@mimisdad haha I really wouldn’t give stock picks online like this as I would always worry about advicing someone and having them lose money on my advice, but the entire space is super interesting! I know that everyone sees Bitcoin (and the millionares that came from it), but I think that blockchain and so many other technologies are going to revoltuionze the way we look at transactions and doing business. A truly decentralized network can change the way that companies have to operate and democratize economic systems, and provide so many people with opportunity. So much is changing everyday and I really can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future!
Hi @fintech3753, what research opportunities did you take part in? In an email to a college professor regarding research, what would be important to include, and what do they generally like to see? Finally, is it important to have a super in-depth knowledge of the intended field of research, or are there chances to learn along the way? Thank you so much!
@Rachmaninoff Hey! I took part in research related to compter science. It really depends on the profesor and the university. Ultimately it really comes down to numbers: sometimes you need to email 50-100+ professors before you get 1-3 meaningful responses. Sometimes you get lucky within the first 10. Ultimately though, be persistent and look for universities around you that are known to be responsive towards hs students. Don’t be too keen on completing research in a specific area, sometimes its really just based on availability and what you can get.
It really depends: I came into my interviews pretty prepared, having read some of the research literature related to their work, but I by no means would have been able to dive in on day one and begin projects. I would recommend parsing through some of their past work and the fundamentals of their research, but I wouldn’t be too stressed about it. In my experience, they are looking for aptitude to effectively work and a genuine passion for research.
In terms of programs, a few notable ones are RSI, Simons Research Scholars, and SSP (I didn’t do any of them, but they are great). Other than that, I’d recommend cold emails. Good luck!!
I’ve heard that starting a nonprofit in high school is a dime a dozen at Wharton. Is this true? I started a nonprofit with a couple of my friends and have put so much time and effort into improving it and expanding its impact on my community. Are ECs like this very common at Wharton? Here’s the link, btw: theobjectivereporter.com
Hey! @bighomiebill Your organization looks great. So I wouldn’t say it’s a dime a dozen (I had not started a non-profit in high school, and plenty of my friends didn’t), but they aren’t 1 in a million. I can’t speak to how an AO would look at it, but here would be my personal take. I’ve been seeing a lot more sprawl up on LinkedIn and the one’s that catch my eye are 1. really mission oriented and 2. have had an impact. The first point means that you should be focused on one specific thing: doing good is amazing, but I think it’s important to hone in on fixing a specific problem/creating awareness for a specific issue that you are genuinely passionate about. And with 2, you have to follow through and be able to cite concrete numbers/figures on what you have done (raised X dollars, had X members join).
Another quick thing: when you fill out the Common App, be honest. You are a high school student and colleges know that. A lot of kids start pushing the edge in terms of the actual impact they have had, and admissions officers can tell. Not saying you would lie or anything, but I think that the stress of admissions can drive students to stretch the truth, but doing so could end up really detrimental. Good luck!!
Thanks so much for the advice!
Do you think that you are fine if you get a B in an AP class? I got a B in AP Physics 1, but got an A+ in AP Physics 1 from Rice University online and and an A+ from MIT’s online introductory physics course subtitled “Learn physics just like an MIT freshman.” I had a really bad teacher.
Really outstanding observations and advice!!!
Also, it’s great that you want to help these kids. Your passion is obvious and real.
thats cool
@Raraimuno Hey! Again, speaking from personal experience, not an AO, but though Wharton wants to see strong quantiative capacity to handle the coursework, I don’t think they would define you by a single grade. I’d mention the MIT/Rice coursework you did but 1. remember they weigh your overall GPA within the context of your school is weighted much more heavily than any single grade (one teacher can give out A’s like candy while another will only give out 2 in a class of 25 students). Don’t sweat it and just focus on the things you can control. Good luck!!
@rickle1 thank you for your kind words! I am just here to help in any way I can.
How do varsity athletes manage the workload at Wharton while still playing their sport? Are there any athletes in the M&T program or would that be crazy difficult?
@HMom16 So the M&T program in itself is very rigorous, and I know that athletics can take a lot of time. For the average person, assuming you want to graduate in 4 years and do internships/vounteer work/relax each summer instead of coursework, I would say yes it may be too much. Though it may be possible for some (and that may be you!), I would highly advise making sure you are willing to either spend 5 years in the case that it is too much for you to handle or being willing to drop one degree into a single degree program. Good luck!
Hs sophomore trying to get into Wharton. Started an investment club at school and part of newspaper. Volunteering with playing basketball with underserved kids. What else do you recommend as ecs to get into Wharton?