Category: ReadyEdgeGo

How to Rest Over the Summer

How To Rest Over The Summer

Wondering how to rest over the summer? While everyone knows that summer is a key season for investing in university prep, it’s also crucial to get some needed rest over the summer. What many students don’t realize, however, that not all forms of rest actually recharge you. If you’re not careful, the very activities you’re doing to relax might leave you feeling more drained than ever!

Today, we’ll be talking about how to rest so you feel fresh and ready for the new academic year, not burnt out or bored.

Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash

Burnout: A Dangerous Summer Trend

Rather than seeing summer as a time to rest, many students prioritize padding their college-bound resumes with an endless list of summer programs and SAT boot camps. Add a summer job to the mix, and many students forget to take a break at all.

While it’s important to remain productive, rest is just as vital to help you perform at your best. Constantly attending long lectures and impressive educational programs without making time for family, friends, and hobbies will suck the life out of your studies. Losing the spark that makes you passionate about learning, researching, and creating will ultimately set you further behind academically as burnout causes you to fall behind in school or, at best, simply go through the motions of earning grades. Colleges can tell if you’re genuinely excited about your prospective major, so you’re better off doing a single summer program or course that ignites your curiosity than several classes or a more prestigious program over a topic that you don’t enjoy.

Boredom: The Result of Not Challenging Yourself

We all get bored now and then, but no one should spend their whole summer feeling constantly bored. This kind of chronic boredom tends to result from only doing effortless or mindless processes again and again. Think repeatedly binging on Netflix, online gaming, scrolling your phone, or even sleeping. Relaxing, yes. But boring if you do too much of it.

Photo by Shane on Unsplash

Avoid the boredom trap by introducing mild challenges that align with your interests. By challenging yourself within a personal interest, you become engaged and discover more about a topic you already like. Consider enrolling in weekly basketball drills to improve your skills, experimenting with Arduino DIY projects you found online, or dabbling in oil painting. Just be careful not to over-challenge yourself by taking on an advanced task you have no prior experience in and then expecting perfection of yourself. Be reasonable with your goals, and keep it fun! The less pressure you put on yourself to get it all “right,” the more you’ll enjoy the process, which will actually speed up your learning.

Too often, students spend summer doing “nothing.” Fix that by doing something that’s both interesting and mildly challenging.

Rest Over the Summer by Taking a Summer Program in Something You Are Passionate About

Enrolling in a summer program might sound like the opposite of resting. However, taking a college summer program in something you are passionate about is simply another way to challenge yourself in something you enjoy, just in a more formal way.

Maybe you’d enjoy a summer internship or a shadowing program. Take your time to choose the right program that really excites you so you’re both boosting your college profile and re-energizing yourself at the same time.

How to Rest over the Summer: Choose Life-Giving Activities That Inspire Your Curiosity

Too often, we equate rest with idleness, as if watching YouTube videos or playing videogames will make us feel happy. The truth is that even if you crave these empty activities, they’ll leave you feel sluggish and off, not deeply satisfied. It’s all too common for students to feel like they wasted all of their summer, without really knowing why.

When you think about rest, think about recharging: identify the activities that give you energy instead of taking it away. No matter who you are, lots of quality time with family and friends is a must. Beyond socializing, think about what else fills you up. Do you enjoy reading over a cup of coffee? Hiking? Crocheting? Trying a new sport?

Whatever gives you energy and makes you feel recharged, make sure to do plenty of it over the summer. Because by the time summer is over, it’s best to feel recharged and rested rather than bored from overrelaxation or burnt out from being too productive.

If you’re looking for good colleges to go to and need help in your search for colleges, ReadyEdgeGo mentors have the training and experience to help you develop a focused vision and make it happen. Schedule your free initial consultation now to find out if we’re a good fit for helping you reach your dreams!

June 1, 2024
UC Personal Insight Questions Guide and Tips

Writing Admissions Essays: Tips for the UC PIQs

The University of California applications have opened up, and it is CRUNCH TIME. There are a whopping 8 different topics for the UC Personal Insight Questions (UC PIQs). While we can’t cover everything about writing admissions essays in this article, we will list the reasons for choosing or avoiding each prompt, plus the components that go into a strong response to each prompt. and if you are still unsure you plan on taking, start with finding your passion

PIQ 1: “Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.”

This prompt is perfect if you’ve had a leadership experience that required you to work through challenges. Make sure your role was significant; otherwise, it will be difficult to come up with the nuances that add substance to the story.

Use this essay to define and illustrate what leadership means to you, shown through your actions, trials, tribulations, responses, and ultimate results.

PIQ 2: “Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.”

