🍦 What is Columbia even looking for with all these prompts?

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh: Happy Monday—new scholarships!

2. Daily Deep Dive: Columbia University

3. Major Matchup: Applied Math vs. Pure Math

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

🐟 UC Santa Barbara’s Ocean Classroom: UC Santa Barbara owns an entire stretch of beachfront and has research boats that students can use for ocean studies, right off the coast. Marine biology students have the unique advantage of conducting research directly from their campus shores! Learn more here.

LINK LOUNGE
Happy Monday!!! New week, new scholarships and resources!

(NEW) GE–Reagan Foundation Scholarship - Merit-based scholarship run by the Reagan Foundation

(NEW) KapAdvisor - AI college counselor built on 80+ years of knowledge in the counseling space

ChatGPT College Counselor - Plugin for ChatGPT that is trained to be a college counselor

Apple Education Discounts - Discounts on Apple products for students and educators

DAILY DEEP DIVE
Columbia University

🗽 The Vibe: The Intellectually Fearless Urban Explorer

Columbia University thrives on intellectual curiosity, diversity, and engagement with the world around it. Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia attracts students who not only excel academically but also crave a dynamic, globally connected environment. It’s about balancing academic rigor with real-world engagement—students are expected to connect their coursework to pressing societal challenges, whether through research, internships, or community initiatives.

Columbia values students who think critically, embrace interdisciplinary learning, and are ready to dive deep into its Core Curriculum—a set of courses that grounds students in literature, philosophy, and the arts.

📄 What the Essays Are Looking For

Columbia’s essays are your chance to show how you’ll thrive in its fast-paced, urban environment while engaging with its distinct academic and cultural offerings. For the “Why Columbia?” prompt, specificity is key. Instead of generic reasons, highlight exact courses, professors, programs, or clubs that align with your interests.

Columbia is well-known for their “list” prompt that asks you to list out books you’ve read or other pieces of media that inspire you or shape your view on the world. With this question, they are looking for students who are not only deep intellectually but also have a desire to learn from others. While your list should include sources that are knowledgable, make sure that it also reveals what excites, inspires, and drives you, offering insights into your personality.

Show how your experiences have prepared you to embrace Columbia’s collaborative, intellectually intense culture. Use “show, don’t tell” techniques to demonstrate your curiosity, work ethic, and willingness to challenge your own perspectives.

🔎 What You Can Do RIGHT NOW

• Get Specific About the Core Curriculum: Research the Core and weave its themes (like global citizenship and ethical reasoning) into your essays. Highlight how the Core aligns with your intellectual goals or complements your academic interests. Learn about the Core here.

• Revise the “Why Columbia?” Essay for Depth: Be precise—mention professors, research opportunities, or NYC-based internships that connect with your ambitions. Link them back to your experiences and goals for maximum impact.

• Personalize the Lists: Ensure your lists of books, cultural experiences, or media are meaningful and diverse. Include titles that genuinely resonate with you and briefly explain their impact where possible. Look at some examples here.

• Polish Your Voice: Columbia values authenticity and intellectual depth. While editing, make sure your writing sounds like you—passionate, reflective, and ready to embrace big questions.

INFO ZONE
ICYMI: Some banger upcoming info sessions this week!

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.

John Hopkins Information Session - Monday, November 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM

UCSB College of Engineering Session - Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

UCLA Virtual Information Session - Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

Discover UCSD Session - Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 3:45 PM

MAJOR MATCHUP
Applied Math vs. Pure Math

Mathematics is often called the language of the universe, but even within this vast discipline, the paths of Applied Math and Pure Math diverge. Whether you’re drawn to solving real-world problems or exploring abstract theories, understanding these two fields can help you navigate your academic and career choices.

✨ Differences and Similarities

Core Focus: Pure Math delves into the abstract, exploring theoretical concepts like topology, number theory, and set theory. It’s about uncovering the underlying structures and truths of mathematics itself. Applied Math, on the other hand, is mathematics in action—using mathematical methods to solve practical problems in fields like physics, economics, engineering, and biology.

Overlap: Both fields require strong problem-solving skills and a love for logic, but Pure Math tends to emphasize proof-based learning, while Applied Math often involves modeling real-world phenomena.

🔍 Possible Careers

Pure Math Careers: Many pure math graduates pursue academia, teaching, or research. They may also find opportunities in cryptography, theoretical computer science, or finance.

Applied Math Careers: With applications in nearly every industry, applied math grads might work as data scientists, operations researchers, financial analysts, actuaries, or engineers.

💡 Why Choose One Over the Other?

Choose Pure Math if: You’re fascinated by the beauty of abstract concepts and enjoy diving deep into theoretical problems. It’s an ideal path if you’re considering academia or research.

Choose Applied Math if: You love seeing the tangible impact of math and want to use it to solve real-world problems. It’s a great choice for those looking to work across diverse industries.

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Take a break you deserve it! UC’s are almost here though!

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 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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