🍦 Today's Scoops: Monkey Business?! (Nov 5)

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

1. Upcoming Visits Refresh

2. Daily Deep Dive: Yale University

3. Major Matchup: Business Administration vs. Management Information Systems (MIS)

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

Purdue University is known as the “Cradle of Astronauts” because 27 of its alumni have ventured into space, including Neil Armstrong. Learn more about their Space Program.

INFO ZONE
It’s Tuesday so you know we got some banger info sessions!

Here’s some upcoming school virtual information sessions. These are great opportunities to learn more about school’s programs to determine if the school is a right fit for you. It’s also great to learn more about the school’s vibe and possibly what admissions officers are looking for. All the times listed are below are already converted into Pacific.

Emory University Oxford College Student Panel - Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

UC Berkeley Admissions Presentation - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

(NEW) CMU Remote Information Session - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM

(NEW) Northwestern Online Admissions Information Session- Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM

UCSD Triton Student Insights - Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 3:45 PM

DAILY DEEP DIVE
Yale University

For at least the next two months, we will be switching out our School of the Day section for a Daily Deep Dive section where we will be focusing less on the high-level overview of a school, instead examining how you can craft a stand-out application to the school. As we debut this new section, we’re looking to hear what you think about the content, so if possible, be sure to fill out this form to let us know your thoughts.

Yale’s Vibe: What are they looking for?

Every school’s admissions team has a school vibe they are trying to create. While not every student perfectly fits into that profile, it’s important to show sides of yourself that align with that vibe in your application.

Yale’s admissions team values students who are intellectually curious, community-minded, and deeply committed to making an impact. They’re looking for students who are collaborative, adaptable, and reflective, with a passion for bringing people together and uplifting those around them. Yale loves to see applicants who are excited to learn both in and outside of the classroom. To make your application stand out, highlight experiences where you’ve embraced diverse perspectives, contributed to communities, and demonstrated genuine passion for knowledge and personal growth.

The essays and how to best answer them

Now, with the vibe in mind, let’s deep dive into how to best answer the prompts that Yale asks.

Short Responses

Each of Yale’s short answer questions is limited to 200 characters, so you’ll need to be concise. Use this space to show Yale what drives, inspires, and defines you. Here are the questions:

1. What inspires you?

2. If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?

3. Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence?

4. What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

For these responses, aim to be specific and authentic. Here are tips for each question:

1. Choose something specific that speaks to your passion or values—something that brings you energy and joy.

2. Think creatively here, and choose something that highlights a unique interest or skill. Be bold!

3. Pick someone whose influence goes beyond admiration. Show how this influence has shaped your character or worldview.

4. Use this as a chance to share something surprising or fun about yourself. It’s an opportunity to add a new dimension to your application.

Academic Interest Essay (200 words)

Prompt: Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it?

In this essay, Yale wants to see your academic passion and intellectual curiosity in action. Describe a specific topic that fascinates you, whether it's a field you plan to study or a niche interest you’ve explored independently. Explain why this topic excites you and how it motivates you to dig deeper. Yale values applicants who are genuinely curious and eager to take initiative in their learning, so focus on what drives your passion and how it influences your perspective or goals.

Why Yale? (125 words)

Prompt: What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?

This is your chance to show how Yale’s unique qualities resonate with your goals and values. Highlight specific programs, classes, or communities at Yale that appeal to you and explain how you would engage with them. Be personal—mention activities, courses, or traditions that are unique to Yale and tie back to what you’re passionate about. Make it clear that you’re excited about the opportunities Yale offers, not just about attending an Ivy League school.

Optional Essay (400 words)

Please respond to one of the following prompts:

1. Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?

2. Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

3. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

For this longer essay, pick the prompt that allows you to share a significant part of your story. Whichever prompt you choose, try to incorporate Yale’s values of open-mindedness, community impact, and intellectual growth. Here are some tips for each option:

• Option 1: Use this prompt to showcase your willingness to listen, learn, and grow. Yale wants students who engage thoughtfully with different perspectives, so focus on how this conversation influenced your worldview.

• Option 2: Share a community that has shaped who you are. Describe what it means to you and how it has inspired you to engage, contribute, or lead. This is a great place to show your commitment to community and how you hope to bring that spirit to Yale.

• Option 3: This prompt is a chance to tell a story about yourself that highlights your unique background or character. Think about what makes you, you, and how this part of your experience will enrich Yale. Be specific, and show how this aspect of you aligns with Yale’s commitment to a diverse and vibrant student body.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI…Yesterday’s 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.

Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship - $5,000 to $25,000 awards towards college

InspiritAI - Artificial Intelligence Program for High School Students

Equitable Excellence Scholarship - $20000 scholarships for students who strive to be a force for good in their communities

Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) - do cutting-edge research in the Bay Area’s premier pre-collegiate research institution

MAJOR MATCHUP
Business Administration vs. Management Information Systems (MIS)

Business Administration and MIS are majors with a very similar goal—creating the business leaders and managers of tomorrow. While they share the same end game, their approaches are like two different routes on a map. Let’s break down how these paths compare when it comes to coursework, careers, and competition.

💼 Business Administration: The All-Around MVP

Business Administration is like the all-purpose toolkit for aspiring leaders. You get a taste of everything—management, finance, marketing, and more. Think of it as training to be a Swiss Army knife in the corporate world, perfect if you’re aiming to jump into leadership roles or even start your own venture.

Typical Courses: Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Financial Accounting, Marketing 101

Careers You Might Love: Business Manager, Consultant, Marketing Director, Entrepreneur

💻 Management Information Systems (MIS): The Tech Translator

MIS is where business smarts meet tech know-how. If you love the idea of figuring out how a company can use tech to improve operations or make data-driven decisions, this is your sweet spot. MIS majors are the bridge between business needs and technical solutions, and that makes them pretty invaluable in today’s world where tech and business are basically besties.

Typical Courses: Business Analytics, Database Management, Systems Analysis

Careers You Might Love: IT Manager, Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Technology Consultant

🏆 Competitiveness: Popular vs. Tech-Focused

Business Administration is the major that everyone wants a piece of. Schools like Wharton at UPenn or Berkeley Haas? Yeah, they’re not easy to get into—expect competition with applicants who have standout resumes and stories to tell.

MIS, on the other hand, is more of a hidden gem. It’s getting more attention as tech takes over the business world, and top schools with strong tech and business programs like MIT Sloan or Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper are upping the stakes for MIS admissions. You’ll need a mix of business savvy and some coding chops for these programs.

🏫 Schools That Stand Out

Different schools have unique strengths in these majors:

• Wharton School at UPenn: Known for having one of the top Business Administration programs in the world, packed with networking opportunities and alumni connections.

• MIT Sloan School of Management: If you’re leaning toward MIS, Sloan’s got you covered with cutting-edge business analytics courses and tech-business projects.

• Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper): For a blend of tech and business, CMU’s MIS program is tough to beat, focusing heavily on data, systems, and how they connect to business strategies.

No matter which path you choose—whether you want to be the adaptable leader who knows a bit of everything or the go-to person for business tech solutions—both majors have tons to offer. Do your research, check out what each school emphasizes, and find your perfect fit!

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!