In the News…

Newsletter: March 1, 2024

College Cohort News…

March 1, 2024

Mychal Wynn

This month we are presenting College Cohort Scholar Awards based on students’ first semester academic performance. Scholarship is the first of our program’s 3 pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Academic scholarship is a precursor to successful PSAT, SAT, or ACT exam performance with exam performance providing a direct link to merit- and need-based scholarship opportunities.

A core question for our students is, “What has become clearer to you?” Our own response to this question drives the continuing evolution of our program. Through published materials we have been writers and publishers. Through teacher and counselor training we have been staff developers. Through parent and student presentations we have been informational and motivational speakers. Now, by providing personalized guidance for students and parents, we are serving as coaches. Not just college planning coaches, but learning coaches, which is the context in which we are now approaching ACT Learning and Study Strategies—not as prep for the ACT, but as learning through the ACT. This month’s newsletter recognizes academic achievement and provides test prep guidance.

Congratulations Cohort Scholars

Following are the recognition levels for our College Cohort Scholar Awards, based on academic GPA:

3.0 – 3.49 – Scholar

3.5 – 3.99 – Scholar with Honor

4.0+ – Scholar with Highest Honor

Join us in celebrating the following students who embody our pillar of scholarship. We believe that the intentionality with which they are pursuing learning in their middle school and high school classes will expand their postsecondary opportunities whatever their educational or career pathway.

College Cohort Scholar

Elijah, E., 9th Grade, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (GA)
Kalyn C., 11th Grade, Panther Creek High School (NC)
London M., 6th Grade, Safety Harbor Middle School (FL)
Zaire H., 11th Grade, Marietta High School (GA)

College Cohort Scholar with Honor

Anna N., 11th Grade, St. Petersburg High School IB Program (FL)
Cameron S., 11th Grade, Landmark Christian School (GA)
Erin N., 11th Grade, Kennesaw Mountain High School Magnet Program (GA)
Isaiah E., 9th Grade, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (GA)
Ja’Nae C., 11th Grade, Lake City Early College High School (SC)
Joshua J., 8th Grade, Creekland Middle School (GA)
Kennedi S., 11th Grade, Pope High School (GA)
Layla T., 9th Grade, Northside Christian School (FL)
V’mari C-K., 7th Grade, Fitzgerald Middle School (FL)
Weldon “TJ” M., 11th Grade, Druid Hills High School (GA)
Zachariah T., 10th Grade, Marietta High School IB Program (GA)
Maya H., 9th Grade, Woodward Academy (GA)
Nate H., 11th Grade, Woodward Academy (GA)

College Cohort Scholar with Highest Honor

Arshia A., 11th Grade, Palm Harbor University IB Program (FL)
Bryan N., 9th Grade, Mt. Paran Christian School (GA)
Charles P., 10th Grade, Marietta High School (GA)
Ezekiel C., II, 11th Grade, Rivers Academy (GA)
Griffin S., 10th Grade, Lakewood high School CAT Program (FL)
Jocelyne L., 11th Grade, St. Petersburg High School IB Program (FL)
Josiah W., 11th Grade, Boca Ciega High School (FL)
Kevin N., 9th Grade, Northeast High School (FL)
Latanya M., 11th Grade, J Paul Truluck Creative Arts & Science Magnet School (SC)
Nishan W., 11th Grade, Hiram High School Academy of Computer Science (GA)
Madison L., 10th Grade, J Paul Truluck Creative Arts & Science Magnet School (SC)
Vaughn T., 9th Grade, North Cobb High School Magnet Program (GA)

Why the ACT?

As we noted in our November newsletter when we introduced our ACT Project, we believe that students should commit to either the SAT or the ACT. Since colleges will accept either exam, we have chosen to commit our efforts to assisting students in increasing ACT scores—not by focusing on the test, but focusing on learning. To support learning, we believe:

  • The ACT has sufficient support tools and materials
  • The ACT is aligned with the high school curriculum
  • By focusing on learning, students will deepen their content knowledge in each of the ACT subject-areas, thereby increasing both grades and test scores

A focused study approach to increasing content knowledge in each of the ACT subject-areas (math, science, English, and reading—as well as writing) will correlate with higher performance in a student’s corresponding high school classes.

More Than Test Prep

If the focus is wrong, then the approach to learning will be wrong as ell. This means that if a student’s focus is on prepping for the ACT but not on developing the underlining knowledge that is being tested on the ACT, then the focus is wrong. Consider why Duke University, which admits the most academically accomplished students from throughout the world, coaches students through The Study Cycle:

“The study cycle is a guide to help you distribute your studies so you aren’t doing it all at once at the last minute, and to reinforce your learning from one step to the next.”

While thousands of students admitted to Duke will have spent many thousands of dollars on test prep, Duke recognizes that even the most academically accomplished students oftentimes enter college lacking the underlying learning strategies and study skills to be successful college students.

Higher Scores – Better Students

Congratulations to our ACT Project contributors who earned scholarship qualifying scores on the February ACT exam. While our students acknowledge the value of test taking strategies, they note that their scores reflect their level of content knowledge and critical thinking. Both of which are skills that they use each day in school and upon which they will rely after entering college. However, their commitment to leadership and service by helping other students to become better students and earn higher test scores will be recognized by both colleges and scholarship providers.

