🍦 Today's Scoops: Do you need a LinkedIn before applying? (Sep 30)

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh

2. School of the Day: Princeton University

3. Admissions Blueprint: Do you need a LinkedIn before applying? Your guide to LinkedIn

LINK LOUNGE REFRESH
New Resources & Scholarships!

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.

Coca-Cola Scholars (due 5 PM ET today!) - $20,000 college scholarship for high school seniors

Robertson Scholars Program - Full-ride scholarship to Duke or UNC, if you get into either school

(NEW) Regeneron STS - Win massive scholarships in the most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors.

(NEW) US Senate Youth - Leadership program and $10,000 scholarship for exceptional high school students interested in government and public service.

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Princeton University

Every day, we cover a different school, helping you learn something new about your favorite schools or find a new school that could end up being your dream school.

📍 Location: Princeton, NJ
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 5,590
📊 Acceptance Rate: 5%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1540/35
💸 Cost: $62,400 (tuition), $20,250 (room and board)
📅 Admission Options: Restrictive Early Decision (Nov 1), Regular Decision (Jan 1)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Economics (#1), Psychology (#2), Mathematics (#1) (US News)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Social Sciences (20%), Engineering (16%), Computer Sciences (16%) (US News)

Some Pros:

🎓 Small But Mighty:

Princeton’s undergraduate population is smaller than many of its Ivy League peers, with around 5,500 students. This intimate size means tighter-knit communities, more personalized attention from professors, and a stronger sense of camaraderie among students. Plus, the 5:1 student-faculty ratio allows for highly engaged classroom discussions and one-on-one mentorship from top experts.

📚 Senior Thesis Tradition:

Every Princeton student must complete a senior thesis, an independent research project that spans their final year. While this might sound daunting, it’s a chance for students to deeply explore their academic passions with full faculty support. The thesis sets Princeton apart by giving students an opportunity to produce original work in their field—an incredible asset for grad school or the workforce. More about the senior thesis.

🏛️ Honor Code and Self-Governance:

Princeton takes academic integrity seriously through its student-run Honor Code. The unique aspect? Exams at Princeton are self-scheduled, often without proctors, creating a culture of trust. This reflects Princeton’s emphasis on self-governance and integrity, shaping students to take responsibility for their actions. Learn more about the Honor Code.

🏡 Residential College Experience:

Princeton’s six residential colleges provide a built-in community from day one. These colleges offer academic advising, social events, and a supportive environment for first-year students. The residential system ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to resources and mentors. Find out about the residential colleges.

🔬 Exceptional Research Opportunities:

Despite its small size, Princeton is a powerhouse in research across various disciplines, from physics to public policy. Undergrads have opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge research, especially with Princeton’s $2.4 billion endowment fueling these projects. This culture encourages hands-on learning. Discover Princeton’s research opportunities.

🍽️ Eating Club Culture:

Princeton’s famous eating clubs, which date back to the 19th century, are a major part of the social fabric for juniors and seniors. With 11 clubs, each offering a unique atmosphere, these semi-private dining halls provide a space for meals, parties, and networking. While membership isn’t mandatory, it’s a distinct tradition that sets Princeton apart from other schools. Explore Princeton’s Eating Clubs.

🚫 The Grade Deflation Policy is Gone:

Princeton used to have a controversial policy that limited the number of A’s awarded, which created stress and tension among students. The good news? That policy was scrapped in 2014, meaning students can now fully thrive without the added pressure of grade quotas. Read more about the change.

Cons:

💸 High Cost of Living:

Although Princeton provides generous financial aid, the cost of living in the town of Princeton can be steep, particularly for off-campus housing or social expenses. The area is known for being an affluent community, which might be a consideration for students looking for more affordable living options. Living in Princeton.

