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Mastering the Art of Gaining Admission to the Ivy League

Published on May 16, 2023

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Mastering the Art of Gaining Admission to the Ivy League

By Naina Sainik, B.D Somani International

The prestigious Ivy League schools are renowned for their extremely selective admission process, which has become even more competitive in recent years. With acceptance rates as low as 3.19% at institutions such as Harvard and Princeton, getting into an Ivy League college is no small feat. In this article, we will discuss the essential steps and strategies to maximize your chances of joining the Class of 2026 at one of these esteemed institutions.

Academic Excellence: Maintaining a strong GPA and taking challenging courses throughout high school is a must. Ivy League schools seek students who excel academically and demonstrate a passion for learning. Advanced courses, such as the International Baccalaureate Programme, are particularly valuable for showcasing your dedication to scholarship.

Standardized Test Performance: High scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are crucial for applicants. These scores not only reflect your academic prowess but also your ability to perform well under pressure. Consider enrolling in test preparation courses or working with a tutor to improve your scores.

Impressive Extracurricular Activities: Ivy League institutions look for well-rounded students who can contribute to their campus community. Engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities and taking on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or community service projects will demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and make your application stand out.

Standout Essays: A well-crafted personal essay can make all the difference in your application. This is your chance to showcase your personality, values, and experiences. Take the time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your essay to ensure it is a true reflection of you and your journey.

Stellar Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know you well can bolster your application. Choose recommenders who can provide specific examples of your achievements and character, highlighting the qualities that make you a great candidate for an Ivy League school.

Interview Preparation: Many Ivy League colleges require or encourage interviews as part of the application process. Be prepared to discuss your interests, achievements, and aspirations in depth. Practicing beforehand and anticipating potential questions will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.

Application Strategy: It’s essential to develop a strategic plan when applying to Ivy League schools. This includes carefully selecting which schools to apply to, determining the right application timeline (early decision, early action, or regular decision), and crafting an application that effectively showcases your strengths and potential.

With hard work, dedication, and a well-executed strategy, you may just find yourself walking the halls of an Ivy League campus as a member of the Class of 2026.

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blog Innovation Trending | 3min Read

Artificial Intelligence is Not Yet Taking Over the World

Published on May 12, 2023

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Artificial Intelligence is Not Yet Taking Over the World

I’m terrified of artificial intelligence, anxious it will render my writing abilities ineffectual and useless. What am I to do then? Sit back and watch it consume the rest of the world? While my classmates and teachers are exploring the possibilities of AI with ChatGPT, I am jumping to doomsday conclusions, too afraid to start a conversation with the chatbot. It feels forbidden, unethical, and frankly, too easy. In an article from The Atlantic that discussed AI potentially replacing English classes in school, the author, who had 12 years of English teaching experience, was surprised to see ChatGPT’s writing surpass “the large majority of writing seen by your average teacher or professor” (Herman). Who would prefer an eager and educated journalist to an omnipotent robot that can spit out eloquent articles at 10x the speed without burning out? A feat that is humanly impossible!

That’s the point.

ChatGPT’s capabilities are no longer a secret. It’s highly valued and manipulated by students, teachers, professionals, and even government officials. For example, high school teachers are now becoming dependent on AI to draft recommendation letters for their students. The consequences? Generic letters that cannot provide students with the competitive boost they may need to succeed. But AI’s potential? Unmatched.

According to ChatGPT itself, ChatGPT is a “computer program designed to understand and generate human-like responses” to input. Anybody can use it to answer questions, carry on conversations, and generate text. ChatGPT promises to be one of the most powerful language models currently available. It can learn from extensive amounts of text input and produce responses that are often “indistinguishable from those of a human” (ChatGPT). How can you compete with that?

You can’t. Instead, the question to ask is, “Is it still worth pursuing traditional learning?”

As Daniel Herman said in his article published in The Atlantic, “It was like magic” (Herman). Ever since its launch, my future as a writer has looked bleak. What value would my English degree hold? Even one from the most prestigious university? Was there any point in working as hard as possible to get accepted to the college of my dreams? I did not know then, but I do now. The answer is simple.

Yes.

Education systems are currently tackling what they believe is an existential confrontation between two AIs: artificial intelligence and academic integrity. But as EdTech VC, Tony Wan argues, “It doesn’t need to be so combative and oppositional. More likely, they’ll evolve together as kids, teachers and technologists uncover new ways to teach, learn, think and build with AI” (Sanako).

The key is balance. ChatGPT is limited to surface-level operations, so rather than letting it think and act for us, we should use it to enhance what we already can do, to make our work more impactful. This technology is not a replacement for humans, at least not yet. It can nudge us in one direction or another. But it is still humanity—with its intuition, evolutionary mindset, and emotional intelligence—that drives the world as we know it today.

As humans, we need to know that our work matters, makes a difference, to someone somewhere. That’s something artificial intelligence may never be able to provide. 

By Eedha Kaul | Oberoi International School

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blog Higher Education Trending | 2min Read

SAT is going DIGITAL!

Published on April 28, 2023

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SAT is going DIGITAL!

I know right, like everything else in life.

This move to digital means that students will take the exam on a computer,

What does that mean?