Our contributors have established themselves as extraordinary role models for our students in grades 6 – 11, as they bring value to our program and to their respective high schools.

The ACT Math section is the most difficult for the majority of test takers. Only 30% of students achieved an ACT college readiness score of 22. However, as indicated in the illustration to the left, if you have taken the ACT, or plan to take the exam this month, your score report will provide insight into your learning gaps.

Rather than “prepping” for the next test, you would be better served by closing your “learning gaps.” Closing learning gaps is a result of pursuing learning strategies that results in your encoding, retaining, and retrieving the “how” and “why” required for solving complex mathematical problems and equations.

The ACT Science section is the second most difficult for the majority of test takers. Only 31% of students achieved an ACT college readiness score of 23. However, the ACT Science section does not require extensive knowledge of science, but relies on critical thinking skills, reading skills, and the interpretation of data—all of which are skills that you can learn, but more importantly, are skills that you should be applying daily in your life in and outside of school.

The ACT Reading section is the third most difficult for the majority of test takers. Only 40% of students achieved an ACT college readiness score of 22. Reading is an essential skill with value far beyond taking the ACT. While test prep strategies will be helpful, developing foundational skills in reading is relied upon in virtually every high school classroom and in every future college classroom.

The ACT English section is where most test takers earn their highest scores. 51% of students achieved an ACT college readiness score of 18. Developing a foundational understanding of English, language usage, and writing are skills that students have been neglecting with their reliance on social media and text messaging (both of which are filled with slang, improper grammar, and nonstandard English language usage). Consequently, doing well on the ACT Reading, English, and Writing sections requires reading and writing more, and reading and writing well.

What Are We Learning?

Through our ACT Project, we are dispelling such myths as, “I am just not a good test taker.” Any student, from any school, is capable of developing deep levels of content knowledge when presented with the content accompanied by strategies for learning and retaining the content.

Our ACT contributors are not only good students, they are great leaders. Our project leader scored a “33” on her first testing. Instead of approaching her own test prep with the attitude, “I need to focus on my own test prep,” her approach has been, let’s share the learning strategies and study skills that each of us is using so that all of us can achieve deeper levels of learning and higher test scores.

What Should You Do?

If you have aspirations of getting into top colleges or qualifying for full scholarships, you must become an intentional learner:

  1. Identify your learning style.
  2. Take ownership of the Study Cycle.
  3. Identify your time-of-day energy levels and develop the appropriate time and location for studying.
  4. Identify the learning strategies and study skills that work best for your learning style, temperament, mindset, and grit.

The final step is to deepen your content knowledge in each of the ACT subject-areas and incorporate what you are expected to know into your daily study routines and classwork. This approach will make you a better learner and result in higher ACT scores.

These are not “suggestions,” these are proven strategies that will require realigning your priorities and committing more time to activities that matter in college admissions and scholarship consideration.

Why Become a Better Learner?

Learning Is Important

You must align your efforts in school with your aspirations for the future. What type of engineer would you become if you are not willing to develop a deep understanding of mathematics? What type of doctor would you become if you are not willing to develop a deep understanding of biology and human anatomy? What type of teacher would you become if you are not willing to become a thoughtful and pensively reflective learner?

ACT Scores Are Important

If your high school requires that you take the SAT or ACT, it should be viewed as an opportunity and not a burden. PSAT, SAT, or ACT exam scores can expand access to colleges, pre-college programs, internships, fly-in programs, and scholarships. We prefer the ACT because there should be alignment between your ACT scores and what you have learned in your K – 11 schooling. High test scores are the result of deep levels of content knowledge. This means that the quality of schools and teachers matter. However, so too does the quality of how you approach learning and studying. We have worked with private school students who have test scores that are no better than public school students attending low-performing schools.

Students who attend the best schools and who have the best teachers can still have low levels of learning and retention of learning if they are not vested in their own learning. In contrast, students attending the lowest-performing schools can achieve high levels of learning if they are vested in their own learning. Each year, there are thousands of students who earn top scores on AP exams without having taken the corresponding AP class. How do they do it? They read the book, teach themselves, and supplement their efforts with tutors.

What We Are Planning…

ACT Intensive Summer Sessions

We are planning 4-5 day ACT Intensive Sessions this summer, with each session focused on a specific ACT Section. Each session will address the following 5 components:

  • What you expected to know on the ACT
  • Learning and study strategies consistent with your learning style
  • Developing a Study Cycle consistent with your grit, mindset, and temperament
  • Daily pre- and post-testing

March Discussion Groups

10th and 11th Grade: We will continue our combined 10th/11th grade discussion group. Students should be prepared to discuss their summer plans and how they factor into their overall college planning strategy.

9th Grade: I (Mr. Wynn) will continue to facilitate the conversation with our 9th graders regarding building their résumé and branding. Students should be prepared to discuss their email signatures.

Emerging Middle School Leaders: All participating students should attend this meeting and be prepared to discuss the progress of their leadership/community service project. Congratulations to Peyton Wilson, the Emerging Middle School Leaders College Adviser, who has been admitted the The University of Chicago graduate school.

ACT Prep and Learning Strategies Plan: This month’s meeting will focus on each student’s contribution to the project.