This prompt isn’t just for art majors; almost any activity is an opportunity to display creative thinking. The topic you choose to write about should be something you’ve done repeatedly, as you want to demonstrate persistence.

To show off your creative side, dive into the details about your process; don’t just talk about the results you’ve achieved. Make sure you discuss the importance of creativity. When writing admissions essays, don’t just list your awards and activities. Instead, emphasize the meaning of this activity to you.

PIQ 3: “What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?”

Good topics for PIQ 3 include everything from personal hobbies to extracurricular activities and athletics. Be careful not to write a stereotypical sports story about persistence or overcoming. Instead, dig deeper to identify additional skills you also gained through an activity that set you apart from average students.

Then demonstrate how you gained that skill by describing at least two separate experiences or examples in which you developed your talent. This will prove that you stuck with your skill and developed it over time.

It’s also best practice to show how you used this skill to invest in others. Remember, greatness should be defined as something greater than self-service.

PIQ 4: “Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.”

Educational opportunities don’t have to be academic in nature. Any experience that helped you grow as a person and gain something valuable counts: summer programs, clubs, athletics, and work experiences, for example. Make sure you include a clear takeaway and explain why this opportunity is important for your future.

For an educational barrier, the key is to describe not just the problem but also the solution you achieved. How did you overcome the barrier, and what did you learn about yourself as a result?

PIQ 5: “Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?”

This prompt is perfect if you encountered a challenge that ended positively or taught you something about yourself. Avoid writing about death, depression, and DRAMA. This essay isn’t about other people; it’s all about YOU, YOU, and YOU.

Also avoid any challenges that reek of privilege. For a strong response, you need to choose a challenge that was truly significant, as this will make your victorious conclusion that much more impactful.

PIQ 6: “Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.”

This is a good prompt to write if you haven’t addressed the reason for pursuing your major in any other prompt. If you have not really furthered your interest in any subject outside of class, however, this topic is not for you.

Strong response comes from explaining what about this subject inspires you. Make sure to include concrete examples of how you’ve furthered this interest outside of class through additional studies, readings, and experiences.

Weak responses only discuss class experiences without demonstrating any initiative that the student took to learn more personally. Weak essays also tend to lack specifics describing which aspects or topics within the subject most excite you.

PIQ 7: “What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?”

This prompt isn’t just about good intentions; rather, it’s only appropriate for experiences where you can point to concrete results demonstrating that you made a significant difference.

A strong response here just requires you to be vulnerable. Describe initial challenges and feelings you faced when getting started with your project or experience. Then compare that with how you grew along the way to show your progress.

Don’t list several unrelated volunteer experiences. Instead, stay focused on diving into the details of how you engaged in one core project that made a real difference.

PIQ 8: “Beyond what has already been shared in your application. What do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?”

The wildcard prompt can be dangerous or powerful, depending on how you use it. We recommend using this prompt to highlight a character attribute that’s somewhat unique or out of the ordinary. You can also use PIQ 8 to tell the story of overcoming a challenge that didn’t have an academic component.

If you’re sharing about a character trait, give 1-2 hallmark experiences that demonstrate that characteristic in action. Don’t use this prompt to discuss a stereotypical trait, like perseverance or acceptance, as that won’t make you stand out.

Writing Admissions Essays for the Best Public Universities in the US

Alright… that’s the total of the 8 prompts summed up with our best tips and tricks. For more help, check out this YouTube video, where we go over further tips for acing the UC PIQs.Thanks to our partners, you can find ties online to suit every preference and budget, from budget to top-of-the-range super stylish models.

We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced school counselor here.

See you soon!

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June 1, 2024
REG Summer Special – $250 Referral Bonus
Has ReadyEdgeGo made an impact on your student’s life path? You should start telling everyone you know about it! This summer, we’re excited to offer a referral bonus as a way to say thank you to everyone who is sharing their success story with more families in need of college counseling and mentorship.

Our goal is simple: we want to expand our reach so we can offer expert tips to more students and parents struggling to navigate both the experience of high school and the overwhelming college admissions process. We need your help to do that. While we know how many students we’ve helped transform personally and academically, only you can tell your unique turnaround story.

Spreading the word about the difference REG makes in real students’ lives only takes a minute! Share a quick testimonial on social media, send a quick text to someone whose student has been struggling, or bring it up the next time you see family. Many parents are looking for places to turn for help with their students—they’ll likely thank you for the tip!

Take Advantage of Our Referral Bonus Today

Thankfully, earning the referral bonus is simple. All you have to do is:

Have your family and friends sign up for an initial consultation.

After that, they sign up for a membership.

You get $250 back!

