🍦What do you do for fun? (Dec 9)

Take a deep dive into this common essay prompt. Also, all about Northeastern University and of course some new info sessions coming up.

Author

Scholar Scoops Admin
December 10, 2024

Good morning folks! Here’s the lineup today:

  1. Info Zone Refresh: New upcoming information sessions

  2. Daily Deep Dive: Northeastern University

  3. Essay of the Week: MIT’s “What do you do for fun?” prompt

TRIVIA
đź“š Khan Academy

This university ranks #1 for Political Science, #7 for Religious Studies, and #26 for Best Student Life. It’s a place where future policymakers, theologians, and social butterflies cross paths. Can you guess the school? You’ll find the answer at the bottom of today’s email!

INFO ZONE
A bunch of new information sessions coming soon

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.

(NEW) Northeastern Virtual College of Engineering Info Session - Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM

Rice Virtual Admission Information Session - Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM

(NEW) CMU Remote Information Session - Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 3:30 PM

(NEW) Harvey Mudd General Engineering - recorded info session about Mudd’s only Engineering Degree

DAILY DEEP DIVE
Northeastern University

What even is Northeastern?

Northeastern University is the school for go-getters, dreamers, and doers who believe learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Nestled in the heart of Boston, Northeastern is where academia meets the hustle of real-world experience. It’s for students who want to blend intellectual curiosity with hands-on action—those who thrive on balancing rigorous study with career-driven exploration.

The campus hums with energy, embodying a forward-thinking, innovative spirit. Northeastern students aren’t just preparing for their careers—they’re already living them, thanks to the university’s renowned co-op program. Whether it’s working with a tech startup in Boston, conducting research in Berlin, or interning at a global company like Google or Pfizer, this is a place where your ambition translates into impact.

If you’re someone who sees challenges as opportunities, views the world as your classroom, and wants to hit the ground running, Northeastern might be your kind of place.

What Sets Northeastern Apart?

Northeastern isn’t about following the traditional college path; it’s about building your own. The vibe here is entrepreneurial and globally connected, designed for students who want to lead, innovate, and adapt.

At Northeastern, you’ll find:

  • A Hands-On Ethos: From the first year, students are encouraged to dive into real-world experiences. The co-op program, internships, research, and global study opportunities ensure you’re constantly applying what you learn.

  • A Global Lens: Northeastern students think big, with opportunities to work or study in cities worldwide like London, Toronto, and San Francisco. The campus may be in Boston, but the reach is global.

  • Interdisciplinary Opportunities: It’s a place where engineering meets public health, where business merges with sustainability. Northeastern encourages students to explore beyond their majors and connect diverse interests in meaningful ways.

  • Boston as a Playground: Being in Boston gives students access to one of the most vibrant academic and professional ecosystems in the country, whether it’s internships in healthcare, tech, or finance, or just enjoying the city’s culture and history.

The Northeastern Mindset

Northeastern students share a sense of ambition and adaptability that sets them apart. They’re:

  • Driven: Whether it’s founding startups, acing competitive co-op placements, or conducting groundbreaking research, students here are goal-oriented and unafraid to think big.

  • Innovative: They seek out opportunities to solve problems in creative ways, whether designing an app, building sustainable solutions, or tackling global challenges.

  • Globally Minded: Students approach their education with a global perspective, knowing their impact can stretch far beyond campus borders.

  • Collaborative: While individual achievement matters, Northeastern fosters a community that thrives on teamwork and shared success.

The Takeaway

Northeastern is for students who are ready to make moves. It’s not just a place to learn; it’s a place to do, build, and create. If you’re looking for a university that treats the world as its classroom and gives you the tools to turn your ideas into reality, Northeastern could be your perfect fit.

Here, education isn’t just preparation—it’s participation in shaping your future from day one.

LINK LOUNGE
ICYMI: Dual Enrollment resources and a new scholarship

Accepted: A College Admissions Podcast - bi-weekly episodes so you can listen to tips on the go

Bright Horizons Admissions - read these blog posts to give you a leg up during the admissions process

(NEW) Pilot G2 Overachievers Grant - put your writing and community service to the test with this scholarship

(NEW) California Community Colleges Dual Enrollment - get ahead and take community college classes as a high school student

ESSAY OF THE WEEK
“What do you do for fun?”

Ok, we got a fun one this week—literally! Today’s prompt is “We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.” from MIT. Responses are limited to 150 words.

While MIT is the most popular school to ask this question, many schools ask similar questions because it is just a fun prompt to get to know applicants better. Here’s this week example response to this prompt:

One activity which I simply do for the pleasure of it is playing cricket–not on a proper team or league, but casually along with friends and family.

Though I have enjoyed competitively participating in soccer, ultimate frisbee, and table tennis in the past, the lack of competitive nature in cricket is refreshing, especially because I am not that great of a player. The whole playing experience with other casual cricket players is more enjoyable: Though the goal is to win, we can learn and grow without the stress of losing an “important” match.

The connectivity with others is another reason I enjoy being a casual cricket player. I usually play with my family, and have taught many friends with non-cricketing backgrounds how to play. One time, my friends and I were playing at a local park, and a family of three generations joined us: representative of how casual cricket is welcoming to all.

The accessibility of the sport in my backyard, where I can pick up the bat and hit a tennis ball around during an evening walk, and sometimes having my parents bowl at me/me bowl at them, shows the spontaneous fun that I can have at any time.

As someone who likes to watch cricket, Indian cricket specifically, it is enjoyable to be able to casually play a sport that many in the US have never properly experienced. It also connects to my identity as an Indian who grew up with stories of “gully cricket.” (248 words)

Source: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/mit-supplemental-essay#C2

Our thoughts on this essay. What did the author do good? What can I replicate?

Okay, so first off, this example does a great job of being personal, authentic, and focused. The author takes something as simple as playing casual cricket and uses it to reveal multiple dimensions of their personality—how they value community, enjoy spontaneity, and stay connected to their cultural roots. It’s clear they didn’t pick cricket because it sounds impressive; they genuinely love it, and that authenticity shines through. It feels real, which is exactly what MIT is looking for.

You could definitely replicate the specificity and layered reflection here. Notice how the author didn’t just say, “I play cricket for fun.” They broke it down: why it’s fun, how it’s different from their other activities, how it connects them to people and culture, and even how it’s spontaneous and accessible. That depth makes the response compelling because it feels thoughtful rather than surface-level.

What you should aim for is a similarly genuine tone and personal connection. Choose an activity you truly enjoy, no matter how simple or quirky it might seem. Then, think about why it brings you joy, what it says about you, and how it fits into your life. The trick isn’t to over-explain or make it sound more grand than it is—it’s to show how it’s yours and why it matters to you. Your essay should feel like you’re sitting down with a friend and telling them about this thing you love to do, just like the author here does.

TRIVIA ANSWER
Looking for the answer to our fun trivia question up at the top?

Answer: Georgetown University. Learn more about Georgetown’s rankings and academic programs here.

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
Take that break but mind your 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!

Most ED/REA Decisions: December 15th
Most RD Deadlines: January 1st - 6th

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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