Mark Your Calendar:

  • March 9, 2024
  • April 13, 2024
  • May 11, 2024

Monthly meetings are restricted to students registered in our program and their parents.

 

Newsletter: February 1, 2024

College Cohort News…

February 1, 2024

Mychal Wynn

Amidst the assault by many governors, state legislators, and state departments of education on teaching facts and attempting to remove historical truths from textbooks and school libraries, we pause to celebrate Black History Month and to reaffirm the historical breakthroughs occurring each year with our cohort students breaking through barriers into places and spaces where they have historically been underrepresented.

Our History Makers

In 2012, our son, Jalani Wynn, was selected as a Gates Millennium Scholar.

In 2012, Julian Nelums from South Cobb High School (GA) made history as our first Posse Scholar.

In 2013, our son, Mychal-David Wynn, made history as the first student in our program to graduate from Amherst College.

In 2015, Mikayla Hanna from Lake City Early College High School (SC) made history as the first UMBC Meyerhoff Scholar from the state of South Carolina and the first QuestBridge College Prep Scholar from her school district.

In 2015 and 2016, Mikayla Hanna and Rebeca Pacheco from Lake City Early College High School (SC) made history as the first 2 Gates Millennium Scholars in the history of their school district.

In 2017, Kimberly Hadaway from Paulding County High School (GA) made history as our first QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and the first student in our program to be offered 6 full scholarships (Amherst, Duke, Princeton, Vanderbilt, Washington & Lee, and Williams).

In 2018, Kristen Starks from Southwest Guilford High School (NC) made history as our first University of Richmond – Richmond Scholar.

In 2018, Damian Lee (Lake City Early College High School (SC)) and Otis Burns (Northern Guilford High School (NC)) made history as our first Northeastern University Torch Scholars.

In 2019, Yuzu Do from The Academy @ Smith (NC) made history as our first Elon University Odyssey Scholar.

In 2019, Sarah Lucas from Milton High School (GA) made history as of our first North Carolina A&T State University Dowdy Scholar.

In 2020, Sydney Barron from Early/Middle College @ GTCC (NC) made history as our first North Carolina Central Cheatham-White Scholar.

In 2020, Sydney Soskin from the St. Petersburg High School IB Program (FL) made history as our first University of Chicago Odyssey Scholar.

In 2021, Jada Foote from South Cobb High School (GA) made history as our first North Carolina A&T State University Cheatham-White Scholar.

In 2021, Tyra Grant from Collins Hill High School (GA) made history as our first Georgia Tech Clark Scholar.

In 2021, Faith Kumi from the Marietta High School IB Program made history as our first Ron Brown Scholar.

In 2021, Ian Fernandes from Karen Wagner High School TSTEM Academy made history as our first student to be offered admission to Caltech (Ian chose to attend Princeton).

In 2022, Justin Cleckley from Hillgrove High School (GA) made history as our first Georgia Tech Gold Scholar.

In 2022, Joanne Lioe from the St. Petersburg High School IB Program made history as our first Jack Kent Cooke College Scholar.

In 2022 and 2024, Juliana Itehua and Jayla Jones from Lake City Early College High School (SC) made history as the first 2 students in their school district to be offered admission to Williams College.

In 2022, Samual Patterson from Walton High School (GA) made history as our first Rhodes Scholar.

In 2023, Kimberly Hadaway, from Paulding County High School (GA) made history as our first Ford Foundation Fellow and first National Science Foundation Fellow.

In 2024, Tuyen Nguyen (St. Petersburg High School IB (FL)) and Chase Williamson (Union Grove High School (GA)), made history as our first students who will enroll at Caltech.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Tuyen Nguyen, from the St. Petersburg High School IB Program (FL), who is the only student in Pinellas County Schools to make it to the Semifinalist round of the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship. If Tuyen is selected, she joins other cohort Jack Kent Cooke College Scholars, Omar Dixon, Jr. (Brown University), who was selected in 2023 and Joanne Lioe (Johns Hopkins University), who was selected in 2022.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced that 558 high school seniors have been named semifinalists for the highly competitive Cooke College Scholarship Program. The Cooke College Scholarship provides Scholars with the opportunity to graduate with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 per year to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.

This year’s Cooke College Scholarship semifinalists were selected from the largest pool the Cooke Foundation has received to date. Applications will be reviewed once more to choose the finalists to receive the scholarship. The 2024 Cooke College Scholarship recipients will be announced in April.

“We are awed by the breadth and depth of applications we received this year; there are so many talented students across the country, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to recognize their hard work,” said Executive Director Seppy Basili. “These students experienced tremendous challenges due to COVID at the outset of their high school careers which makes their accomplishments even more impressive.” 

Congratulations to Latanya Munlyn, from J Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School (SC), who has been selected as a Semifinalist in the Seeds of Fortune Inc.’s 2024-25 Yale Women in Economics Scholarship Program.

“Seeds of Fortune Inc. Scholars in Partnership with Yale Women in Economics is a 10 Month program that delivers an Economics capstone project and college prep.

30 Scholars are selected to learn economics with Yale University professor’s in the goal of having young women of color enter the field of economics, as well as use the knowledge to rethink the economy for their communities.”