If it’s that easy, what’s stopping you? Spread the word. And if you’re new to REG, Our team of college mentors at ReadyEdgeGo can’t wait to help identify and meet your student’s individual needs. Schedule an Initial Consultation today!

Disclaimer

Referral bonus applies to all current and former clients. Zelle is required to receive the $250 cash back. Referral must sign up for a ReadyEdgeGo College Applications or Mentorship Membership (Roadmap excluded). Funds to be distributed upon receipt of full cost of referral’s membership. Referrals will receive a 5% discount upon sign up.
June 1, 2024
What is UC Scout And How It Can Help You
What is UC Scout and How It Can Help You

Any high schooler knows that course selection can be a nightmare, especially when your high school isn’t cooperating with you on what you want. Thankfully, there is an alternative option for coursework called UC Scout that can help you get into the top schools in the US.

Many students struggle to take the courses they were hoping for, whether because the course is simply full or because you scored poorly in prerequisite classes. For instance, trying to get to an Accelerated Precalculus course when you earned C’s in Algebra II Honors might not work out for you.

So how does US Scout help, and when should you consider taking a course there?

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

What is UC Scout?

According to UC Scout, its mission is to “reach out to educationally disadvantaged students across the state, raising achievement levels and closing achievement gaps.” However, its program is accessible for all students, disadvantaged or not.

Its course offerings include A-G approved courses with transcripts that can be submitted on your college applications. Some of their programs are NCAA approved and accredited, making UC Scout an excellent way to fill in gaps in your academic profile.

What Are the UC Scout Courses?

The UC Scout course catalog consists of 8 main courses. Each course then has multiple classes you can take. The primary courses are:
- History / Social Sciences
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Foreign Languages
- Visual and Performing Arts
- College Prep Electives
- Computer Science
How Much Does UC Scout Cost?

UC Scout programs are free for in-state students and cost up to $50 for out of state.

There is also an On-Demand program which provides you with a teacher. The fee for a teacher-led course is minimal, and there are scholarships that you can apply for to cover the cost if needed. If you reside in California, there is also a program discount code. You just need to complete a simple form. Contact your college advisor if you need assistance in covering the cost.

Filling in Your Gaps for College

In order to be a competitive candidate for highly selective universities nowadays, you need the coursework to back up your academic potential. This can be difficult if you cannot get the course you wanted to sign up for or if the course is not even available in your school. So whether your high school doesn’t offer AP Physics 1 or it has placed you into Geometry Common Core rather than your desired Algebra course, you can use UC Scout to take courses that your high school isn’t providing.

Here’s an example of what that might look like for a prospective Engineering major. Let’s say this student was placed into a math pathway that leads up to taking Precalculus in 12th grade, while other students are on track for completing Calculus by then. In order to demonstrate proficiency in math and compensate for this competitive disadvantage, this student might consider enrolling in a UC Scout On-Demand course for AP Calculus AB.

Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash

Similarly, Engineering majors typically don’t get the chance to take AP Physics until 12th grade. This prevents students from demonstrating their physics aptitude prior to submitting college applications. Hence, for students who are looking to demonstrate such aptitude before college applications are submitted, UC Scout can prove useful in filling in this gap. Find more information here about what classes are important to take, as well as get A’s in, for which major.

A Final Word of Caution

Like all outside coursework, UC Scout will only help you if you get an A in the classes you take. It’s worth preparing early for said courses in order to maximize your chances of getting an A. Lastly, we recommend students take UC Scout, and any outside coursework, during the summer, after school has ended. Juggling six academic subjects is already hard enough. The last thing you want is to burn out and underperform in all your classes.

Since some of the programs are already prerecorded video courses, take your time. Don’t rush to get through it and then suffer with a poorer grade. Just like you’d spend time carefully preparing for the SAT, go slowly and study along the way so that you’re taking full advantage of this opportunity and performing at your max.

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May 20, 2024
How to Choose the Best Summer Programs for High School Students

How to Choose the Best Summer Programs for High School Students

Do you how to choose the best summer programs for high school students? Summer is about rest! After a long year of hard work, a break is well deserved. But even rest can get excessive or boring. Adding productivity to summer is a great way to have fun, learn, and improve your overall standing towards college. Here’s a look at how to choose the best summer programs to help you maximize your time and learn in-depth material while helping you get into great private colleges and the best public universities in the US.

Find the Right Price

Summer programs range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000. The ideal range is somewhere between $500-$3000. Anything past that warrants close scrutiny; what exactly are you paying for, and are you actually getting extra quality for all that extra cash? Unfortunately, many private (for-profit) summer programs don’t offer high-quality education—and colleges know that.

