields as diverse as economics, literature, law, and public policy. The university’s reach is truly global, with programs and partnerships that span continents.

The Takeaway

UChicago is for the student who sees the world not as a set of answers to memorize, but as a series of questions to explore. It’s for those who find beauty in complexity, joy in debate, and fulfillment in learning for learning’s sake. Here, the life of the mind is not just a slogan—it’s a way of being. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and others, dive into a community of thinkers and dreamers, and use knowledge to make an impact, UChicago just might be the perfect fit.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Who doesn’t love scholarships?

Gallery Collection Greeting Card Scholarship - win $10,000 by designing a birthday, holiday, or general purpose greeting card

UC PIQ Guide - the official UC guide to writing strong PIQs

(NEW) Peterson's Scholarship Search - find the best scholarships for you out of over 1.9 million scholarships and grants

(NEW) Stamps Scholars - win up to $360,000 in total scholarships at partner schools

ESSAY OF THE WEEK
UChicago’s Quirky Prompts

UChicago, UChicago, UChicago…

What a quirky school with a set of just-as-quirky prompts. Along with the standard “Why Us?” essay (which they find very boring), UChicago rolls out five new prompts each year along with a “answer whatever fun question you have” prompt. We won’t be going through a complete essay example this week, instead we’ll be throwing in short snippets and a lot of styling guides. If you’ve never seen these prompts, here they are:

How do I match their quirkiness?

As you can see, these prompts are very all over the place and very quirky. To answer them, you have to be quirky in your style, too.

So how do you write in a way that matches UChicago's energy? Well, you THROW everything at the wall! Use vivid imagery (and we mean VIVID), talk to your reader like they're right there with you, and don't be afraid to... leave things hanging.

Mix it up! Try:

• Dropping in technical terms from your favorite subject (just remember to explain them)

• Sprinkling in phrases from other languages (¿por qué no?)

• Playing with EMPHASIS and style and formatting

• Breaking conventional writing rules (when it serves a purpose!)

But here's the catch - while you're being imaginative and colorful, make sure your authentic voice shines through. Think of it like jazz: you can improvise all you want, but you need to stay in key!

What about Option F—making my own prompt?

When it comes to Option F, here's the golden rule: Your question IS your hook! 🎣

Don't even think about those run-of-the-mill questions like "What's your biggest challenge?" or "Where do you feel at home?" (Yaaaawn!) Those questions are as common as cafeteria coffee - they're everywhere, and they're just as bland.

But something like "Why did I spend 18 hours locked in my basement watching Cars 3?" Now THAT'S what we call a conversation starter!

In terms of actually writing the question, want to know what makes UChicago's heart flutter? They're obsessed with:

• Numbered lists (because who doesn't love a good countdown?)

• Fairy tales (with a twist, of course!)

• Common phrases turned upside-down

• Pop culture references that make you go "Hmmmm... 🤔"

They also love fresh takes on famous questions. Maybe you have a unique perspective on "Et tu, Brute?" or a spicy response to "Do you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain?" Just remember: while your quirky question might be the hook, it shouldn't be the whole story. If your life story has nothing to do with tropical drinks or precipitation patterns, maybe save that particular question for your next karaoke night! 🎤

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

Answer: MIT

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
SUBMIT YOUR UCs AND CSUs TODAY!

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 + CSU 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

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