🍦 Today's Scoops: How to tackle the UPenn 'thank you note' (Oct 23)

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

1. Scoops Special: Audiofeud

2. Link Lounge Refresh

3. School of the Day: CSU Long Beach

4. Essay of the Week: UPenn ‘thank you note’ essay

SCOOPS SPECIAL
Free overnight event for high schoolers interested in music production

Audiofeud 2024 is a music production “hackathon” taking place from October 27-28th 11AM-11AM PST (yes, overnight) and is open to high schoolers, undergrads, or the age equivalent in the Bay Area. It is an in-person event and we encourage our participants to bring sleeping bags or energy drinks to work through the night. Attendance is free of cost and all meals will be provided for free. We have $1,500+ in prizes, industry-experienced judges, and we're totally beginner-friendly. An Audiofeud win looks great on a resume and shows a diversity of interests.

*A message from our sponsor.

LINK LOUNGE
It’s Wednesday, which means new links!!!

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) Audiofeud - Win great awards and recognition at the first music production competition for high school students

(NEW) Leangap - Become a startup founder before college

Niche Direct Admissions - get accepted to colleges just based off your GPA and/or SAT

Gohar Khan YouTube Channel - MIT grad’s advice on college admissions

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
CSU Long Beach

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: Long Beach, CA
🎓 Student Body: 34,033
📊 Acceptance Rate: 40%
💸 Cost: $6,884 (In-state), $18,764 (Out-of-state)
📅 Admission Options: Regular Decision (December 2)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Criminal Justice (#21), Design (#35), Art (#44) (Niche)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Business (16%), Visual and Performing Arts (11%), Engineering (8%) (US News)

Some Positives

🌊 Beautiful Coastal Location: CSULB is located just minutes from the beach, giving students easy access to the Pacific Ocean. The sunny weather and proximity to downtown Long Beach provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and city life. Check out more about the campus’s great location here.

💰 Affordable Tuition: As part of the California State University system, CSULB offers one of the best cost-to-value ratios for both in-state and out-of-state students. It’s a great option for students looking for a high-quality education without the hefty price tag. Learn more about CSULB’s tuition and fees here.

🎨 Strong Arts and Design Programs: CSULB has well-regarded programs in arts, design, and film. The College of the Arts, especially the School of Art and the Film and Electronic Arts Department, is nationally recognized. Discover more about their arts programs here.

🏫 Diverse and Inclusive Campus: CSULB is known for its diverse student body, welcoming students from all backgrounds. It offers a wide variety of cultural organizations and support programs that foster an inclusive community. See more about CSULB’s commitment to diversity here.

📈 Career and Internship Opportunities: Located in a major metropolitan area, CSULB students have access to strong internship and job networks, especially in industries like entertainment, healthcare, and technology. The school also has a dedicated Career Development Center to help students with internships and job placements. Find out more about career resources here.

🎓 Honors Program Opportunities: The University Honors Program at CSULB provides high-achieving students with smaller classes, priority registration, and opportunities for research and leadership. This can be a great way for motivated students to get the most out of their education. Learn more about the honors program here.

Some Negatives

👥 Large Campus, Large Classes: CSULB has a student body of around 38,000, which can lead to large class sizes, especially in general education courses. Some students may find it challenging to get individualized attention in such a big environment.

🚗 Commuter School Vibe: While CSULB offers on-campus housing, many students commute to campus, which can make it harder to create a traditional, close-knit college experience. The school has been working to improve student engagement, but it’s something to keep in mind. Learn more about campus housing here.

💼 Limited Graduate Programs: CSULB is primarily an undergraduate institution, so while it offers some graduate programs, students looking for a robust graduate school experience might not find as many options compared to larger universities. Check out CSULB’s graduate program offerings here.

🎒 Impacted Majors: Some programs, like nursing, business, and computer science, are impacted, meaning they have more qualified applicants than available spots. Admission to these majors can be very competitive, so students should keep backup plans in mind. Learn more about impacted majors here.

California State University, Long Beach combines affordability, diversity, and proximity to the beach, making it a great option for students who want to study in Southern California without breaking the bank. However, its large size and commuter nature might not be for everyone. Be sure to weigh these pros and cons to see if CSULB is the right fit for you!

INFO ZONE
Upcoming Visits and Info Sessions

Duke Virtual Admissions Session - Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM

Caltech Virtual Coffee Chats - Thursday, October 23, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

Columbia Engineering Student Q&A Chat - Friday, October 25, 2024 at 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM

UChicago First Things First: Young Alumni - Monday, October 28th at 4:00 unti 5:00pm CDT

ESSAY OF THE WEEK
UPenn ‘thank you note’ essay

As a lot of our seniors finish up their ED applications, today we look at an example essay answering the ‘thank you note’ prompt from UPenn, one of the most popular ED destinations.

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150 – 200 words)

Our Thoughts

To answer this prompt well, it’s essential to find the perfect balance between thanking and talking about your person as well as showing the readers what that highlights about you. This essay does a perfect job of walking that fine line.

The writer successfully captures the unique bond with their father while subtly showcasing their own intellectual curiosity, values, and sense of humor. This essay doesn’t just thank the father for his influence but also paints a picture of how those influences have shaped the writer’s outlook on life, from fostering a love for learning to promoting critical thinking. Personal anecdotes, like crying during Coco or discussing metaphors in poetry, add a layer of emotional depth that makes the relationship feel genuine and heartwarming.

Furthermore, the essay strategically uses humor and warmth to balance the intellectual tone. The line about teasing the father for his “demand evidence and think critically” sweatshirt is a light yet effective way to show a playful relationship without diluting respect and admiration. By weaving in the father’s values, such as his stand against patriarchal traditions, the essay becomes not just a thank-you note, but a reflection of how those values have influenced the writer’s own sense of justice and open-mindedness—an important characteristic in any college applicant.

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Early deadlines are almost here! Might be time to start submitting…

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!

University of Texas Materials Deadline: October 23
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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