Photo by Robo Wunderkind on Unsplash

Choose 1^st Party Programs, Not 3^rd Party Programs

1^st party programs are those run by the university directly. Examples of this include UC COSMOS, UC Berkeley ATDP, and John Hopkins Pre-College. When it comes to bang for your bucks, 1^st Party Programs are undoubtedly the best. Not only do they look better for college admissions, but they are also usually less expensive relative to 3^rd Party Programs. The overall quality control and depth of experience is better and more enjoyable for students.

Many 3^rd Party Programs exist, so be careful! Not all summer programs are created equal. If given the opportunity to attend a 1^stParty Program, this should absolutely be your first choice.

The Best Summer Programs for High School Students Represent Your Student’s Interests—Not Yours

Rather than starting the conversation with the summer programs you think your student should do, start by asking your student what their interests are. This may seem counter-intuitive, but parents are often all drawn to the same trendy subjects, like computer science, which then become overcrowded majors leading to extra low acceptance rates. Why set your student up for failure by pushing the exact same program and subject that everyone else is already studying?

It’s not just about which program your student is enrolled in; how well they do there is just as important. Listening to your student’s input in choosing a topic that fascinates them will lead to more engagement, better learning, and a stronger college profile.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Also consider combining your student’s various interests, like finding a niche program that combines business and the arts or signing up for more than one program or course.

Ask What Problems They Wish to Solve

This can span from social issues, like homelessness, to scientific challenges, like genetic diseases with no cure. Starting conversations about the real-world problems your student would like to solve is a sure way to find the best fitting programs for college.

Pro-tip: A common mistake parents make is pushing their students to do programming in the summer. Rather than telling your student to learn the skill of programming, base your conversations around problems that programming can solve.

This way, the conversation won’t lead to a disinterested student whose only takeaway from a boring summer program is that they don’t like to code.

Choose the Program You Will Likely Continue Afterwards

Going to a summer program itself isn’t very helpful unless the student either learns a lot or enjoys the program. You can achieve both of these goals by choosing a program that relates to your student’s interests, goals, and past education. This way, they will likely use what they learned from the summer program in their other endeavors, fostering an ongoing journey of both learning and doing.

Personalized Educational Counseling for Your Needs

Ask your students what problems they would like to solve or about the interest they have. Once that is clear, prioritize your search for university hosted programs like those from the UC’s, Stanford, Johns Hopkins University, etc. Lastly, encourage your student to use what they learn towards other endeavors.

Remember, these programs are what you make of them. Go with a positive mindset to learn, grow, and enjoy.

Schedule your free consultation today to get started with our mentors, who come from university admissions offices and have 12+ years of experience in getting students into Common Application colleges, plus top UCs and CSUs.

See you soon!

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May 19, 2024
Course Selection: Which AP Classes Should I Take Based on My Major?

Course Selection: Which AP Classes Should I Take Based on My Major?

In your search for colleges, the pressure is intense, and the amount of information out there can be overwhelming—but we’re here to make college applications easier. Today, we will be talking about course selection and which AP classes you should take based on your major. Not all A’s are created equal. Here’s how to know which courses you need to perform well in so that you can achieve your college and career goals.

Course Selection Based on Major

Major #1: Computer Science & Engineering

If you’re looking into colleges for tech, prioritize performing well and challenging yourself in math. The thinking skills involved in math classes teach you to analyze a problem before coming up with a solution. The more A’s you can earn in math, the more seriously good schools will take you.

After math, the next courses you should consider taking are the Physical Sciences (e.g. Chemistry and Physics). These classes demonstrate your quantitative abilities when submitting your high school profile.

Beyond these two subjects, taking at least one course in AP Computer Science is a given. For students with no background in coding, AP Computer Science Principles serves as an introductory course. Students that feel comfortable with coding can take AP Computer Science A.

Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash

Subjects that do not matter as much for these majors are English, history, and foreign language. This does not mean students should slack off, however; your GPA matters. Do not settle and receive anything less than A. When choosing courses to challenge yourself in, don’t push yourself in a humanities course where you might perform badly.

Pro-Tip: If you’re applying for Engineering, it’s wisest to take Physics in or by 11th grade if possible.

Physics is a key discipline in Engineering. It is one of the best AP classes to take junior year. It is important to indicate to admissions readers that you have the interest and the aptitude to do well here.

Major #2: Biology & Chemistry

Biology and Chemistry are the MOST important courses for these two majors. Beyond these, Chemistry majors need to show aptitude in math. Biology majors, on the other hand, should show aptitude in English. Critical thinking and writing skills are important for lab work and a varied curriculum within the College of Letters & Sciences. Math matters less for Biology majors, as it isn’t a huge component of most Biology programs’ prerequisites. Discover the perfect horlogebandjes that cater to your every need! Whether you seek style, comfort, or durability, our diverse range of smartwatch bandjes and traditional watch straps ensures you find the ideal match. Elevate your timepiece with our high-quality materials and trendy designs, making every moment count. Explore our collection today and redefine your wristwear experience with the ultimate choice in horlogebandjes!

