Two weeks after the Ivy League brought in the storm, some students are still reeling. By now, some have managed to gain admission to a decent college. Some, on the other hand, have decided to take a gap year and reapply. Many, devastated, have sought advice from their parents, peers, educators, and counselors to take the next step ahead. There was a time when Ivy League acceptance rates, like Princeton University, accepted 15% to 20% of applications. During that time, there wasn’t any Covid-19 or the looming threat of World War 3. People were content.
Acceptance Rates Continue to Take a Dip
The number of applicants increases exponentially every year, especially because of the pandemic-driven test-optional policy adopted by most colleges. With the information gathered from the student newspaper, ‘The Harvard Crimson’, Harvard’s acceptance rate has fallen steeply to 3.19. This is the lowest ever since it was founded almost 4 centuries ago! The number of applicants continues to increase inversely, with a record number of 61,220 applicants that applied for their seats in the class of 2026. The accepted students have gotten luckier, as some of them—exactly a fourth—are from families with an annual income below 75,000 dollars. They have their main costs of tuition and boarding covered. This is much higher compared to last year when 65,000 dollars was the criteria for availing aid in education and stay.
Universities like Yale and Brown have also reported record-low acceptance rates, with Yale’s acceptance rate of 4.7% and Brown at 5%. Columbia remained unchanged with its 3.7% acceptance rate, akin to last year’s. Dartmouth on the other hand is ahead of last year, with a rate of 6.24%.
Universities Opting Out of Making Their Acceptance Rates Public
A Thursday morning not more than two weeks ago, The Wall Street Journal published an article that reported 3 Ivies that would forgo announcing their acceptance rates. Along with Stanford, Princeton, Penn, and Cornell have chosen to withhold their acceptance rates. They argue that publishing these rates does more harm than it does good. They felt it unleashed a surge of panic among high school students and their parents. In addition, it reinforces a ‘myth’ that it is close to impossible to get into a good college. The Princeton admissions website has stated that this decision of theirs is part of its “student-centered approach to the admission process”. But the argument here is – does it protect the interests of the students or is it a ploy to protect the interests of the institutions in question? What harms the students is when they, along with their parents, begin to worship the universities, seeing them as their final destination in life. But what could be a more sensible approach here? Students need to weigh their options and understand that while a brand name can get you far, it isn’t the only way to the top!
How Does This Affect Students?
Coming back to this supposed myth that it is nearly impossible to get into a good college, is it a myth? That depends on two factors – how you define a college as ‘good’ and based on that, how impossible it is to get into a good college. If you ignore the plethora of ‘good’ colleges in America, like Michigan University, and New York University, then yes, it is close to impossible to get into a good college.
Having said that, this notion affects a crucial number of the aforementioned 96-97% rejected applicants. Along with them, their parents as well as their education counselors! They end up scrambling to get their seats in other universities. The realists have applied beforehand to other institutions as backup, while the overly optimistic ones are in for an inevitable rude shock. If you’re one of these applicants who feel like you’ve lost the light at the end of the tunnel, then here’s an article that might just be the sliver of sunshine you need. Click the link to read: What to Do If Your Dream College Rejects You.
Other Colleges
Apart from the Ivy League schools, other popular colleges such as the University of Michigan, University of Virginia, University of Pittsburgh, and many more are surging with applications. This is due to the pandemic and test-optional policies. It’s not just the students competing with one another to get their seats secured, it’s also the lesser-known institutions. They are trying hard to fill up their seats while being overshadowed by the Ivy League and other more popular colleges. It’s always a wise decision to keep yourself open to newer, less explored options. When a path is crowded with people, then you have to create your own path. And while we’re at that, if you have the means to cross the ocean, then why not?
What does it for Future Students?
Does it mean that you’re not good enough? Do the rejection letters from Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools decide your self-worth and value in the world? The sad truth isn’t in affirmation of the statement, but that you are good enough and you still didn’t get in. What should you do then? If you want to get in, you can always apply for a transfer in the second year. Otherwise, apply elsewhere – plenty of interesting colleges await your application! Keep up your A-game and aspire to perform your best. Don’t let an institution bring you down. Until our high-paying corporate culture changes to accept people from everywhere, the focus remains on getting into a classroom. Instead, we should shift our focus. Concentrate on learning well and securing a successful degree. Embrace career opportunities beyond the classroom, independent of a brand name.