ACT Learning Strategies & Study Skills

Repeating History

In 2016, Atlanta-area cohort student, Kimberly Hadaway, as a high school junior, created a free online ACT Prep class as part of her leadership and community service. Colleges paid attention as Kimberly went on to earn a personal score of 33 on the ACT, as she helped many other students expand their college and scholarship opportunities. Kimberly went on to receive 6 full college scholarships valued at $1.8 million.

8 years later, Kimberly has received a BA in Math and Chemistry from Williams College and is pursuing a Ph.D. in math at Iowa State University. Now, we have a group of cohort juniors who are building on Kimberly’s work by expanding beyond ACT Prep to incorporating learning styles, study skills, and learning strategies. As they pursue their work they are already learning that achieving high test scores is less about good prep and more about good learning. There is simply no substitute for content knowledge, which comes not from prepping, but from learning.

We are equally excited about the role that our students will play in not only guiding students in what they should be doing, but in providing testimonials of what they did. These are 5 ordinary students doing something extraordinary that will make a difference in the academic success of thousands of students.

College Cohort Scholars

Next month we will recognize our inaugural College Cohort Scholars based on their first semester academic performance GPA:

3.0 – 3.49 – Scholar

3.5 – 3.99 – Scholar with Honor

4.0+ – Scholar with Highest Honor

We have extended the deadline for participating students to submit first semester report card (grades 6 – 8) or high school transcript (grades 9 – 11) by 11:59 pm February 15, 2024. We will announce our College Cohort Scholars in our March newsletter.

February Discussion Groups

10th and 11th Grade: We had great discussion groups at our January meeting and will continue the format in which our 10th graders join our 11th grade discussion group. Mr. Doug Lucas and Rev. Dr. Yolanda Davis will facilitate the discussion.

9th Grade: I (Mr. Wynn) will continue to facilitate the conversation with our 9th graders and will shift our focus to how students can build their résumé during the second half of the school year.

Emerging Middle School Leaders: Last month, Tuyen Nguyen did a great job during the absence of college adviser, Peyton Wilson. Students will continue with their assignment of responsibilities in their community service project.

ACT Prep and Learning Strategies Plan: Jocelyne, our Community Outreach Coordinator, and her team will continue their discussions toward finaliziing our ACT Prep Project.

Mark Your Calendar:

  • February 10, 2024
  • March 9, 2024
  • April 13, 2024
  • May 11, 2024

Monthly meetings are restricted to students registered in our program and their parents.

 

Newsletter: January 1, 2024

College Cohort News…

January 1, 2024

Mychal Wynn

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2024 and the second semester of the 2023-24 school year. Only a few short months ago, our middle school and high school students began the school year setting goals within the context of their college, career, and scholarship aspirations. The end of the first semester has provided a natural pause for students to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the successes of the first semester.

With the dawning of the new year, our January Module engages students in a mid-year assessment during which students will assess their first semester success; update their résumés and profiles; and affirm second semester goals. Our mid-year assessment meetings with students and parents allow the opportunity for us to provide feedback on how students’ academic, leadership, and community service profiles are aligned with their college and scholarship aspirations.

The focus of our 2024 newsletters will be on recognizing our high school seniors as they announce their college enrollment decisions and are awarded scholarships. We will also be profiling students who are making contributions to our program and their local community as they pursue our 3 pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Early Decisions

Caltech

Duke

Congratulations to Tuyen, from St. Petersburg High School IB Program (FL), and Chase, from Union Grove High School (GA), who applied Restrictive Early Action and are on their way to Caltech. Tuyen plans to major in bioengineering while Chase plans to major in computer science.

Congratulations to Natalie, from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics who applied Early Decision and is on her way to Duke where she plans to major in biology.

The facts about Caltech’s Restrictive Early Action: Caltech is one of the most selective schools in the U.S. and only offers admission to about 3% of applicants. Tuyen’s admission to Caltech guarantees a full scholarship via the QuestBridge College Match program. Chase is a recruited athlete and will be joining the Caltech basketball program where player bios read more like emerging scientists than basketball players. Caltech is a NCAA D-III athletic program where recruited athletes are held to the same academic standards as all other applicants, which requires a review of their applications by the entire Caltech faculty.

The facts about Duke’s Early Decision: Duke received a record number of early decision applicants (6,240) and offered admission to 806 students (a 12.9% acceptance rate), which is double Duke’s overall acceptance rate of 6.3%. Students applying to Duke via regular decision have less than a 4% chance of being offered admission. With both of her parents as Duke alum, Natalie is thrilled to continue the family legacy.

First Choice Decisions

Benedict College

College of Charleston

Winthrop University

Congratulations Jessica, Chance, and Jalaylah from J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School (SC).

Jessica has been offered admission to her top college choice, Benedict College, where she plans to major in psychology.

Chance has been offered admission to his top college choice, the College of Charleston where he plans to major in computer science.

Jalayah has been offered admission to her top college choice, Winthrop University, where she plans to major in education.

January Discussion Groups

10th and 11th Grade: We had great discussion groups at our December meeting and will continue the format in which our 10th graders join our 11th grade discussion group. Mr. Doug Lucas in the absence of Rev. Dr. Yolanda Davis did a great job facilitating the December discussion and challenged students to reflect on who they are and the body of work they will be presenting to future colleges and scholarship providers.

