🍦 Today's Scoops: Researching a School for Supplementals (Sep 26)

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

1. School of the Day: Yale University

2. Admissions Blueprint: Researching a School for Essays

3. TikTok Thursday: Our Last Week’s Favorites from College TikTok

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Yale University

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: New Haven, CT
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 6,818
📊 Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1540/34
💸 Cost: $67,250
📅 Admission Options: November 1 (REA), January 2 (RD)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Economics (#5), Psychology (#5) (US News)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Social Sciences (22%), Biological/Biomedical Sciences (11%), Computer Science (10%) (US News)

Pros:

📜 The Directed Studies Program – A Deep Dive into Classics

Yale’s Directed Studies (DS) program is a highly selective, year-long course that immerses first-year students in the Western canon of literature, philosophy, and historical texts. If you’re a humanities enthusiast looking for a rigorous academic challenge, this is a standout opportunity. Learn more about Directed Studies here.

🏛️ Residential College System – A Hogwarts-Like Experience

Yale’s residential college system, inspired by the Oxbridge model, is a defining feature of student life. Each student is randomly assigned to one of the 14 residential colleges, each with its own dining hall, library, and traditions. This system fosters a tight-knit community within the broader university. Explore the residential colleges.

🎭 Yale Repertory Theatre – A Hub for Performing Arts

Yale’s connection to the arts is unrivaled. The Yale Repertory Theatre is an internationally acclaimed center for theater, and students can immerse themselves in top-tier performances and even collaborate with professional actors and directors. Check out the Yale Rep.

🔬 Yale’s Interdisciplinary Research Institutes

Yale isn’t just about the humanities. The university is a hub for cutting-edge research in STEM fields. From the Yale Quantum Institute to the Center for Engineering Innovation and Design, students can engage in interdisciplinary projects that push the boundaries of modern science. Dive into Yale research opportunities here.

🎶 Yale Whiffenpoofs – The Oldest Collegiate A Cappella Group

Yale is home to the Whiffenpoofs, the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the U.S. If you’re interested in performing arts, this long-standing tradition offers a chance to be part of something truly iconic. Find out more about the Whiffenpoofs.

Cons:

💼 Pre-Professional Focus – Competitive Culture

While Yale offers a liberal arts education, there is a strong pre-professional culture, especially in fields like law, politics, and finance. This can sometimes make the campus feel highly competitive, especially for students who prefer a more exploratory academic path. Explore the career paths at Yale.

🏠 New Haven’s Economic Disparities

Yale is located in New Haven, which has a mix of urban charm and challenges. The city faces economic disparities, and while this gives students a chance to engage in meaningful community service, it may be something to consider when adjusting to life outside the Yale bubble. Read about New Haven and its relationship with Yale.

🌧️ Cold Winters and Gloomy Weather

New Haven experiences harsh winters, with freezing temperatures and frequent snow. While the campus is beautiful year-round, if you’re not a fan of the cold, the long New England winters can be a downside.

📚 Heavy Workload – Not for the Faint of Heart

Yale’s academic rigor is real, and students are often juggling multiple courses, extracurriculars, and research. The workload can feel overwhelming, and balancing it all requires strong time management skills. Explore Yale’s academic expectations.

ADMISSIONS BLUEPRINT
Researching a School for Essays

📝 Start with the school’s website

Dive into the official university website. Look for academic programs, campus life, extracurriculars, and special opportunities that align with your interests. Pay attention to what the school values—this will help you tailor your essay.

🎓 Explore the academic departments

Each department’s page often provides insight into the courses offered, research opportunities, and faculty profiles. Find out what makes that department stand out, and mention specific professors or programs in your essay.

🔍 Check out campus life and student organizations

Research clubs, student organizations, and events that resonate with your passions. Schools love to see how you’ll get involved outside the classroom, so mention how their community is the right fit for you.

📚 Look up their unique programs

Many schools have special programs, like first-year seminars, study abroad options, or co-op programs. Including these in your essays shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in what they offer.

💬 Talk to current students

If possible, connect with students on forums, social media, or through alumni networks. They can give you an authentic perspective on what life at the school is really like and how to tailor your essay to reflect the school’s culture.

📊 Read through admissions data

Explore statistics on class sizes, student demographics, and admission rates. This can help you understand the school’s values and how you might fit into the larger student body.

🎥 Watch virtual tours and webinars

Many universities now offer virtual campus tours and Q&A sessions. These are a great way to see the campus, hear directly from faculty and students, and pick up insights to reference in your essay.

🌟 Stay authentic

While it’s crucial to show you’ve done your research, don’t forget to be yourself. Tailor your essays to reflect how your unique qualities and aspirations align with the school’s values.

TIKTOK THURSDAY
Our Two Favorite TikToks From Last Week

LINK LOUNGE
Yesterday’s Resources & Scholarships

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.

Admit Yogi - Connect with admitted students and enhance your apps with AI

Lumos Learning - Accessible and affordable online SAT prep courses

Sups.ai - AI-powered guidance for essay review, college list building, and EC optimization

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Important testing dates are coming up!

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/UNC Chapel Hill Early Action Deadline: October 15
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

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