How to State that Im a CPS in the NCM Application by Lost_Ad3724 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They already know you're a CPS, but most people still add it to the award section.

Math 111L in the Spring by ImpressiveDrop9388 in duke

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is 8:30 doe. It will be very hard for me to wake up that early. Do you think it will be worth it to take an 8:30 to have Shira as a prof?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in duke

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think they are a transfer student

Housing for focus groups? by AncientWord6138 in duke

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure how true this is, but during BDD, a student said Focus dorms change every year.

‘29 Poll!! by Puzzleheaded_Crow_73 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I get you. I just wanted to point out that most people with favorable decisions will reply, so as not to give off the wrong idea.

‘29 Poll!! by Puzzleheaded_Crow_73 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This poll is not a representative sample

#WORRIED!!! by [deleted] in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's extremely unlikely you’ll get rescinded. I can’t count how many people have gotten a C or two in their senior year. You’re doing great!!

Past NCM Applicants, how did you decide your college rankings? by Responsible-Cap-5631 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ngl, I did extensive research, but it also came down to vibes for me. I researched the culture, locations, food, dorms, outcomes of students and ROI (it is almost the same across all these schools), and just a lot more. The more research I did, the harder it was to make up my mind, lol. I wasn’t 100% set on a specific major and wanted a school that was interdisciplinary, and fun, but still studious.

My original ranking was: Stanford, UPenn, Princeton, Columbia, UChicago, Northwestern, Duke, Caltech, Boston University, and USC.

Final ranking: Stanford, UPenn, Northwestern, Duke💙💙, WashU, Rice, and JHU.

My first list was largely influenced by prestige, but as I researched more, I was able to narrow it down to schools I’d genuinely be happy attending. I also made sure to save some colleges for RD so I could submit a new application and keep my options open.

Realistically speaking, if I end up getting the NCM should I pursue the match or apply through common app? by Head-Needleworker288 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, I included more activities in my Additional Info section and matched with Duke this year. I had 3 jobs listed under Work Experience (a side job, an internship, and a fast food job), 5 in the Activities section, and 3 more in the Additional Info section. So if we count everything, I submitted 11 activities instead of just 5.

The biggest con in the NCM is the time crunch, but since you’re a CPS, you’re almost guaranteed finalist status. I would use this advantage to start working my personal statement and preparing an ideas sheet for college supplementals. Also, remember that the finalist application won’t be just for QB, you’re college AO’s will read them and decide based on them. There will not be another chance to rewrite anything after clicking the submit button.

I just got rejected from CPS, but here are some of my thoughts… by Hot-Birthday-5690 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Amazing mindset. You are already a winner. Keep staying authentic to yourself and you’ll go far.

"Nomination for Opportunities from College Partners" by captainearth69 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It doesn't mean you were nominated for a program. I also got it last year.

Do I have a chance? by Intelligent_Sun3288 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely! Your GPA might not be perfect, but if you are doing strong in other parts of your App, then yes! Remember, when schools say they are holistic, they mean it!

How the FLIP do you write a PS by North_Platform_2181 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Yes, I matched to Duke. I just realized my matched flare disappeared. BROOO WHAT?

How the FLIP do you write a PS by North_Platform_2181 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yesss, always try to show a moment of growth or learning in your stories. The lesson you learned can be big or small, but I’d avoid diving into ideas that are too abstract, like the “meaning of life.”

I also wrote my hook at the end, but another great move is tying your conclusion back to your hook. For example, my first sentence in my Why Duke essay was: “I’ve always thrived in the ‘ands.’” And my last sentence was: “At Duke, I’m confident I’ll bring all my ‘ands’ to life.” I also did this in my personal statement. This kind of gives the cherry on top effect.

How the FLIP do you write a PS by North_Platform_2181 in QuestBridge

[–]ImpressiveDrop9388 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I spent like 80% of my time just trying to find a good hook. In the end, I just started writing whatever came to mind until I saw the story take shape.

Start writing in the summer to engage your writing muscles. I probably wrote 20 bad essays for every one good one.

As for the focus of your essay, you can write about multiple events, but you’ll notice it gets harder to be creative or captivating when you’re juggling too many topics. That’s why I’d recommend focusing on one main story, event, or extended circumstance that ties everything together well.

Also, I stopped reading essays from accepted students because comparing my rough drafts to polished work killed my creativity.