9th Grade: I (Mr. Wynn) will continue to facilitate the conversation with our 9th graders as they pursue becoming second semester academic superstars with what they are learning and implementing through our learning styles, study skills, and learning strategy focus.

Emerging Middle School Leaders: Our college adviser, Peyton Wilson, will continue to guide our Emerging Middle School Leaders through the leadership and community service project, which they will be introducing in their respective schools and communities in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida

ACT Prep and Learning Strategies Plan: Mari, a junior at Chester High School in Chester, South Carolina will be joining Jocelyne, our Community Outreach Coordinator, and her team on our ACT Prep Project. All of the students participating on the project are high school juniors who are not only demonstrating leadership, but making a significant community service contribution to benefit thousands of students who are challenged with earning scholarship qualifying test scores.

Mid-year Assessment

Through the January Module, cohort students are engaging in their mid-year assessment. 3 key dates in our program are setting goals at the beginning of each school year; engaging in a mid-year assessment in January; and engaging in a year-end assessment in May. In this manner, students are continually monitoring their progress; engaging in appropriate interventions; and reevaluating coursework, activities, service, and leadership within the context of their college and career aspirations.

The January Module provides instructions for how students may request a mid-year assessment meeting. Reminder: Completing the first semester work is a prerequisite for requesting a mid-year assessment meeting.

11th Graders

MIT MITES Summer Program

The MIT MITES Semester and MITES Summer application and selection process is holistic, meaning that MIT considers a variety of factors when determining which students are the best fit for their programs. They look for students with demonstrated interest in science and engineering and a strong academic record who are motivated, hard-working, and focused on growth and improvement. Note how what we challenge students to do in our program is exactly what top programs are looking for in their applicants.

10th and 11th Graders

The LEAD Program is an international cross-sector collaborative of premier U.S. corporations, government agencies, higher education, and non-profit partnerships, that focus on developing high-potential youth of diverse backgrounds into high achievers and responsible leaders. The application period is now open for some of their summer institutes.

THE YYGS APPLICATION IS OPEN!

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is one of the most globally diverse, two-week academic summer programs in the world. Serving over 2,000 students from 150+ countries and all 50 U.S. states, YYGS distributes over $3 Million USD in need-based financial aid to both domestic and international students.

Apply for YYGS by January 10, 2024

Being invited to the Yale Young Global Scholars Program is a good indicator of your overall competitiveness as a college applicant. Previous cohort students, Jayla Jones (SC) was invited to YYGS and eventually offered admission to Williams College; Omar Dixon, Jr. (GA) was invited to YYGS and eventually offered admission to Brown University and selected as a Jack Kent Cooke College Scholar; and TaRetta Bright (GA) was invited to YYGS and eventually awarded the Alumni Scholarship (a full scholarship) to North Carolina A&T State University.

7th Graders

Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Our Community Outreach Coordinator, Jocelyne Lioe, a junior in the St. Petersburg High School IB Program, is a Cooke Young Scholar and available to answer any questions regarding her involvement in the program.

The application period opens on February 9, 2024 and closes on May 9, 2024.

Mark Your Calendar:

  • January 13, 2024
  • February 10, 2024
  • March 9, 2024
  • April 13, 2024
  • May 11, 2024

Monthly meetings are restricted to students registered in our program and their parents.

 

My Dartmouth Fly-in Experience…

— Tuyen Nguyen, St. Petersburg High School IB Program (St. Petersburg, FL)


Day-By-Day Schedule

When preparing for my trip, I received an email from my Dartmouth Bound Leaders (DBLs). My DBLs were Chase and Ale, and their email was far from the norm. It was full of different colored text that rhymed like a poem. Otherwise known as the Dartmouth Blitz, this type of email is one of the many quirky traditions at Dartmouth. 

My trip consisted of three days. 

Day 1

The first day was the day of arrival. Most students were dropped off at the Boston-Logan International Airport, where we would meet up with Eric and Laura from Dartmouth. We would be led to the Dartmouth Coach, where we traveled 3 hours to Boston, MA to Hanover, NH. Dartmouth Bounders arrived throughout the day. When we arrived, we walked to Richardson Hall to receive our room assignment, keys, and program materials, which included a Dartmouth map, water bottle, and bag. I would recommend bringing an umbrella because the weather was rainy throughout the day and the weather in Hanover is unpredictable. Overall, we had lots of free time on our first day, as it was just a day for arriving at Dartmouth. I got a single dorm and I had time to explore the campus with other bounders. At dinnertime, I met my DBLs and my small group. My DBLs were nice and informative, and they provided a great deal of insight into student life and traditions of Dartmouth. We also had a welcome ceremony where we met the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. 

Day 2

On the second day, we had breakfast with our group at 8:00 am. We ate at Foco, more formally known as Class of ‘53 Commons Dining Hall. Another Dartmouth tradition was eating a Foco Cookie, which is a delectable cookie from the dining hall. After that, we had a mock class with a professor. I got to sit in a class about urban gardens. We talked about the research and findings the professor was working on. Then, we had an information session where we learned about the place, people, and programs that make Dartmouth distinctive. Throughout the session, we were able to ask lots of questions. 

