Tips to Becoming a Competitive Applicant for NCSSM

Summary

The transcript from a video discusses the importance of standing out in college applications, emphasizing that grades and statistics are not the sole differentiators. The speakers highlight the significance of personal essays, suggesting that applicants should share unique experiences or traits that set them apart. They encourage creativity and personalization in writing, advising applicants to reflect on what excites them and to express their genuine interests, not just academic achievements. The conversation also reveals that the School of Science and Math values a well-rounded application, including a strong humanities department, indicating that a diverse range of interests is appreciated.

Takeaways

• 📚 Grades and statistics are not the only factors that set you apart from other applicants; personal essays play a crucial role in showcasing individuality.
• 💡 It's essential to write about unique experiences or personal traits that distinguish you from other applicants, rather than common activities or achievements.
• 📝 Personalize your essays by incorporating your writing style, humor, and creativity to make them engaging and reflective of your personality.
• 🍣 Use anecdotes or relatable stories to illustrate your points and connect with the reader on a personal level, as exemplified by the sushi essay analogy.
• 🌟 Highlight your passions and interests that drive you, whether they are academic or personal, to show what genuinely excites and motivates you.
• 🤔 Reflect on your 'spark' – the thing that makes you happy and eager to learn, which can be a significant aspect of your application narrative.
• 📖 Don't be afraid to discuss non-STEM interests and experiences; a well-rounded application that includes humanities and other passions is valued.
• 😅 Writing about personal experiences can be uncomfortable, but it's an opportunity to show depth and allow admissions officers to truly understand who you are.
• 🏆 While academic achievements are important, the application should have substance beyond just grades and awards; it should tell a story about you as a person.
• 🏫 The school values a diverse range of interests and offers a wide variety of courses, including a strong emphasis on humanities, indicating that STEM is not the sole focus.

Q & A

What is the key aspect that can set an applicant apart from others according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that while grades and statistics are important, they are not the only factors that can set an applicant apart. The most significant aspect is what the applicant writes about in their essays, particularly how they can express their unique experiences and qualities that distinguish them from others.

Why are essays considered important in the application process as per the transcript?

Essays are crucial because they allow the admissions committee to understand what makes the applicant special and why they should be admitted over other candidates. They provide insight into the applicant's personality, experiences, and passions, which are not reflected in grades or test scores alone.

What type of content should an applicant avoid in their essays according to the speaker?

The speaker advises against writing about common experiences that many other applicants might share, such as attending a popular coding camp. Instead, applicants should focus on unique experiences or aspects that are specific to them and set them apart.

How can an applicant make their essays more personalized and engaging?

The speaker suggests making essays more personalized by incorporating one's own writing style, being creative, and not being afraid to include humor or anecdotes. They also recommend starting with an engaging anecdote to capture the reader's interest.

What is the significance of the 'tell us your story' essay prompt mentioned in the transcript?

The 'tell us your story' essay prompt is significant because it allows applicants to share a piece of their life that has shaped who they are. It helps the admissions committee understand the applicant's background, passions, and what excites them about learning and engaging with the world.

Why should an applicant not focus solely on STEM-related experiences in their essays?

The speaker points out that while the school is a School of Science and Math, it values a well-rounded application. Applicants should not only focus on STEM experiences because the school seeks to understand the whole person, including their interests, passions, and personality outside of STEM fields.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the difficulty of writing introspective essays?

The speaker acknowledges that writing introspective essays can be uncomfortable and challenging. However, they emphasize that if done well, it can greatly help the admissions committee get to know the applicant on a deeper level, which is extremely important for the application.

How does the speaker describe the importance of the humanities department at the School of Science and Math?

The speaker highlights that contrary to common assumptions, the humanities department is the largest at the School of Science and Math. This indicates that the school values a broad educational experience and encourages students to explore various fields beyond just science and math.

What is the speaker's perspective on the variety of courses offered at the School of Science and Math?

The speaker appreciates the wide variety of courses offered at the school, noting that it's not just limited to science and math. They mention that many students enjoy humanities and social studies classes, suggesting that the school provides a diverse educational experience.

Why is it important for applicants to show they are more than just their academic achievements, according to the speaker?

The speaker stresses that while academic achievements are important, the application should have substance beyond that. Applicants need to demonstrate their personality, interests, and what makes them unique as individuals, not just as academically successful students.