🍦 Today's Scoops: It's interview season!! (Nov 9)

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

1. Scoops Special: Free webinars

2. Daily Deep Dive: NYU

3. Admission Blueprint: Nailing a College Interview

SCOOPS SPECIAL
Some free webinar recordings to definitely watch

dabbL has been hosting countless webinars recently, talking to students and experts alike. Just yesterday, they had former Harvey Mudd Assistant Director of Admissions, Misa Kabasima, on one of their webinars. While that recording isn’t on their Youtube yet, you can find recordings of the rest of the webinars on their YouTube channel here.

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

🐦 MIT’s Roof Culture: MIT has a unique tradition of “hacking,” and one of their most famous hacks involved placing a life-sized model of a fire truck on top of the Great Dome! Read more here.

DAILY DEEP DIVE
NYU

NYU’s Approach: What Sets It Apart

NYU is more than an academic institution; it’s a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem in the heart of New York City, a place where worlds collide and cultures mix. They look for students who not only thrive in this fast-paced, global environment but who actively contribute to it by connecting people and fostering understanding across differences. Here’s how to tailor your essay to show NYU that you’re exactly the kind of bridge builder they’re looking for

What NYU Values (That Other Top Schools May Not)

While many top schools appreciate diversity and global perspectives, NYU’s approach is all about practical, community-oriented bridge-building—something they expect students to continue during their time at NYU. This sets them apart from schools like Stanford, which might focus on entrepreneurial or tech-driven impact, or Yale, which emphasizes intellectual exploration. NYU wants bridge builders who are connectors at heart, people who can bring diverse groups together to create solutions, cultural understanding, or shared goals.

How to tackle their supplementals

NYU has one supplemental essay—here is the prompt: In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future.

Consider one or more of the following questions:

• What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder?

• How have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life?

• What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures?

• How do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond?

Why do they ask this prompt?

NYU, located in the heart of one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, values students who will thrive in its global, interconnected environment. As one of the few top-tier universities where students can simultaneously immerse themselves in New York City’s dynamic culture and interact with peers from over 130 countries, NYU is looking for students who are not just open to diverse perspectives but actively foster them.

This “bridge-building” prompt invites you to showcase how you connect people, cultures, and ideas to foster meaningful understanding and collaboration—qualities that NYU uniquely values. Unlike Stanford, where the emphasis may lean toward entrepreneurial innovation, or Yale, which often focuses on intellectual rigor, NYU seeks students who bring a grounded, multicultural approach to connecting communities. Think of this prompt as NYU’s way of gauging your commitment to real-world, people-centered impact—a skill that translates directly to success within NYU’s global network.

Crafting Your Response: How to Stand Out

1. Highlight Tangible, People-Oriented Impact. NYU is looking for students who can bridge gaps between people in practical, real-world ways. Focus on specific examples that show your ability to foster understanding or unite groups. Avoid abstract ideals; instead, spotlight real actions—whether through community projects, school events, or personal experiences—that reveal your bridge-building skills.

2. Show Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability. At NYU, students are constantly engaging with peers from around the world, both in NYC and through NYU’s global campuses. If you’ve navigated different cultures, led groups with diverse perspectives, or built connections in a multicultural setting, emphasize these experiences. NYU values cultural adaptability as part of bridge-building, so mentioning your comfort in cross-cultural or multilingual environments can set you apart.

3. Describe Your Future Role at NYU. NYU wants bridge builders who’ll shape their global community. How do you envision bringing people together on campus? Mention NYU’s unique clubs or initiatives, like the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs, Global Spiritual Life, or the many NYC-based volunteer organizations NYU partners with. Describe how you’d continue your bridge-building work in the context of NYU’s campus and surrounding community.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Some banger links we dropped 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

ADMISSION BLUEPRINT
Prepping for a college interview

College interviews can be a great opportunity to show who you are beyond the application. Here are some key strategies to make a strong impression and get through each stage of the process confidently.

🎓 Do Your Research on the School

• Know the basics and beyond: Be prepared to discuss specific programs, campus traditions, or recent achievements of the school. For instance, if applying to a STEM-focused school, mentioning a particular lab, research project, or faculty work shows you’ve done your homework.

• Understand the interview format: Colleges have different styles—some are structured, while others feel like casual conversations. Find out if your interview is evaluative (a factor in admissions) or informative (more about helping you understand the college).

📝 Prepare for Common Questions but Keep It Authentic

• Why this college? Have a well-thought-out answer that isn’t just about the school’s reputation but how its unique opportunities fit with your goals. Be specific and personal; mention professors or programs you’re excited about.

• Tell me about yourself: This is often open-ended, so use it as a chance to talk about something important to you. Make sure to highlight experiences or qualities that showcase your character, passions, or skills.

• Behavioral Questions: Examples include “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome” or “Talk about a meaningful project.” Think of specific stories that emphasize your growth, resilience, or leadership—qualities colleges value.

✨ Show Genuine Enthusiasm and Interest

• Stay positive and engaged: Let your excitement show through. Enthusiasm can be as impactful as your answers, so don’t hesitate to convey why this school stands out to you.

• Ask thoughtful questions: Prepare a couple of questions that reflect your interests. Avoid generic questions and aim for specifics, like “How does the college support research for undergraduates?” or “What kinds of interdisciplinary projects have students in X major worked on recently?”

👂 Practice Active Listening

• Remember that interviews are two-way conversations. Listen carefully to the interviewer and respond thoughtfully, rather than jumping in with pre-planned answers. This shows maturity and genuine interest in the conversation.

• Engage with the interviewer’s questions and comments, adding personal insights or examples that make your answers memorable.

💬 Mind Your Nonverbal Cues

• Body language matters: Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and don’t forget to smile! These nonverbal cues communicate confidence and attentiveness.

• Watch your tone: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. You want to sound engaged but not rushed, so take a breath if you feel nervous.

💌 Follow Up with a Thank-You Note

• Within 24 hours, send a short email thanking your interviewer for their time. Mention something specific you discussed that resonated with you, which adds a personal touch and reinforces your interest.

INFO ZONE
Another 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

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Start getting those Nov 15 deadlines turned in!

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, CU Boulder, Virginia Tech, and More 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!