We broke into groups again to go on a campus tour. My favorite building was the SECS building, otherwise known as the engineering building. I love the nature and rustic feel of the buildings throughout Dartmouth’s campus. There was a genuine down home feeling and the students were interactive and nice. Everybody in Dartmouth loves to use acronyms and made-up words, which is what makes the culture at Dartmouth so uniquely tight-knit. 

Afterwards, we had lunch with professors, an information session going over Dartmouth’s D-Plan, a financial aid overview, and posed for a group photo. I liked learning about Dartmouth’s unique D-plan, which consists of four academic quarters each year. The plan allows lots of flexibility in choosing the quarters you want to attend class, go on vacation, conduct research, or pursue internships. Although you are required to take a summer quarter, the ability to take time off school at different times of the year can help you stand out when applying for internships because you will not be restricted to only being able to work in the summer. 

The financial aid overview was also helpful. I got to ask lots of questions and I learned a lot about the mindset that Dartmouth has towards financial aid. Their philosophy is to provide students with as much aid as possible. We had dinner and a daily group meeting with our DBLs. I loved eating and talking with the DBLs in our group because we got to hear about their personal experiences at Dartmouth. Our DBLs also took us on a walk around Occom Pond. The nature was lush and the neighborhood houses were huge. The campus and surrounding community is peaceful and tranquil. We also got to see some deer along the way! The nature that you are surrounded by in Dartmouth is like no other. We had an outdoor movie that night where we see millions of stars across the beautiful Dartmouth sky. You are expected to be in your residence hall by 10:30 pm, however, I had lots of time to talk with other bounders and I felt that I was in a group that I belonged to, as many of our bounders were FGLI or people of color.

Day 3

On our third day we had breakfast with our DBLs and attended an admissions case studies session. It was a bit disappointing. Although we were able to meet and talk to admissions officers, they were vague in what they were looking for in a prospective Dartmouth student. A positive is that they heavily emphasized their positive attitudes when going over sample applications. It seemed that the admissions officers were always trying to find reasons to accept students to Dartmouth rather than find reasons to reject students. The goal of the admissions officers is to see if you are truly a good fit for Dartmouth, hence their reason for hosting a fly-in program for prospective students. 

My advice for students applying to Dartmouth is to not only research the school and the programs, but research the community and their traditions. The Dartmouth community is very strong, and Dartmouth wants to admit students that can contribute positively to their sense of community. Dartmouth is friendly and welcoming, and they are looking for students that are willing to try new things. In fact, one of Dartmouth’s required activities is to choose a class that helps you explore the area, whether that be mountain biking or hiking. 

We had an essay workshop with the admissions officers where we brainstormed essay ideas based on the things that were important to us. After that, we had lunch and a college interview workshop. You had lots of freedom in where you wanted to go, so I used my extra time to explore the Baker-Berry Library. The college interview workshop covered the interview part of the Dartmouth admissions process. It was informative as it walked us through the process of our interview and things to do and not to do. Interviews from Dartmouth are limited as they are done by alumni that are available in your area. If you don’t get an interview, it is not a bad thing as they probably just don’t have enough people to interview you. However, if you o get an interview, it is a great chance to express yourself and connect with Dartmouth on a more personal level. 

After that, we had a resource fair at the Hanover Inn, where we got to explore student organizations at Dartmouth. There was a Questbridge stand, and I got to talk to a student that went through the Questbridge process. After that, we had free time. I was able to explore the town of Hanover, which is  small and quaint, and go into shops. Finally, we had the Gary Love ‘76 Dartmouth Bound Founder’s Dinner at the Hanover Inn. We celebrated our time on campus with the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and we were able to eat with an admissions officer. I was able to talk to her and ask many questions. After that, we had one last group meeting with our DBLs and then I spent the night in the resident hall Common Ground talking with other people. 

Throughout the whole trip, I was able to talk to many bounders and students and learn things. I met kids my age that I related to, and we shared our thoughts on colleges and our aspirations. I still keep in contact with these students.

My Advice

Throughout the trip, I was aware of the attitudes of students and staff at Dartmouth. Again, they have many unique traditions and their very own Dartmouth culture. A student that attends Dartmouth is unique in their own way, but they are their true self. Being your true self is the kind of student that Dartmouth looks for, as your passions can most clearly shine through in your application. If you are passionate about something, I encourage you to write about it or emphasize it in your essay. Additionally, in my Dartmouth Bound essay, I emphasized my Vietnamese immigrant and FGLI background. Dartmouth, along with other schools, love diversity, and they are always more than willing to give you opportunities. I recommend researching the school and seeing if Dartmouth sounds like a good match for you. If so, ask yourself why, and write about that in your essay. 

— I’m Tuyen Nguyen, a member of the Pinellas County School Cohort in St. Petersburg, Florida

My Caltech Fly-in Experience…

— Tuyen Nguyen, St. Petersburg High School IB Program (St. Petersburg, FL)

Caltech Up Close

Through my participation in the College Planning Cohort Program, I was guided in applying to 3 fly-in programs (Penn PEEP, Dartmouth Bound, and Caltech Up Close). Caltech was the last of the 3 fly-in programs and the fly-in that I enjoyed most because we were put into groups with the admissions officer(s) assigned to our region and we were able to talk to them and ask lots of questions. Caltech is also a beautiful campus and the program provided a lot of freedom to explore the campus and the community. In the program, I roomed with a “host,” (i.e., Caltech student). Caltech offers eight houses (i.e., dormitories) to live in, and in my case, I stayed with my host in Page House. Through my nights there, I was able to experience the different personalities of each house and I was able to talk to current students in the common room and explore other houses.

