🍦 Today's Scoops: What are college status portals? (Oct 12)

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

1. School of the Day: Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)

2. Admissions Blueprint: Your guide to status portals

3. Cash Corner: Making, managing, and saving money

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)

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: Saint Louis, MO
🎓 Student Body: 8,132 undergrads out of 17,012 total out students
📊 Acceptance Rate: 12% (32,014 applicants)
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1535/34
💸 Cost: $61,750 (tuition), $20,778 (room & board)
📅 Admission Options: Early Decision I (Nov 1), Early Decision II (Jan 2), Regular Decision (Jan 2)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Finance (#5), Architecture (#7), Biology (#11), Computer Science (#26) (Niche)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Business (17%), Social Sciences (13%), Engineering (10%), Biological Sciences (10%), Computer Science (8%) (Scoir)

Some Positives

🏛️ Olin Business School: WashU’s Olin Business School is consistently ranked among the top in the nation, offering students world-class education in fields like finance, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. With experiential learning opportunities and connections to top global companies, Olin prepares students for successful business careers. Learn more about Olin Business.

🧪 Leading Research Opportunities: WashU is a research powerhouse, with students having the chance to engage in cutting-edge work in fields like biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and climate change. The Undergraduate Research Office provides resources and funding to help students connect with research projects across disciplines. Explore WashU Research.

🏥 Top Medical Programs and Connections: WashU is home to one of the nation’s best medical schools and boasts strong ties to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, providing incredible opportunities for pre-med and health-related fields. The MedPrep program is also a standout resource for undergraduates planning to pursue medical school. Discover Pre-Med at WashU.

🌳 Beautiful Campus & Strong Campus Life: WashU’s picturesque campus is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful in the country. Combined with a strong residential college system and an active student life, it offers an engaging, tight-knit community. Learn about Campus Life.

💻 Joint Program in Business and Computer Science: WashU offers an innovative Joint Program in Business and Computer Science, a unique collaboration between the Olin Business School and the McKelvey School of Engineering. This program equips students with expertise in both fields, preparing them for leadership roles in technology-driven industries. Learn about the Joint Program.

Some Negatives

💸 High Cost of Attendance: Like other top private universities, WashU’s tuition is high. While financial aid is available, the cost of attendance can still be a barrier for some families. Financial Aid Info.

📚 Intense Workload: The rigorous academic environment at WashU means students often face a heavy workload, particularly in STEM and pre-med programs. It’s a challenging atmosphere for those not prepared for intense academic pressure.

🏙️ Limited Big-City Feel: Although St. Louis has its perks, it lacks the fast-paced, urban feel of larger cities like New York or Chicago. For students seeking a vibrant, metropolitan environment, WashU’s location may not fully meet their expectations. Explore St. Louis.

ADMISSIONS BLUEPRINT
Your guide to status portals

💻 What is a status portal? – After submitting your college applications, most schools will give you access to an online portal where you can track the status of your application, view updates, and upload additional documents.

📅 Check regularly – Colleges often post important updates about your application status here, like interview requests, missing documents, or admissions decisions. Make it a habit to check your portal frequently so you don’t miss any deadlines or notifications.

📂 Upload documents – If your application is missing materials, such as recommendation letters or financial aid forms, the portal will often allow you to upload them directly. Stay on top of this to avoid delays.

🔍 Track your progress – Many portals will show you whether your application is complete or if certain elements are still pending (like transcripts or test scores). Use this feature to ensure your file is ready for review.

🔐 Keep your login info safe – You’ll need to log in often, so make sure your username and password are stored securely. Use a password manager if necessary.

📧 Set up email alerts – Some portals allow you to set up notifications that will send you an email whenever there’s an update. This can save you the hassle of checking manually.

🔒 Security matters – Always log out after accessing your portal, especially if you’re using a public or shared computer. Your personal information and application status should stay private.

CASH CORNER
Making, managing and saving money

💸 Set a budget – Track your income and expenses to avoid overspending. Use apps like Mint or YNAB to manage your finances efficiently.

💼 Find on-campus jobs – Look for positions like research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or working at the library. On-campus jobs are often flexible with your class schedule.

🛍️ Use student discounts – Many businesses, from tech companies to local cafes, offer student discounts. Always ask if there’s a student rate!

📈 Invest wisely – Consider starting small with investing through apps like Robinhood or Acorns. Even investing just a little can add up over time.

🍽️ Cook at home – Eating out adds up quickly. Learn a few easy recipes and make your own meals to save tons of money. Meal prepping can help you save time too!

📚 Buy used or rent textbooks – Avoid buying new textbooks. Check out websites like Chegg or Amazon for used copies or rental options, and check if your library has free digital versions.

🚴 Use public transportation or bike – If your college offers free or discounted transportation, take advantage of it. Biking around campus can also save you money on gas and parking fees.

📅 Plan big expenses – Need to buy a laptop or furniture? Wait for sales like Black Friday or back-to-school deals to get the best prices.

💡 Be mindful of utilities – If you’re paying for electricity, water, or internet, be aware of your usage. Simple habits like turning off lights when you leave can save money.

💳 Avoid credit card debt – Credit cards can be useful, but high-interest rates can lead to serious debt. If you use one, pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

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.

Diamond Challenge - The ultimate high school entrepreneurship competition

ROTC Scholarships - Get involved in the military and go to college for free

PEO STAR Scholarship - $2,500 scholarships for exceptional female seniors

Hack Club High School Hackathons - Upcoming hackathons for high schoolers, with thousands in prizes

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
3 more days until UT and UNC EA deadlines!

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

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!