📈 Competitive Atmosphere:

Princeton’s academic rigor is no joke, and the high expectations can create a competitive environment. While grade deflation is no longer an official policy, students still report feeling a significant amount of pressure to perform at the top level. Balancing academics with extracurriculars and social life can be a challenge. More about student life at Princeton.

ADMISSIONS BLUEPRINT
Do you need a LinkedIn before applying? Guide to LinkedIn

College admissions officers (AOs) don’t officially say this anywhere, but it’s possible they might look you up online. And when they do? Guess what usually pops up first—yep, LinkedIn. It’s not super common for them to do this (we’ll never know how often it happens), but just in case, having a solid LinkedIn profile can’t hurt, right? It’s like leaving a business card for the world to find. And even if your AO doesn’t do a quick search, LinkedIn is going to be a lifesaver once you’re in college. Networking is key—whether it’s landing research gigs, internships, or connecting with professionals, having a strong profile makes it easier to open doors.

So how do you create a killer LinkedIn profile? Here’s the game plan:

1. Your Headline 🖊️

This is your first impression—keep it simple, clear, and relevant. Something like “High School Senior | Aspiring [insert career field] | [Club/Activity] Leader” works great. Make it reflect you. Are you into tech? Business? The arts? Show your ambition in one line.

2. Profile Picture 📸

A picture says a thousand words, so choose one that looks professional but approachable. No need for the stiff corporate headshot. Think of it like your yearbook picture, but a little more polished. Clean background, a friendly smile—done.

3. Your “About” Section 🧑‍💻

This is where you tell your story. Write in the first person and keep it casual but clear. Mention what you’re passionate about, what you’re involved in, and maybe even what you hope to do in the future. This is your chance to sound human—not like a resume robot. Something like:

“Hey there! I’m [Your Name], a high school senior with a passion for [your interest]. Whether it’s leading my school’s [activity] or interning at [company/organization], I love [specific action you enjoy]. I’m currently exploring opportunities to learn more about [field] and connect with others in the space!”

4. Experience Section 🚀

Don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of work experience. Use this section to highlight your school leadership roles, volunteer work, extracurriculars, internships (if any), and personal projects. Instead of just listing what you did, focus on impact—talk about results. Use numbers, just like your activity list on the Common App.

5. Skills & Endorsements 🔑

Here’s where you can list what you’re good at. Think beyond just “teamwork” and “communication.” If you’re good at coding, writing, design, public speaking, social media—list it. You can get endorsements from peers, teachers, or even supervisors from internships. People can “vouch” for your skills, which adds credibility to your profile.

6. Recommendations 🤝

This part is gold if you can get it. Ask mentors, teachers, or supervisors to write a short recommendation for you. It’s like having a mini letter of rec on your profile, but way more public. Keep it light, but don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from people you’ve worked with.

7. Education 🎓

Keep this section straightforward. List your high school, any notable achievements (DECA wins, leadership positions, etc.), and if you’ve taken any online courses, like those from Coursera or edX, this is where you can flex them.

8. Projects & Certifications 🏆

If you’ve worked on independent projects—like coding a website, writing a research paper, or organizing a community event—this is the spot to show them off. You can also link to anything you’ve published online. Certifications from online courses or programs? Throw those in here too!

9. Volunteering 🤲

Volunteering is a big deal. Colleges love to see students giving back, and it’s an easy way to show that you care about your community. List any non-profit work, tutoring, or charity events you’ve been involved in.

And that’s basically it! Building a LinkedIn profile as a high school student may feel a little extra right now, but trust me, it’s a major win in the long run. Whether AOs end up creeping on your profile or not, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for making connections that could help you land internships, meet mentors, or get research positions later on. Plus, you’ll be ahead of the game when everyone else starts putting their LinkedIn together in college. You got this!

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Coke Scholars deadline is this afternoon!

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!

Coke Scholars Round 1 Deadline: September 30
University of Texas/UNC Chapel Hill Early Action Deadline: October 15
Most ED, REA & EA Deadlines: November 1

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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