Day by Day Schedule

Before my trip, I was provided the name and contact information of my host, to whom I was able to reach out. My host was a first-year and was from China. We had shared interest in the UPenn M&T Program. While she was not offered admission to the UPenn program, she was offered admission to Caltech. My host had a roommate who also hosted a Caltech Up Close participant from Illinois. So during my visit, there were 4 of us in the room. 

Following is the daily schedule for my three-day visit, with my departure from California and returning to Florida on the 4th day. 

Day 1

On the first day, my plane landed at LAX in the afternoon and I was driven in a private car to the Caltech campus. When I arrived, I was greeted by admissions officers who helped me with my luggage, gave me my information, and presented me with a Caltech goody bag. The bag contained a pencil sharpener, a pencil, a notepad, my departure bus information, a shirt, a water bottle, and a brain-shaped stress ball. I was also greeted by student volunteers, who were friendly and I was able to talk to them about their majors and interests. After our initial reception, we walked to the B122 Gates Annex, which is the food court. Their food court is relatively small compared to other schools, because they don’t have as nearly as many students as a larger university. The typical class is around 200 students, while the entire undergraduate population is only 1,000 undergraduates. Caltech has an additional 1,400 graduate students, which overall, is a smaller student body than many 4 AAAA high schools. At the Gates Annex, I connected with other Caltech Up Close participants and after we ate, we explored the entire campus. The campus was quiet and peaceful. The whole vibe is not that crowded and more of a low key vibe. One interesting feature of Caltech is its turtle pond. They have ponds in a part of campus and there are so many turtles that bask within the pond. The campus overall is clean and spacious. While I was there, I was able to see current students going to class, but it was not so overwhelmingly crowded. A lot of people tend to hang out in the area near the Gates Annex to eat and socialize. There is also another eating place nearby called the RedDoor and a lot of people socialize there. 

Later on, we met in Bechman Mall, which is a place in the Caltech campus, to break up into our groups and meet each other. The groups were divided by region and I felt that the small groups allowed us to bond with other Up Close participants from our region. I met all the 3 other high school students from Florida and we were an inseparable group throughout our time at Caltech. Overall, each region had a similar amount of students. The student group included a wide variety of people and I wouldn’t say that the officers were looking for a particular group other than students that showed an interest in STEM. After that, there was a student-led tour, where we were able to see the campus and ask questions. After the tour, we gathered to meet our hosts and go to the admissions house to grab our luggage and a sleeping bag that they provided. I had another CUCer with me so this was another opportunity for us to create connections. We had dinner in Bectel Dining Hall and sat for a session called “Caltech Up Front: Honest Breakdown of Caltech” at the Gates Annex. Afterward, the admissions officers surprised us with boba (which is a bubble tea). Throughout the trip, it was evident that the school had spent a lot of time, energy, and money on us CUCers. Clearly, fly-in programs are exceptional all-expenses paid opportunities to visit and get to know schools. The airfare and other travel-related expenses to bring students from our region to Florida alone would have amounted to a significant amount of money.  

The facilities in Page House were shared showers and bathrooms on each floor separated by gender. The house was quite large. There were two stories and it was very spacious. The houses are almost like a maze in a way because there’s lots of hallways and different rooms and stairs. The dorm was normal-sized, around 6-8 feet wide and 15 feet in length. The dorm room sizes varied by houses and dorm rooms. Other dorm rooms I visited were larger. I don’t know exactly how many rooms and students, but there were an indoor and outdoor common area and kitchens on each floor. One thing that stood out was the attention that the Caltech organizers gave to details. They collected a form from each participant of our room preferences and our career/academic interests. They used the information that we provided to match us to our host student. My host had similar experiences and interests which allowed me to talk to her and ask a lot of questions about the things that were important to me in making my college choice. She was interested in STEM and business at the same time and was interested in Penn’s M&T program. To me, this meant that Caltech was doing more than simply bringing us to campus, but was intentional in cultivating a set of experiences that would help us to determine if Caltech was the right fit for us and the right campus community to begin our journey after high school. This concludes my first night since I slept early because I was exhausted from the day’s activities. 