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Computer Science & Engineering coursework is less significant for these two majors. Unfortunately, many parents pressure kids to challenge themselves with computer science courses, “just in case.” However, engineering and tech work won’t make an impact for Biology and Chemistry majors—but they might lower your GPA, affecting your overall profile.

Major #3: Business Course Selection

When indicating towards a Business major, take classes like Marketing and Entrepreneurship. A lot of Business revolves around Math, making this another crucial subject to perform well ‘in. There is no pressure to challenge yourself, though; getting A’s should be your first priority.

English is also an important subject for Business majors. A lot of business involves communication, be it writing or talking. The more A’s in English the better, though advanced coursework is optional.

Advanced STEM classes do not carry weight for Business majors, so don’t put your GPA at risk by taking challenging courses that won’t benefit you.

Major #4: Psychology Course Selection

Psychology is definitely an important subject to take, ideally by 11th grade. Feel free to even take AP Psychology to learn more about the basis of psychological theory, but only as long as you can perform well in it. English and History play a big role too for critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Lastly, Chemistry is also highly recommended, because studying human thought involves studying the human brain.

Photo by BUDDHI Kumar SHRESTHA on Unsplash

Similar to Business, advanced STEM classes do not carry weight when indicating towards a Psychology major.

Major #5: Art Course Selection

Art of course is important, BUT take different classes throughout the four years. Not only will this help you gain depth, but it will also show your developing interest. Aside from Art courses, English and History play a big role in developing a creative mindset, plus essential critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Advanced STEM classes are less significant for students interested in Art. There is no need to challenge yourself with these types of courses.

Recap & Conclusion on Course Selection

Don’t follow the herd; follow your heart. Part of high school is showing the world what you’re most curious about. Select the courses that pertain most to your likeliest major(s). That’s exactly what most colleges look for – proof of your passions. It’s hard to believe someone who says they’re interested in Engineering if they’ve not taken Physics yet. Or someone who says they’re “passionate about programming” if they can hardly program.

Be smart about course selection. Selecting courses along your likeliest major is a great way to get more A’s. Be careful to avoid over challenging yourself. Do not take courses just because you heard they look good, because it’s barely ever true.

We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how to make your college application profile even stronger.

Want customized tips? Get in touch with our team during a free consultation so we can help you boost your profile even more. Our college counseling services help students navigate every part of the high school and college application process, from finding easy schools to get into to understanding SAT requirements for college.

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May 19, 2024
Three Obscure Majors You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Obscure Majors: A Clever Way to Make Yourself Stand Out

Computer Science, Business, Biology… the Regina George, Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith of college majors. But what about the Cady Herons? Let’s explore three obscure majors that will make you go, “Huh.”

1. Entomology

The giant cockroach scurrying across the pavement, the vampi—er, mosquito, that siphoned your blood and left a gargantuan bite on your leg… yep. That’s right—we’re talking BUGS!! Specifically, the study of them.

Gif by luaart on Giphy

I know what you’re thinking: gross! And rightfully so. But hear me out: bugs are actually really cool.

Did you know spider silk is stronger than steel, and is currently being researched to make body armor? How about that fleas can jump up to 200 times their body length? That’s the equivalent of a human jumping over the length of a football field!

Why Study Insects?

Entomologists help us better understand insect biology and diversity to improve human and animal health, and create more sustainable practices to food production and preserving our ecosystems.

I know—a lot of us have been personally victimized by insects. However, researching and understanding them can drastically improve our economy, environment, and public health. After all, they are the most diverse group of animals on earth, and actually have a multitude of connections to human biology and even technology.

You know those pesky fruit flies hovering over your fruits? They’ve been extensively studied in genetics and developmental biology, and have even been used as models to study neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Who would’ve thought?

So you agree—you’re really interested in Entomology? If you’re itching to learn more, head to UC Davis’s website!

2. Classical Civilization

The Acropolis. The Colosseum. The Pantheon… I think you know where I’m headed.

If you guessed Greece or Italy, you’d almost be correct. We’re actually headed to the major, Classical Civilization, which is the study of ancient civilizations primarily in the Mediterranean.

Photo by Federico Di Dio photography on Unsplash

Why is this important?