The exam will be adaptive, streamlined, and shorter than the current format.

Here’s what you need to know about the changes:

Adaptive Test Format

The digital SAT exam will be customized to each student’s performance. Students who perform better in the first section will receive more challenging questions in the second section, but each question will be worth more points.

Shorter Test Duration

The new version of the SAT exam will be about two hours, which is shorter than the current three-hour format. The shorter duration will be beneficial in preventing testing fatigue. Additionally, the exam will have shorter reading passages and more direct questions.

Expanded Calculator Use

The “no calculator” section of the exam will be removed, and all students will have access to a built-in graphic calculator. Students can also bring their own calculators to use during the exam.

Computers

Students can bring their own computers or tablets to the testing center on the day of the exam, or they can use the computers provided at the center.

Colleges and Universities

Although more colleges are opting for the test-optional policy, however, all colleges are not moving at the same pace. In a recent survey, colleges have still stated that they would consider standardized test courses as part of the application process.

In conclusion, the digital format of the SAT exam is a significant change that students need to prepare for accordingly.

Keep an eye out for more updates from the College Board regarding the new digital SAT exam.

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blog Communication Leadership Trending | 2min Read

Why Debating Still Matters

Published on April 20, 2023

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Why Debating Still Matters

Introduction:

Debating is often associated with ancient Greece or public school, but its relevance in today’s world cannot be understated.

So, why does debating still matter?

At its core, debating teaches crucial skills that are valuable in all aspects of life:

The ability to speak confidently in public and make sense, construct a logical argument, read an audience’s reactions, and most importantly, listen to and respond to opposing arguments are all skills that are in high demand in today’s world.

Debating forces individuals to step outside of their own personal beliefs and embrace a wide variety of arguments. It teaches people to respect the other side of an argument and question their own opinions. It also encourages individuals to see the other side and to recognize that there is a commonality of capability, capacity, and sensibility among all people.

In a world where social media often encourages individuals to only seek out information that supports their own beliefs, debating is a powerful tool for overcoming the echo chamber effect. It challenges people to consider different perspectives and to engage in constructive dialogue with those who may hold opposing views.

Role of debating competitions

Debating competitions are a fantastic way to teach young people how to argue in public. These competitions require participants to construct and present persuasive arguments and to defend their positions in the face of opposition. 

This kind of training is crucial for modern life. Political events continue to remind us of the importance of persuasive arguments and good oratory that appeal not only to our rational side, but also to our emotional side.

Diversity and Debate

Debating also helps promote diversity. The more experiences and backgrounds there are on a debating team, the stronger the team becomes. This is because diversity brings a variety of perspectives and ideas to the table, which helps to broaden the scope of the debate and ensure that all viewpoints are heard.

So, should you debate?

As we move forward into an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the ability to argue effectively will only become more important. So, whether you’re a high school student or a seasoned professional, there’s never been a better time to start honing your debating skills.

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Unleashing the Science of Writing: How Students Can Become Expert Wordsmiths

Published on April 17, 2023

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Unleashing the Science of Writing: How Students Can Become Expert Wordsmiths

Introduction:

Are you a student looking to take your writing to the next level? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll explore the science of writing and reveal the tips and tricks that can turn you into an expert wordsmith. 

Let’s dive in!

The Power of Outlines:

  • Planning is key
  • Break down your ideas
  • Create a logical flow

Crafting a well-structured outline is the foundation for great writing. Start by brainstorming your main ideas, then organize them in a logical order. Outlines help you stay focused, avoid writer’s block, and ensure a coherent flow throughout your piece.

Engaging Openings:

  • Capture your reader’s attention
  • Use questions or anecdotes
  • Set the tone for your piece

An engaging opening is crucial to hook your reader. Consider starting with a question, an interesting fact, or a brief anecdote that relates to your topic. This will draw your audience in and set the stage for the rest of your post.

Keep It Simple and Clear:

  • Use simple language
  • Avoid jargon and complex sentences
  • Write in an active voice

When writing, it’s important to keep your language simple and clear. Avoid using jargon, complex sentences, and passive voice. Instead, opt for straightforward language that effectively conveys your message.

Break It Down with Subheadings and Bullet Points:

  • Improve readability
  • Make content scannable
  • Organize your ideas

Subheadings and bullet points are essential for making your content more readable and scannable. They help break down complex ideas into easily digestible chunks, making it easier for readers to engage with and absorb your content.

Harness the Power of Keywords:

  • Optimize for SEO
  • Research popular search terms
  • Use keywords naturally

To make your writing more discoverable on search engines like Google, incorporate relevant keywords throughout your post. Research popular search terms related to your topic and weave them into your content naturally, without overloading your text.

Harness the Power of Keywords:

  • Optimize for SEO
  • Research popular search terms
  • Use keywords naturally

To make your writing more discoverable on search engines like Google, incorporate relevant keywords throughout your post. Research popular search terms related to your topic and weave them into your content naturally, without overloading your text.

Edit, Edit, Edit:

  • Proofread for grammar and spelling
  • Check for clarity and consistency
  • Revise for optimal readability

Before hitting the publish button, take the time to thoroughly edit and proofread your work. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as clarity and consistency. This extra step can make a significant difference in the quality of your writing.

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