🍦 Today's Scoops: Outside Letters of Rec (Oct 28)

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh

2. School of the Day: UC Riverside

3. Admissions Blueprint: Supplemental Letters of Rec

LINK LOUNGE
Happy Monday… You know what that means, new resources!!!

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

(NEW) DECA Scholarships - over $200,000 scholarships for DECA members

LaunchX - top entrepreneurship summer program (really competitive though)

USACO - largest computing challenge in the USA (lots of prestige)

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
UC Riverside

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: Riverside, CA
🎓 Undergraduate Enrollment: 22,646
📊 Acceptance Rate: 69% (54,683 applicants)
💸 Cost: $13,874 (In-state), $43,946 (Out-of-state)
📅 Admission Options: Regular Decision (Dec 2)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Biology (#134), Physics (#145), Chemistry (#152) (Niche)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (19%), Social Sciences (18%), Business (14%) (US News)

Pros 🌟

🌞 Affordable UC Option – UC Riverside offers a quality education at a comparatively lower cost than other UC campuses. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking to avoid high tuition or student debt. More about UC Riverside’s costs here.

🌱 Thriving STEM Programs – UCR is renowned for its STEM offerings, particularly in fields like environmental sciences and entomology, where the school is a leader. Learn more about UCR’s strong STEM programs.

🌐 Diverse & Inclusive Community – UCR consistently ranks among the most diverse campuses in the U.S., creating a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. Read about UCR’s commitment to diversity.

🌟 Growing Campus & Investment in Research – UC Riverside has invested heavily in its research facilities and new campus infrastructure, making it an excellent choice for research-focused students. Explore UCR’s recent campus expansions.

🖼️ Access to Inland Empire Opportunities – Riverside’s proximity to Southern California’s booming tech and business hubs provides students with internships and jobs. Discover career opportunities around UCR.

Cons 🐻

🏙️ Less “Big City” Life – Located in Riverside, UCR is set in a suburban area, so it lacks the urban vibe of schools in Los Angeles or San Diego. Explore Riverside’s offerings here.

🌞 Hot Summers – The Riverside area can experience extremely hot temperatures, especially in summer, which might be challenging for students used to cooler climates.

📚 Limited Graduate Program Prestige – While UCR has excellent undergraduate programs, some students feel its graduate programs aren’t as prestigious compared to other UCs. Compare UC grad program rankings here.

INFO ZONE
Upcoming Info Sessions (UChicago Sesh today!)

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.

UChicago First Things First: Young Alumni - Monday, October 28th at 2:00pm until 3:00pm

Stanford Virtual Visit - Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 3:30 PM until 5:30 PM

UW—Madison College of Engineering Virtual Information Session - Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM

ADMISSIONS BLUEPRINT
Supplemental Letters of Rec: To submit or not to submit?

When to Submit a Supplemental Letter of Recommendation

🔍 When It Adds Unique Insight – Submitting a supplemental letter can be beneficial if the recommender can provide unique insights that aren’t covered in other parts of your application. For instance, if you’ve completed a major research project or been involved in a long-term volunteer initiative, a letter from a mentor in that area can add depth to your application.

🎨 To Show Diverse Strengths – If you’re applying for a competitive program, such as business, engineering, or the arts, a letter that highlights your skills in an area beyond academics (like leadership, creativity, or resilience) can help. This letter should show how well-rounded you are or showcase your dedication to your field.

When Not to Submit a Supplemental Letter

🔄 If It’s Repetitive – Avoid submitting extra letters that simply restate what’s in your application or echo what your teachers have already shared. Admissions officers have limited time, so every piece of your application should add value.

🤔 If It’s Too Vague – A general letter from someone who hasn’t worked closely with you may not help. For instance, a letter from a family friend or an employer who only knows you casually can feel less credible and may not carry much weight.

🏫 School Preferences – Some colleges discourage or even limit the number of supplemental recommendations they’ll accept. Be sure to check each school’s policy on supplemental letters before submitting.

Who to Ask for a Supplemental Letter

🔬 A Research Mentor or Internship Supervisor – If you’ve done significant research, an internship, or a specialized program, someone who supervised your work can offer detailed insights into your skills and work ethic in a professional or academic setting.

🏆 An Extracurricular Advisor or Coach – For students heavily involved in sports, music, art, or another passion, a coach or advisor can speak to your dedication, teamwork, and discipline in a way that academic teachers may not.

🌍 Community Service or Volunteer Leader – A leader in an organization where you’ve volunteered or taken on a community project can discuss your commitment to social issues and describe your impact on the community.

Key Tips for Requesting a Supplemental Letter

📝 Provide Context – When asking for a supplemental letter, give your recommender information about your goals and why you’re asking them specifically. This can help them tailor the letter to your needs and ensure it reflects your character in a meaningful way.

📈 Use Only When It Truly Adds Value – Admissions officers appreciate conciseness, so only include supplemental letters that add new perspectives on who you are. A focused and thoughtful application is always better than an overloaded one.

📜 Check Each College’s Requirements – Some schools don’t accept supplemental letters, while others may have strict limits. Be sure to check each school’s admissions page for policies on additional recommendations!

Adding a supplemental letter can be a powerful boost to your application if used thoughtfully. It’s a way to go the extra mile and show colleges more about who you are, especially if there’s an angle that the core application doesn’t fully capture.

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?

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