Classics explores a variety of topics, including Greek and Roman mythology, (ancient) Latin and Greek, archeology, politics… I’d continue listing topics, but writing out an exhaustive list would be too, well, exhausting. That’s because many fields have their origins in the Classics; it’s a very complex and comprehensive field, and serves as an excellent stepping stone for careers in law, business, and medicine, to name a few.

That’s right—medicine. Medical school requires a lot of memorization… a skill you’ll master in Latin and Greek. Take it from Michael S. Hughes, who majored in Classics and went to Harvard Medical School:

“Besides all of the fancy [medical] terminology that gets thrown around that has its roots in Latin and Greek, classics teaches you not necessarily a lot of information but a lot of knowledge and a lot of skills.”

Who said the only way to prepare for a career in medicine was by majoring in biology?!

Become one with ancient civilizations by exploring Cornell’s Classics undergraduate program!

..and one more thing: semper ubi sub ubi (I’ll let you figure that one out).

3. Fiber Science

At Cornell University, where the Fiber Science major is found, fashion is a lifestyle—it’s a way of showing the world who we are. No matter how different our clothing is, everyone’s has one thing in common: it’s made of fibers. And it’s not just clothing, either. From jewelry, to furnishings, to even medical textiles, fibers are everywhere!

What is Fiber Science?

Fiber Science, which falls under the umbrella of Material Science and Engineering (!!), is the scientific study of fibrous materials; talk about unique and obscure! Don’t be fooled by its obscurity, though; studying it doesn’t exactly mean you’re going to be the next Coco Chanel (though, it might be possible). It’s actually the scientific aspects that Fiber Science stresses the most.

From engineering to chemistry, students explore the physical and chemical properties of fibers: how they’re made, and how principles of fiber science influence the design, fabrication, and function of products.

Fashion intersecting science? Impossible.

It’s certainly possible, just not in the way you’re probably thinking. You know those hazmat suits that protect doctors from a zombie apocoly—I mean, infectious diseases, or the surgical gowns that protect clothing and skin from contamination? Individuals who studied fiber science likely contributed to the research, development, and improvement of those. Safe to say, students studying Fiber Science should love research, because they’ll be doing a lot of it!

Strut down to UT Austin’s website if you’re ready to bring it to the runway.

Closing Remarks on Obscure Majors

So, do you have to choose one of these obscure majors? Absolutely not. Do, however, take this as an opportunity to look past the norm. There are so many majors out there, and so many ways to connect them to your interests. Get in, everyone—we’re going (major) shopping!

-Julian

Looking for even more major options? Talk to one of our Apps Advisors to find the major that perfectly fits your interests and abilities.

May 18, 2024
Should I Take the SAT or Act? How Important Is the SAT or ACT?
Should I Take the SAT or Act? How Important Is the SAT or ACT?

Should I take the Sat or Act? How Important is the SAT or ACT? Let’s get straight to the question on everyone’s mind: “Should I take the SAT or ACT if it’s not REQUIRED?”

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

The Short Answer:

For those of you looking for the quick answer, here it is:
- Yes for the students who are applying to universities that are “test optional” or “test required.”
- No for the students only applying to universities that aren’t taking test scores into account, which includes UCs and CSUs.
And Now the Long Answer:

The long answer is, well, a lot longer.

First, let’s take a look at what happened with standardized testing in 2020. During the pandemic, a court order prohibited the UCs from using SAT and ACT scores in admissions. They cited unequal access to such tests, particularly among the disabled student community. This may seem like an isolated COVID-19 response, but that’s not the entire picture. This ruling came after the UCs were already under immense pressure to abandon these tests from within. Even with this pressure, the court order only applied for the immediate years after COVID-19.

Since then, some schools, especially top Ivy League schools, have been bringing back test requirements, while others still haven’t gone back to looking at SAT and ACT scores.

If you’re confused about the messaging, don’t worry; we are too. Years after the pandemic, we’re still in a transitory phase as universities continue to assess the role of standardized testing in the admissions process.

Should I Take the SAT or ACT? How It Affects You

Okay, so what does this mean for you?

First, your GPA now matters a lot more. Before the pandemic, students’ GPA and SAT score would split points when it came to determining their academic potential. However, all those points are now shifting over to your GPA. Since about 50% of your candidacy depends on the numbers, that’s a lot of points now suddenly dependent on your grades, so make sure to get mostly A’s.

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

In the same way, your activities also become more important. With test scores out of the picture, this should be no surprise. It’s not too late to add another activity to your experience, especially since your extracurriculars can soften the impact of a low GPA.

Third, your application essays also play a huge role in your chances of making it into top colleges. Understanding why you did the things you did often outshines what you did. After all, your reasoning, learning, and sense of purpose is what differentiates you from everyone else who did DECA, HOSA, and FRC.

