🍦 Today's Scoops: CSU Direct Admission (Nov 8)

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh: new resources!

2. Daily Deep Dive: UPenn

3. Friday News: California State University pilots direct admissions program

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

👨‍🌾 Hey Day Tradition: A unique UPenn tradition, “Hey Day” marks the transition from junior to senior year. Students march with straw hats and canes, celebrating their near-completion of their undergraduate journey. Read more here.

LINK LOUNGE
It’s Friday so you know we got some bangers 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.

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

(NEW) 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 DEEP DIVE
UPenn

At first glance, it may seem that every top university values curiosity, innovation, and a desire to make an impact. But what sets UPenn apart? Here’s how UPenn’s approach to students stands out from schools like Stanford, MIT, and Yale—and how to show them that you’re a perfect fit.

Unlike other Ivies or tech-focused schools, UPenn doesn’t just seek dreamers or idealists; they want doers—people who are ready to take practical steps toward meaningful change. Where Stanford might lean into pure innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and MIT might emphasize technical mastery, UPenn values students who think big but who also take action in the here and now. This practicality is woven into all of UPenn’s programs, from Wharton’s focus on real-world business applications to Penn Engineering’s approach to tech and society. UPenn looks for students who combine passion with pragmatism—those who are not only excited by ideas but eager to apply them immediately to solve problems.

The Essays: How to Highlight Your Fit with UPenn’s Values

With UPenn’s unique values in mind, let’s break down how to approach each college’s prompt in a way that shows how you’re a strong fit for this practically-minded, action-oriented environment.

College of Arts and Sciences (150-200 words)

Prompt: The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about, and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences?

Unlike Yale’s liberal arts emphasis on intellectual exploration for its own sake (discussed on Tuesday—you can read here), Penn Arts and Sciences looks for students who want to build connections across disciplines with an eye toward practical application. For example, if you’re interested in sociology and data science, explain how you might explore the intersection of these fields to address social issues in urban communities. Be specific—mention professors, interdisciplinary programs, or research opportunities that show you understand UPenn’s focus on collaborative, action-oriented study. UPenn wants to see that your curiosity has direction and that you’re ready to turn your studies into societal contributions.

The Wharton School (150-200 words)

Prompt: Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.

While many schools value students who are passionate about making a difference, Wharton seeks future business leaders who see today’s problems as tomorrow’s opportunities for change. Show how you’re different from the typical business school applicant by selecting an issue where you’re already taking steps to drive impact. Maybe you’re working on a financial literacy initiative in your community, or you’re passionate about sustainable business practices. Mention Wharton’s specialized programs, like the Business Economics and Public Policy major or the Turner Social Impact Society, to show you understand how Wharton’s resources could help you scale your impact. Wharton values initiative and a problem-solving mindset, so demonstrate that you’re ready to turn current challenges into concrete solutions.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science (150-200 words)

Prompt: Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn.

Whereas MIT might emphasize pure innovation, Penn Engineering focuses on students who are passionate about building solutions that benefit society. If you’re interested in renewable energy or cybersecurity, explain how these passions stem from a desire to impact real people and communities. Highlight UPenn’s unique programs like the Singh Center for Nanotechnology or the Penn Center for Health, Devices, and Technology. By tying your engineering goals to Penn’s resources, you’re showing that you’re ready to be not just a leader in technology but an innovator who applies that technology for good. UPenn seeks students who don’t just want to build the next big thing—they want to build something that truly matters.

INFO ZONE
ICYMI: Some big upcoming visits!

Yale Virtual STEM Student Forum - Monday, November 11, 2024 at 5:00 PM until 6:00 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

FRIDAY NEWS
California State University pilots direct admissions program

California State University (CSU) recently launched a direct admissions pilot program to automatically admit eligible high school seniors, bypassing the traditional application process. The pilot, aimed at increasing access and equity, allows participating students to be accepted based on their academic records and other eligibility criteria instead of requiring them to apply. CSU hopes this will help reduce barriers for students from underserved backgrounds who may face challenges navigating the application process.

The pilot includes six of CSU's 23 campuses, with a focus on schools that have higher proportions of first-generation and low-income students. By streamlining the admissions pathway, CSU aims to encourage students to pursue higher education who might not have applied otherwise. If successful, the program could be expanded to more campuses across the state.

The initiative comes as part of a broader movement toward direct admissions in the U.S., especially as colleges aim to close equity gaps. Direct admissions are being explored as a way to simplify college access and help students understand their options without the pressure of competitive applications. CSU is closely monitoring the program’s impact, particularly on enrollment and diversity, as they consider making this an ongoing option for prospective students.

Read the full article: https://www.highereddive.com/news/california-state-university-pilots-direct-admissions-program/732084/

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Take a break, you deserve it!

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 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!