🍦Today's Scoops: 1/3 seniors used AI in their apps (Sep 13)

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh: We’re changing up how the Link Lounge works and we’ll be refreshing it every other day from now on. Read below for today’s top resources.

2. School of the Day: Texas A&M University

3. Friday News Focus: Recent study shows 1/3 seniors used AI in their college applications

LINK LOUNGE
Key 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.

Appily - Nation’s largest, multi-billion dollar scholarship database

Gohar Khan on YouTube - An MIT grad trying to help you get thru applications

College Confidential - Anonymous data on college applications from other students

SCHOOL OF THE DAY
Texas A&M

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: College Station, TX
🎓 Undergraduates Enrolled: 57,512
📊 Acceptance Rate: 63%
📝 Average SAT/ACT: 1270/28
💸 Tuition: $13,239 (In-state), $40,139 (Out-of-state)
📅 Admission Options: October 15 (Early Action), December 1 (Regular Decision)
🏆 Top Ranking Programs: Petroleum Engineering (#2), Mathematics (#34) , Political Science (#28) (US News)
📈 Most Popular Majors: Engineering (17%), Business (14%), Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Sciences (8%) (US News)

Pros

✨ Aggie Spirit and Traditions
The Aggie spirit is legendary, and traditions like the 12th Man, Midnight Yell, and Silver Taps make Texas A&M unique. The sense of community and loyalty among students and alumni is unmatched. Learn about the Aggie traditions here.

📊 Top-Tier Engineering Programs
Texas A&M is widely recognized for its engineering school, ranked among the top in the nation. Students have access to top-notch facilities and resources, especially through the Dwight Look College of Engineering. Explore the engineering programs.

🌎 Study Abroad Opportunities
With one of the largest study abroad programs in the country, Texas A&M students are encouraged to gain global experience. The school emphasizes service and leadership through these opportunities. Check out study abroad options.

👷 Large Campus and Research Opportunities
With a campus spanning over 5,200 acres, Texas A&M offers endless research and extracurricular opportunities. The university is also home to one of the few ROTC programs that still exist at such a large public university. Learn more about research at A&M.

🏛️ Aggie Network and Career Services
Texas A&M’s alumni network, also known as the Aggie Network, is renowned for being incredibly strong. Alumni are known to go above and beyond in supporting current students with career connections and job placements. See how the Aggie Network helps students.

Cons

🌡️ Hot, Humid Weather
Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M can get unbearably hot during the summer and early fall months. If you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, this might be something to consider. Check College Station’s climate.

🏙️ Small Town Feel
While Texas A&M has a massive student body, College Station itself is a small college town. If you’re looking for a big city vibe, you may need to drive a couple of hours to reach Austin or Houston. Discover life in College Station.

🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking on campus can be a struggle due to the sheer size of the university. Many students complain about long walks from parking lots to their classes. Find out about parking at Texas A&M.

🔒 Conservative Environment
Texas A&M has a more conservative campus culture compared to other large public universities, which may be a drawback for students who prefer a more liberal or diverse environment. Learn about student life at A&M.

FRIDAY NEWS FOCUS
Recent study shows 1/3 seniors used AI in their college applications

Overview

A recent study by foundry10 revealed that 1 in 3 high school seniors used AI tools in their college applications during the 2023-24 cycle. This included using AI to brainstorm topics, refine ideas, or polish spelling and grammar. However, around 6% of students admitted to using AI to write their final drafts.

The Debate:

• AI vs. Consultants: Students who used AI were often judged as less authentic than those who paid for admissions coaches, despite both forms of help serving similar functions.

• Guidelines Needed: While schools like CalTech permit limited AI use, others like Brown University ban it altogether. However, most colleges remain silent, creating uncertainty for students and counselors alike.

Key Takeaways:

Fairness and Accessibility: The debate over AI mirrors a long-standing issue in college admissions—access to resources. Wealthier students have historically benefited from SAT tutors, admissions consultants, and educated parents, giving them a leg up. AI, on the other hand, is accessible to all students, potentially leveling the playing field for those without financial resources. However, the stigma around AI use highlights the double standard that still exists.

Need for Clear Guidelines: As AI becomes more integrated into the admissions process, clear guidelines are needed. Colleges that are silent on AI use leave students and counselors in a murky ethical zone. Without proper policies, students may feel unsure about what’s acceptable and what isn’t, potentially leading to unintended consequences in how applications are perceived.

Ethical Gray Areas: The ethical conversation surrounding AI is complex. While using AI to brainstorm or check grammar may seem harmless, allowing it to write an entire essay raises integrity concerns. Colleges and high school counselors need to have open discussions about where to draw the line and how to educate students on responsible AI use.

A Changing Landscape: AI is just the latest development in an admissions process that has always involved external help, whether through professional consultants or parental guidance. As AI tools evolve, colleges must adapt to this new reality and create systems that are transparent and fair for all applicants.

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!

September ACT: Saturday, September 14
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
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