🍦 Today's Scoops: Virginia Tech...underrated? (Oct 29)

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

1. Info Zone: New Upcoming Visits

2. School of the Day: Virginia Tech

3. Major Matchup: International Relations vs. Political Science

INFO ZONE
Toooooosday… new info seshs are coming up!

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.

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

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

(NEW) Harvard College Information Session - Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 7:00 AM until 7:45 AM

(NEW) Johns Hopkins Application Workshop: Personal Statement - Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 5:30 PM

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

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Virginia Tech…top public school for engineering & most spirited school in the country (according to us)

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.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Tech (VT) is a renowned public research university that combines a strong focus on STEM fields and hands-on learning with a commitment to community and service. Known for its school spirit and unique Hokie culture, VT fosters a collaborative, innovative environment.

📍 Location: Blacksburg, VA
🎓 Student Body: 30,434 undergrads (out of 38,170 total students)
📊 Acceptance Rate: 57% (45,321 applicants)
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1335/30
💸 Tuition: $12,698 (in-state), $33,310 (out-of-state)
📅 Admission Options: Early Action (Nov 15), Regular Decision (Jan 15)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Environmental Engineering (#7), Computer Engineering (#15), Computer Science (#27) (Niche)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Engineering (22%), Business (22%), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (8%) (Scoir)

Some Positives

🛠️ Top-Notch Engineering School: Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S., especially in fields like civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. Students benefit from cutting-edge research facilities, like the Goodwin Hall for robotics and mechatronics. Learn more about VT Engineering.

🏈 Strong School Spirit: VT is known for its passionate Hokie fan base and vibrant game-day culture. Football games at Lane Stadium are a major campus highlight, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Check out Hokie Athletics.

🌐 Co-op and Internship Opportunities: Virginia Tech has extensive co-op programs and industry connections, particularly for engineering and technology students. These programs offer practical experience and networking with companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Explore Career Resources.

Some Negatives

📚 Large Class Sizes in Intro Courses: While VT’s facilities are state-of-the-art, introductory classes in popular majors, especially engineering, can be quite large, which may feel impersonal to some students.

🌄 Isolated Campus Location: Situated in Blacksburg, VT’s rural setting is scenic but somewhat isolated, which can be a drawback for those looking for more urban surroundings or easy travel options. Learn about Blacksburg.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: some resources we shared yesterday

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)

MAJOR MATCHUP
International Relations vs Political Science

If you’re choosing between International Relations and Political Science, you’re diving into two fascinating but distinct realms of study that help us understand how power, governance, and relationships shape our world. Let’s explore the nuances of each major!

🌏 International Relations: The Global Connector

International Relations focuses on how countries interact with one another, examining diplomacy, conflict, trade, and international organizations. It’s the study of the global village, analyzing how nations cooperate or clash on the world stage. If you’re interested in global affairs, international law, and transnational issues like climate change or human rights, this major will feed your curiosity.

Sample Courses: Global Governance, International Security, International Political Economy, Human Rights Law

Potential Careers: Diplomat, International NGO Worker, Foreign Service Officer, Policy Analyst

🏛️ Political Science: The Domestic Architect

Political Science, in contrast, digs deeper into the structures, processes, and behaviors that define governance within countries. This major explores political theory, public policy, and the intricacies of electoral systems. It’s like being a detective of democracy, understanding how power dynamics operate within societies, including domestic policies, party systems, and social movements.

Sample Courses: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy, American Government

Potential Careers: Legislative Aide, Political Consultant, Public Affairs Specialist, Researcher

🏆 Competitiveness: Navigating the Waters

Both majors can be competitive, but the nature of that competition often differs. International Relations programs at elite schools like Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Georgetown University are known for their rigorous admission processes due to the high demand for international studies . These programs often emphasize practical experience, networking, and global perspectives, making them highly sought after.

Political Science, while competitive, can be less narrowly focused on specific global issues and may provide a broader range of career options domestically. Programs at institutions like Harvard and Stanford often attract top talent due to their comprehensive political science offerings, but they may also have more variability in student admissions depending on specific strengths.

Each program has unique strengths depending on the school. For example:

• Johns Hopkins SAIS is renowned for its emphasis on international policy and global economics, providing students with essential skills for careers in diplomacy and international development.

• Georgetown University boasts a strong focus on international relations and foreign service, ideal for those looking to work in government or global NGOs.

• Harvard University offers a broad spectrum in Political Science, with exceptional faculty in political theory and comparative politics, making it a fantastic choice for those interested in political philosophy or domestic policy issues.

Ultimately, whether you lean toward the global dynamics of International Relations or the intricate workings of Political Science, both majors offer valuable insights into the world we live in. Be sure to research each program’s strengths, faculty expertise, and alumni networks to find the best fit for your interests and career goals!

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?

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!