🍦 Today's Scoops: What you should know about dorms(Sep 28)

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

1. School of the Day: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

2. Admissions Blueprint: Combined Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree Programs

3. Social Scoop: What You Should Know About Dorms

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

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: Providence, RI
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 2,525
📊 Acceptance Rate: 17.4%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1420/31
💸 Cost: $61,564
📅 Admission Options: Early Decision (Nov 1), Regular Decision (Jan 15)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Illustration, Systems Science, Architecture (Niche)

Some Positives:

🎨 Integration with Brown University

One of the most unique aspects of RISD is its close partnership with Brown University. You can take courses across both institutions and even pursue a dual degree, combining liberal arts with your creative practice. Learn more about the dual degree program here.

🖌️ Student-Driven Studios

At RISD, studio-based learning is at the core of the curriculum. Students work on self-directed projects that allow for deep exploration and innovation in their chosen field. Check out some amazing student projects here.

🏙️ Providence’s Art Scene

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, RISD students are surrounded by a vibrant art community. The RISD Museum, one of the largest university art museums, is on campus and houses a collection of over 100,000 works. Explore the RISD Museum here.

📚 Liberal Arts Focus

RISD places a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, making sure students develop critical thinking skills alongside their artistic talents. Discover more about the liberal arts at RISD here.

💡 Entrepreneurial Opportunities

RISD actively supports creative entrepreneurship through its Center for Arts & Language and the RISD Careers office. If you want to turn your artistic ideas into a business, RISD offers mentorship and resources to help you get there. Check out their entrepreneurship resources here.

Negatives to Consider:

💸 High Cost of Attendance

RISD’s tuition is among the highest for art schools. While they offer financial aid, students should carefully consider the cost. Find out more about tuition and financial aid here.

📏 Intense Workload

The studio culture at RISD is notoriously rigorous, with students often spending long hours working on their projects. If you’re not ready for late nights in the studio, this might be something to consider. Hear from students about life at RISD here.

ADMISSIONS BLUEPRINT
Combined Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree Programs

🎓 Get Two Degrees in Less Time
Many schools offer combined programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a reduced timeframe, often in just five years, saving both time and money.

💼 Early Career Boost"
With a master’s degree in hand sooner, you’ll be able to jump into higher-level positions earlier in your career, giving you a head start on job opportunities and salary potential.

📚 Focused and Specialized Education
These programs often allow for more in-depth study in a specific field, helping students build expertise early on and get a jump on research or industry projects.

🕒 Streamlined Application Process
Instead of applying to grad school separately, many combined programs offer direct entry, meaning you skip the extra hassle of admissions during your undergrad years.

💰 Financial Advantages
Combined programs can be more cost-effective, as some schools allow undergrad financial aid packages to carry over into graduate studies, and the shorter timeframe means less tuition overall.

🌎 Global Opportunities
Many schools offering combined degrees also provide international learning opportunities, enabling you to study abroad while pursuing advanced education in your field.

🎯 Tailored for High Achievers
These programs are typically designed for students with strong academic backgrounds and a clear vision for their future, making them a great fit if you’re driven and goal-oriented.

SOCIAL SCOOP
What You Should Know About Dorms

Dorms play a big role in your college experience, so it’s worth considering what kind of housing options you might have before applying. Here’s what high schoolers should know:

Types of Dorms 🛏️

Different types of dorms can impact your level of privacy, independence, and social life:

• Traditional Dorms: These are the classic dorms with shared bathrooms down the hall. They’re often the most social, as you’ll meet a lot of people in common areas and bathrooms.

• Suite-Style Dorms: These offer more privacy, as you and a few others share a living space and bathroom. They’re a nice middle ground if you prefer more quiet time.

• Apartment-Style Housing: Sometimes available for upperclassmen, these dorms include kitchens and living rooms, giving you more independence. They can feel more like living in an apartment than a dorm.

Check each college’s website to find out what dorm types are available for freshmen, as this can vary from school to school.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) 📚

Some colleges offer Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), where students with similar academic or personal interests live together in the same dorm. For example, you might join an LLC for business students, or one focused on leadership or sustainability. LLCs offer the chance to build strong academic and social networks from the start.

Research whether the colleges you’re applying to offer LLCs and if they require a separate application process. LLCs can provide a more tailored living experience that aligns with your interests.

Why High School Students Should Care 🎓

Dorm life might seem like a minor detail, but it can really impact your college experience. Understanding your housing options helps you make more informed decisions about where you might thrive. Here’s how to dig deeper into dorm life when researching schools:

• College Housing Websites: Check these for the most up-to-date information on freshman housing options, dorm layouts, and costs.

• Virtual Tours: Many colleges now offer virtual tours of dorms, so even if you can’t visit campus, you can still get a sense of what life will be like.

• Student Forums: Browse platforms like Reddit or college-specific forums to see what current students have to say about dorm life and LLCs.

Taking the time to learn about dorms can help you feel more confident in your college decision—and ensure your living situation matches your personality and needs.

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.

Coca-Cola Scholars (2 days left!) - $20,000 college scholarship for high school seniors

Kollegio - 100% free personal AI college counselor

NextAdmit - Get your essays reviewed by Ivy League students. Have read 10,000+ essays

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!

Coke Scholars Application Deadline: September 30th
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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