SAT Requirements for Colleges

Here’s the bottom line. You should take the SAT and/or ACT if:
- - You’re applying to any schools that require standardized testing.
  - You have a reasonable shot at getting an impressive score, which could boost your application.
If you’re still not sure whether you should be focusing on standardized testing, check out our YouTube video about it. And don’t panic about how much you have to study, either—our skilled educational consultants can build you a customized study plan so you can boost your score in record time.

Schedule your free consultation here. See you soon!

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May 1, 2024
Writing with AI: An Efficient Way to Erase Your Brain

Writing with AI isn’t cheating, you tell yourself; simply using a tool. Maybe you’ve turned in an assignment written entirely by AI before. Or maybe you’ve only used artificial intelligence for brainstorming or cleaning up your transitions. Everyone else was doing it, after all, and you didn’t want to be at a disadvantage compared to your classmates.

But that’s the catch. The more you rely on AI, the farther behind you’ll fall, even if your grades look great for now. Keep in mind, artificial intelligence is a shortcut. That means it will save you a few steps in the moment, then end up costing you down the road.

Turning in Papers Vs. Learning to Write

The best way to learn how to write is by writing, a lot. The opposite is also true. The less you write, the more your unused writing muscles will atrophy.

Photo by picjumbo.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-blue-ballpoint-pen-writing-in-notebook-210661/

Even if you use AI minimally, delegating any task to a machine means you’re avoiding a process you find challenging. You might think you’ll learn this step by studying the AI-generated results, but that’s not how the learning process works.

Your brain can only grow stronger by doing hard workouts. While struggling through a challenging task, you may feel like you’re not getting anywhere. With sustained effort and the right resources, though, you’re likely to master skills you once found impossible while also gaining speed in areas where you were already competent. With time, dedicated writers become better writers. Conversely, those who regularly write with AI will continue feeling overwhelmed by the blank page.

Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

So are you convinced you’ll never need the skill of writing for yourself? Can you depend on AI’s help forever?

The Importance of Embracing Complexity

It’s true: certain industries and job tasks are increasingly going the way of automation. Not everything needs to be written from scratch. Most real estate listings, for example, now bear the same overly dramatic, awkwardly phrased fingerprints of a robot writer. It makes sense; people buy properties based on price and features, not poetic descriptions.

But not all writing tasks are equal. In college, much more will be demanded of you than a one-paragraph summary of a house. You may be able to sneak an AI-assisted essay past a few professors here and there. As you take on advanced coursework, however, writing with AI likely won’t suffice. Professors are looking for deep analysis, well-supported opinions, and original thought—not regurgitated facts. AI often identifies the most commonly occurring (and therefore, least complex) ideas on the internet, then rephrases them. Sound familiar? That’s the process of plagiarism, an academic crime. Furthermore, it means a machine-made paper will often be generic at best, inaccurate nonsense at worst.

Even if you use AI to clean up your own ideas, machines can’t iron out complex ideas in a smooth way that makes sense, much less conveys brilliance. Either the content you’re bringing to a paper is so simplistic that a brainless machine can churn it out for you, or AI won’t be able to keep up with the density of new ideas you bring to the table.

Why Writing with AI Limits Original Thinking

As innovative as AI is, it cannot help you innovate. The longer you cling to AI for comfort, the harder it will be for you to suddenly write a thesis on your own or express the nuance necessary to stand apart from thousands of similar resumes. Submitting the same generic cover letter or college application essay AI gave everyone else may lead to an equally standardized rejection slip.

Photo by Digital Buggu: https://www.pexels.com/photo/colorful-toothed-wheels-171198/

By robbing yourself of the chance to learn how to mine exorbitant information and focus it into one distilled, well-reasoned idea, you run the risk of ending up with a degree, but not the abilities required to keep up within your industry. What if your field doesn’t require much writing? You still won’t get far unless you’ve cultivated skills in critical thinking, logic, organization, and research—skills developed through writing.

So what are you chasing? If you’re fine with hitting your career ceiling early, then AI might be all you need. But if you’re restless to do research, complete advanced degrees, help save lives, found new companies, rework societal systems, or even develop new models of AI, you’re going to need a sharper internal processor than the easy way out can produce.

What artificial intelligence can never do: teach you how to think.

-Sarah

Hoping for a better way to approach the writing process? Connect with one of our Essay Editors to learn how to improve your own writing.

April 19, 2024
Tips on Visual Arts from an Admissions Advisor

Tips on Visual Arts from an Admissions Advisor

For some students, finding your passion can be an overwhelming task. For artists, the passion is usually already there—but giving yourself permission to follow it can be another story. Here are some tips on visual arts from an admissions advisor to help you combine your passion with practicality so you can succeed in college and beyond.

