🍦What Goes Into Reading a Purdue Application? (Nov 13)

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

1. Link Lounge Refresh

2. Daily Deep Dive: Caltech

3. A First For Scoops: What Goes Into Reading a Purdue Application?

FUN FACT OF THE DAY
Did you know…

🍦 University of Maryland’s Ice Cream Legacy: The University of Maryland has its own dairy farm on campus and produces ice cream for students and faculty at their “Maryland Dairy.” The farm has been around since 1924, and you can even get flavors named after school traditions! Read more here.

LINK LOUNGE
Happy Wednesday!! Here’s some key resources you deserve for making it through the first half of the week

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) Free things with a .edu email - With application in, some colleges might be giving you access to a .edu email—you can use them to get a bunch of free things!

(NEW) PVSA Awards - A quick government volunteering award to stand out as app deadlines come around

dabbL Webinars - hear from current college students and counselors on tips to stand out

FIRST Scholarships - scholarships for FIRST robotics competitors (apply soon!)

DAILY DEEP DIVE
Caltech

Every school has a personality. What is Caltech’s?

Caltech is all about immersing yourself in science and engineering with a focus on real-world impact and hands-on experience. Here, you’re not just learning theory—you’re actively applying it, often from day one. For example, the physics program pushes you right into complex labs and projects that stretch your problem-solving skills, encouraging you to experiment and make discoveries firsthand. And it’s not just physics—whether you’re in engineering, computer science, or chemistry, you’re working alongside top researchers and collaborating on cutting-edge projects. Caltech gives you the tools to think critically, create solutions, and lead in fields that are constantly evolving.

How does that unique personality affect Caltech’s admissions philosophy and process?

Caltech’s admissions philosophy seeks students who not only excel in STEM but are intensely curious, driven to solve real-world problems, and prepared to tackle a rigorous academic environment with resilience and an open mind. Caltech looks beyond just grades and test scores to find students who demonstrate a love of problem-solving through hands-on, ambitious projects. This might mean a high school senior who developed an independent research project on machine learning applications or a student who interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, collaborating with engineers on space exploration technologies. Caltech’s admissions process also values students with a collaborative spirit; they look for evidence of candidates who thrive in team-based settings, as collaboration is essential to the Caltech experience.

How to tackle those essays?

Caltech’s essays offer you a chance to showcase both your scientific drive and your fit with its culture of inquiry and teamwork. Here’s how to make your responses resonate:

1. Demonstrate Genuine Curiosity with Specific Goals: Caltech values applicants who know why they’re passionate about a specific field and can identify Caltech-specific resources that will support their goals. For example, if you’re excited about quantum physics, discuss your interest in working with faculty in Caltech’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter, where pioneering research is conducted on quantum computing and quantum information.

2. Highlight Collaborative Research and Hands-On Learning: Caltech students learn by doing, often through hands-on research in collaboration with others. Describe experiences where you’ve worked on challenging projects with a team, such as building a robotics prototype in a competition or conducting fieldwork in environmental science. Explain how you hope to translate this experience into projects at Caltech, like joining the Caltech Baja SAE team, which designs, builds, and races off-road vehicles.

3. Be Specific About Research Interests and Resources: If you have a particular research interest, connect it to Caltech’s facilities, labs, or faculty whose work inspires you. If you’re passionate about climate science, you might mention Caltech’s Resnick Sustainability Institute and your interest in contributing to their renewable energy research. Specific details help show Caltech’s admissions team that you’ve thoughtfully considered how their unique resources align with your goals.

INFO ZONE
ICYMI: Some banger upcoming information sessions

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) Caltech Admissions Officer Q&A - Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

CMU Remote Information Session - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM

Northwestern Online Admissions Information Session - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM

UC Berkeley Admissions Presentation - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM

Harvey Mudd Virtual Discovery Day (MVDD) - Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 5:35 PM

(NEW—Hurry, fills up fast!) UCLA Virtual Information Session - Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM

A FIRST FOR SCOOPS
Ms. Mandie Corcoran on What Goes Into Reading a Purdue Application?

🎤 Exclusive Interview – Part 2: We’re back with the next part of our interview with Ms. Mandie Corcoran, Purdue’s Senior Assistant Admissions Director for Northern California! Today, Ms. Corcoran sheds light on Purdue’s honors programs, giving you a closer look at the benefits and unique experiences they offer. She also walks us through what it’s like to read a Purdue application and breaks down the differences between applying Early Action versus Regular Decision. This section is packed with insights to help you make strategic choices in your Purdue application journey—don’t miss it!

I’ve heard a lot about the Honors Program at Purdue. I know there is the Martinson Program you can apply to when applying to the school, but looking through the website, it’s hard to get a good clear list of all the pros and cons of applying to the program. Also, to confuse it all up, I know some majors and departments (for example CS) have their own Honors program which you can qualify for with a good GPA. Could you break down the whole Honors @ Purdue situation for us?

Purdue’s Honors Program is structured to provide a well-rounded, interdisciplinary experience across all majors. The program’s goal is to foster collaboration and encourage students to engage in community-focused and interdisciplinary discussions and projects. Honors students have the chance to take unique electives, participate in research opportunities, and live in the Honors Residential Hall, which builds a strong sense of community. Additional scholarships are also available exclusively for Honors students.

When you apply to Purdue through the Common App, you’ll have the option to apply to the Honors Program, but it’s worth noting that your main application is reviewed separately from your Honors application by a distinct committee. This means you could be admitted to Purdue without receiving an offer for the Honors Program. Some departments, like Engineering, also offer their own honors pathways that are more directly connected to specific majors. One drawback to consider is that some students might prefer a more specialized experience over the interdisciplinary focus in the Honors College. Still, if a student finds that the program doesn’t align with their goals, they can opt out.

What does the process of reading a Purdue application look like? How many times does it get read? What are applications scored on and what does the Purdue admissions department value the most?

Purdue conducts a thorough, holistic review of each application, evaluating it within the context of the student’s background and high school environment. They assess a range of factors, including academic rigor, course choices, essays, extracurricular activities, and supplements.

Purdue values students who have taken major-specific courses, especially for competitive programs, while still seeking a well-rounded background. The “Why Purdue?” essay is particularly important, as it helps them understand your personal fit with the school. Additionally, applicants can use the Additional Information section to explain any unique circumstances, challenges, or learning experiences.

Like most other universities, Purdue applicants have the choice between applying Early Action or Regular Decision. What’s the difference and is it really better to apply EA?

The vast majority of Purdue applicants apply Early Action, as Purdue uses a space-available strategy for admissions. This means that if a competitive program, like Engineering or Computer Science, fills up during EA, it may close for Regular Decision applicants. But don’t lose hope because sometimes we do end up having space open! You can always see which programs are still open before submitting your RD applications. It’s also worth noting that merit-based scholarships and Honors College offers are exclusive to EA applicants.

DAILY DEADLINE UPDATES
November 15 is almost here!!

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!

UDub, CU Boulder, Virginia Tech, and More Deadline: November 15
UC Deadline: December 2

THE ARCHIVE
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IDEAS COME FROM EVERYWHERE
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