🍦 Today's Scoops: 🧟‍♂️ How to not become an essay zombie (Oct 31)

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

1. Scoops Special: DabbL

2. School of the Day: Case Western Reserve University

3. Admission Blueprint: What is an “essay zombie”

4. TikTok Thursday: Our favorite #collegeadmissions TikToks

SCOOPS SPECIAL
Free AI-powered college counseling, essay reviews, and free scholarships!

On the cover, dabbL looks like just another AI-powered college counselor fit into a web and mobile app—but, we’ve been using the app for some time now and it’s clear to us that it’s much more than that. dabbL feels like it was completely built around the student experience, featuring tools all the way from Essay Review for each college you’re applying to a job board to find high school specific openings. Perhaps the best feature though is the community aspect of the app—you can invite your friends and then share updates on your high school journey along the way.

As if that wasn’t enough, dabbL is also giving out $3,000 randomly in scholarships over the next three months, and all you have to do is use the app. Talk about a win-win. Learn more about the giveaway on their website. 

*A message from our sponsor.

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)

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: Cleveland, OH
🎓 Student Body: 6,186 undergrads
📊 Acceptance Rate: 27%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1480/33
💸 Tuition: $66,020
📅 Admission Options: EA/ED1 (November 1), Pre-Professional Scholars Program (December 1), RD/ED2 (January 15)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Chemistry (#35), Biology (#37), Engineering (#46) (Niche)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Engineering (24%), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (13%), Social Sciences (10%) (US News)

Pros

🌟 Pre-Professional Scholars Program – Case Western’s Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) is a standout option for students interested in medicine or dentistry, offering conditional admission to the School of Medicine or the School of Dental Medicine. With this pathway, students can focus on broader undergraduate experiences without stressing over med/dental school admissions. Learn more here.

🔬 Research and Innovation Hub – CWRU offers some top-notch research opportunities. With programs like SOURCE, you can apply for funding, find research mentors, and attend workshops. Cleveland’s University Circle, where Case Western is located, is packed with medical centers, museums, and other institutions that partner with students for hands-on research.

⚙️ Close Ties to Cleveland Clinic – Case Western collaborates extensively with Cleveland Clinic, a renowned medical research and hospital system. From shadowing to internships, students interested in healthcare have a direct pipeline to one of the best health institutions in the world. Check out these opportunities.

🌆 Vibrant Location in University Circle – Case Western sits in a cultural hotspot, surrounded by the Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. This area offers a balance of big-city resources and a campus-community feel, with plenty of student deals for nearby events and attractions. Explore University Circle here.

Cons

💸 Limited Financial Aid for Out-of-State Students – While CWRU does offer merit-based scholarships, the aid for out-of-state students can be competitive and may not meet full need. Make sure to review scholarship opportunities and financial aid options if you’re considering this school.

❄️ Long, Cold Winters – Case Western’s Cleveland location means experiencing classic Midwestern winters, which can be long, snowy, and chilly. For those who aren’t fans of cold weather, this might be a factor to consider.

🏛️ Limited Campus Social Scene – Some students mention that CWRU’s social scene is a bit quieter compared to larger state schools. While there’s plenty to do in Cleveland, the campus itself might feel a bit more low-key, especially if you’re looking for a high-energy college experience.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Some big links we updated yesterday

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.

DabbL - free AI-powered college counseling, essay reviews, and free scholarships!

Algoverse - get published in top journals and do cutting-edge AI/ML research with industry professionals and Ph.D. researchers

Bank of America Student Leaders - prestigious paid summer internships for juniors & seniors

DECA Scholarships - over $200,000 scholarships for DECA members

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
What is an “essay zombie”

In this process, it’s easy to become essay zombies, devouring every online example essay we find and studying them like ancient texts. And yep, we’re guilty too! As you know, every Thursday morning, we drop a shiny new random essay in your inbox as part of our Essay of the Week section. But here’s the thing: there’s a fine line between learning from these examples and losing yourself in them.

Copying Style Is Like Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes 👟

Imagine walking a mile in a friend’s shoes. Even if they’re your size, they’re broken in differently, shaped by someone else’s journey. Maybe they have that annoying squeak, or the laces are somehow… always in a knot? Reading essays is a bit like that. You’re not meant to wear someone else’s voice; it’s awkward, and yes, admissions officers can tell. They read so many essays that when they come across an inauthentic one, it stands out like a shoe that just doesn’t fit.

How to Get the Good Out of Sample Essays 👓

Reading other essays should help you spot useful tactics: maybe it’s how they hook readers with a surprising fact or weave a lesson into a story. That’s your takeaway. Think of it as a buffet. Sample essays are the dishes you taste – but you’re not here to steal the recipe and open a restaurant with their exact menu. Your job is to figure out what flavors you like and add them to your own dish.

Keeping the “You” in Your Essays 🧑‍🎤

Here’s a quick filter: when reading, ask yourself – “Would I actually say this? Or am I just drawn to it because it sounds impressive?” If it’s the latter, move on. College essays are personal statements, not personality rentals. Stick to your voice, quirks and all.

So, as you scroll through that Essay of the Day tomorrow (or for that matter any other samples – here’s a great collection to start), grab ideas, not identities. Borrow techniques, not tones. And when it’s time to write, kick off those borrowed shoes, and lace up with your own voice.

TIKTOK THURSDAY
Our favorite #collegeadmissions TikToks

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Might be time to start submitting (but you know that)

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 & EA Deadlines: November 1
UDub Deadline: November 15

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!