My name is Liz, and my area of expertise is visual and digital arts. Art has been a passion of mine ever since I was a little girl. My love for art grew because my mom has always been a very creative person. Growing up, she would always have some kind of camera with her, whether it was a Polaroid or even a disposable camera.

Getting My Visual Arts Education

Growing up, I never took any art classes outside of school, but my mom’s encouragement helped me explore my creativity and develop an appreciation for the arts. In school, I dabbled in drawing, painting, and ceramics, and while I enjoyed producing art, I never viewed it as a life direction.

Photo by Bree Anne on Unsplash

I spent my entire high school career thinking about what I wanted to go into. My high school had groups called academies that allowed students to delve deeper into a chosen subject. Joining the art academy gave me the opportunity to take various art courses, where I realized I wanted to keep doing art in college and for my career.

In college, my direction changed somewhat as I discovered a passion for art history, not just producing art. One professor’s story inspired me: in addition to traveling and taking pictures for National Geographic, he also prioritized teaching photography courses like Intro to Studio Lighting because he considered teaching as valuable as taking dramatic travel photos. Getting to know a real-life role model gave me a new vision for teaching art history, and I’ve never looked back.

Tips on Visual Arts from an Admissions Advisor: Course Selection

The arts in the education system have definitely evolved over the last 10 years. High schools now offer a great range of visual arts classes. I highly encourage students to take at least 4-5 different art courses in high school. Exploring different sides of art will provide you with a clearer picture of what you enjoy and which branch of art you want to pursue.

The possibilities are endless. You might enjoy the old-fashioned feeling of mixing paints or ceramic glazes while make studio art. Or maybe you prefer digital painting, 3D modeling, art advertising, or digital design. Of course, photography offers another approach to art, or you might find yourself drawn to art history, like me.

What do Visual Arts Careers Look Like?

Art is also pretty well-rounded when it comes to careers. Anyone could go my route and be a teacher. More technological careers include working in character design, animation, and game design. Another wonderful career within the arts is 3D modeling, which is useful for engineering, industrial design, and even the medical field.

Photo by Keila Hötzel on Unsplash

For students who are interested in getting into art, go to art shows and local galleries. Start by searching up if your city has any museums or upcoming gallery exhibitions. A lot of the time, you might even get the chance to meet the artist and ask any questions regarding their creative process. This is a great way to learn about the process it takes to put together an exhibition.

I also encourage you to do an internship at a museum, with a photographer, or by assisting a professional artist. Most assisting jobs can start in high school. Assisting an artist consists mainly of helping the artist set up, shadowing, and helping in big projects. That’s how you get the best experience within the art field: everything is very hands on.

If you need help putting together a standout college application, our experienced educational consultants can help! We’ll walk you through navigating the application portals and writing admissions essays that shine so you can earn an art degree from a top university. Get started today with your free initial consultation!

Liz Robles

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April 14, 2024

sarah

Essay Editor

Q:How many total years of experience do you have in your current role, including but not limited to ReadyEdgeGo?

A: I have five years' experience in coaching student writing, but this is my first year with ReadyEdgeGo.

Q: What about working with students do you most enjoy?

A: I love helping students find depth and meaning in their own stories—but I also just love it when they make me laugh!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In theory, I enjoy painting and writing poetry, but these days I actually spend most of my free time socializing or watching movies with my husband.

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: Don't just focus on achieving top grades and credentials because they look good on applications, or your education will be meaningless. The numbers and awards have their place, but stay connected to your sense of curiosity, discovery, excitement, and wonder so that the content you're learning is constantly transforming you—it's something you care about, something you remember after the final exam. Work on the aspects of yourself no one can measure, like integrity, wisdom, kindness, and compassion, so that you're not only developing your academic and career potential but also investing in the type of adult you're going to be, the person you'll have to live with after you clock out every day for the rest of your life.

Doing the hard inner work of building your character and learning deeply instead of just earning grades will set you up for a satisfying, well-rounded life. Strange as it sounds, it will also put you ahead in your academic and career goals, because colleges and hiring managers aren't looking for an empty set of data on a spreadsheet; they want a fully fleshed-out person marked by passion, creativity, and a story no one else has lived.

So go on studying hard for tests, but also spend some time asking yourself what matters in life and who your role models are. Read up on topics that amaze you, and build something incredible just for fun. Cultivate that spark of joy you feel when you're immersed in a subject that fascinates you. If you can hit that balancing act of doing your homework and meeting deadlines but also investing in the kind of person you want to be, then trust that all the rest will follow: schools will recognize you as a dynamic, all-star person, and you will also build a life of happiness, close relationships, and peace.