Day 2

On the second day, we woke up early and had breakfast at Bechtel Hall. In the first part of the day, we sat for informational seminars. Throughout the entire experience, our admissions officers were with us and were available to talk to us. Following breakfast, the formal session began with a keynote address by Dr. Hosea Nelson, a professor and chemist, who shared his inspiring story. He was a high school dropout and worked a construction job. However, he went back to school, where he eventually received a Ph.D. in chemistry. He landed a teaching job at Caltech and turned down two job offers to work at Tesla because he loved chemistry and pursuing research instead. We learned about the CORE at Caltech. The CORE at Caltech is a core curriculum that allows students to have an equal playing field. It has required classes that all students must take and includes humanities classes along with a strong blend of STEM classes. During your first year at Caltech, all classes are pass/fail. We also had a student panel where they discussed their personal experiences with research and internships. We were able to explore their research in a fair. The morning concluded with lunch and then we traveled to Santa Monica Beach by buses for fun in the sun. On the beach, I explored the water and played volleyball and was able to ask a lot more questions from my admissions officer and get to know more about my fellow Floridians. We concluded the day with a fancy dinner on the beach and then went back to campus. The dinner was on a balcony overlooking the beach where we were served tacos along with drinks like horchata (Mexican-style horchata is the most commonly known variety in the US. However, horchata actually originated in Spain, and there are various types of horchatas throughout the Spanish-speaking world). I made friends with a student from another house, Fleming, so I was able to explore a new house and spent the balance of the evening walking around the campus. Fleming’s house is a lot different from Page because its hallways are made out of stone and looks older than Page House. In contrast, Page looks like an air-conditioned facility. Flemings looked like a maze and was practically a maze with different stairways and houses. I think there are three stories with one story being underground. There is a library in Flemming along with a laundry room. The dorms are really nice and spacious and it’s like stepping into another world.  

Day 3

On the third day we explored NASA’s infamous Jet Propulsion Lab. This was a very early morning, but a highlight of the trip. Since the JPL is an extension of Caltech, lots of students are able to receive internships at the lab. It is approximately 10 minutes away from campus. We explored different places and learned about the different technologies used in JPL. We also had the opportunity to look at the white room, which is a massive sterile room used to build rockets, and the control room of the launching of the rockets. After JPL, we returned to campus to attend mock lectures. I had a mock lecture with Professor Antonio Rangel on Bayesian Statistics. Overall, the lecture was interactive and we were able to ask lots of questions. We collaborated with other students to solve math problems, which I feel is reflective of Caltech’s teaching philosophy. I only attended one lecture but there were three available. After that, we had lab tours and I explored the biology lab. I really liked this part of the visit as I was doing research in biology and saw a lot of connections between what I was currently doing in high school and the opportunities I would have at Caltech. Afterwards, we had some downtime that my friends and I used to explore the gym and rock climbing facilities. It was also really easy to talk to faculty members, and my friends talked to the coach about their sports and were able to attend a track practice. Afterwards, we had an admissions and financial aid session and closing remarks and downtime. 

What We Learned About Admissions and Financial Aid

The session reinforced much of the guidance learned in the Cohort. Caltech emphasizes taking the most rigorous classes that are available to you. This not only means classes available at your high school, but through your school district, dual enrollment program, or through your state’s virtual school options. They are test blind because their research indicates that admitted students who submit test scores and those who do not submit test scores perform similarly academically. Consequently, during the Caltech admissions review process, instead of test scores, they look for: creativity, curiosity in STEM, resilience, a collaborative spirit, and an outlet (something else that you do when you are stressed). These traits come from Caltech’s rigorous academics and the admissions formula that they use has been developed by identifying the type of students who thrive at Caltech. They are looking for students who not only are interested in STEM, but are also resilient enough in their approach to their academics to handle the curriculum. In my opinion, one of the best things about Caltech is their Honor Code. This allows students to take-home tests and engage in collaboration, even on homework, as a means of achieving shared academic growth—the exact type of collaboration that would be expected in the workplace after entering your post-college career. An important tip that the admissions officer shared is not to write about how you struggled in STEM classes or that you do not like STEM. Instead, if you struggled with STEM classes, you should focus on how you overcame any challenges or obstacles. Caltech also accepts extended portfolios such as for research, visual arts, performance arts, etc., to submit as supplements to your application. 

Since less than 50% of applicants submit research, having a research portfolio could provide you with a competitive edge. They also require two letters of recommendation, The first LOR must be from a math or science teacher who can provide insight into your math or science skills. The second LOR must be from a humanities teacher where you engaged in intensive writing. This teacher should speak strongly about your writing skills. They also allow one optional teacher recommendation. Last year, there were 103 CUCers, 89 of whom eventually applied for admission to Caltech. 47 (52.8%) of the CUCers who applied were admitted. In my group this year, there were around 200 CUCers. Caltech expects to offer admission to about 50 of the CUCers who apply, so the admissions rate of CUCers will likely be lower. 

The college research activity in the cohort curriculum providing guidance in researching a school’s Common Data Set (see below) was consistent with what we were learning from admissions officers. However, there were that we learned from admissions officers as a result of the fly-in experience were:

While the CDS indicates that Academic GPA is “Important,” the admissions officers stressed that grades in STEM classes are “Very Important.” They also provided insight into some of the big reasons that Caltech rejects applicants: low grades, lack of effort (as revealed either in the transcript or through recommendations), making false statements on their application, or simply having no more available space in their freshman class. In 2023, of the 16,626 students who applied to Caltech, only 672 were offered admission. 167 students were placed on the waitlist and 15 were eventually admitted from the waitlist. My biggest takeaway from listening to the admissions officers was to show that you can not only change the world but that you are committed to making the sacrifices required to do so, because attending Caltech requires lots of sacrifices. In their admissions process, they are looking for students who demonstrated (through their essays, recommendations, transcript, leadership, and service) a “never enough” mentality.

— I’m Tuyen Nguyen, a member of the Pinellas County School Cohort in St. Petersburg, Florida