We’re pleased to announce our latest accreditation – Top 3 in Math Tutoring Services in Singapore! (more…)
Reading texts? Done. Preparation? Almost done. Confidence? Not quite there… Is this you? Whether you are looking for a way to set off IGCSE students exam jitters or check if your exam preparation is on point – we can help! We have intensive EXAM PRACTICE sessions that will get you ready and feeling confident. When you join these sessions, you’ll find yourself writing handwritten answers in a timed, realistic and controlled exam-like setting where you’ll have to face your shortcomings and work on them.
We all know there’s only a slight difference between getting an average score and achieving a high score – the secret is in smart work, motivation and proper guidance. Our highly sought-after Face-to-face exam practice sessions are here to help you! So get ready to brush up your knowledge with Young Scholarz’s In-Person Exam Practice sessions on IGCSE English Literature SET-TEXTS, English Language 0500, and English Literature 0475/ 0408.
What’s more? All your handwritten papers will be marked as per IGCSE guidelines. We will provide you with valuable feedback, in line with the Cambridge mark schemes, to set you on the road to improvement and achieve the desired results.
There are limited sessions and slots available. We also offer online seats if you’re unable to come in. Whatsapp us on +65 8228 1164 to enrol!
Check out our social media pages and our website to view the schedule.
We are bringing back the in-person exam preparation classes for IGCSE and IB exam to all students. (more…)
We are delighted to announce three new additions of experienced and amazing teachers to our team – Manisha Thakur, Sonia Mathews and Sumit Bhatnagar. (more…)
Young Scholarz is bringing back the Paper Marking Services during Easter break and through the exam prep period for IB / IGCSE exam papers and PSAT/ SAT/ ACT/ GRE/ GMAT essays. (more…)
Good grades have their place on the top of the mantle when it comes to building your college applications. However, apart from academic excellence, extracurriculars hold a crucial position too. Many other applicants will have the same or similar grades as you do, there needs to be something unique that makes your application stand out when compared to your counterparts. Although, just involving in some activities limited to our school and the academic year will not be enough. There is a multitude of activities you can take up during the summer break which will have an immense reflection on your profile. Listed below are a few such exciting activities one must indulge in during break time to build a strong college application.
1. Take a Summer Program
Summer programs happen on college campuses for high-school students to give a chance at experiencing college life on campus and learning from university-level professors. All Ivy League schools host a variety of summer programs and they will definitely make your application stand out while you get an experience of a lifetime with bundles of knowledge. There are many universities in Asia that offer summer programs as well. Get Researching!
2. Work on a personal project
It’s necessary to find what you are passionate about outside of school and then pursue it. If you like reading, go ahead and set up a blog where you review all that you read. If you’re a cinephile, start a social media page recommending to people what they can watch on the basis of different genre choices. Intrigued by how evolution works? Start researching about it, find an interesting arc, and write a paper. All in all, invest in something that’s personally relevant and make it worth your time!
3. Take a free online course
With the digital revolution on rise, there are many online portals offering courses from recognised universities that provide you with vocational training. Try out websites such as Coursera, Edx, and Udemy, find out what you are interested in, and take an online course. Make sure they provide a certificate highlighting your achievement in the program.
4. Get an internship
Corporations around the city are always looking for a helping hand and usually have interesting internships to offer around summertime. Make a list of places that are aligned with your long-term goal and enquire whether they offer such spots for high-school students. If your passion lies in fashion, pursue internships with boutiques or fashion management firms. Express your interest via email and take proactive steps to secure valuable hands-on experience.
5. Work on a side hustle
If you ask a Gen Z who their soulmate is, they’d probably say it’s Instagram. Put the time spent on social networking sites to use by starting a small business of your own. If you’re an artist, start showcasing it online. If you’re a baker, start an Instagram page selling your sweet treasures. Remember to make a brand out of it. This will give you hands-on experience on how marketing works in the real world and it will reflect well on your college application.
5. Start prepping for competitive exams
There is a high chance that you would require to clear some competitive exams such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE. Apart from this, if you’re applying to a university located in the West as an international student, you’ll be required to clear English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL as well. Young Scholarz will be able to guide you through the process of prepping for these college-level exams.
7. Volunteer around the neighbourhood
There are many animal shelters, old age homes, orphanages, and other non-profit organisations that are looking for student volunteers. Find out a cause that intrigues you and fills your heart as well as your skillset by doing some good old volunteer work.
Here’s hoping this blog gives you many new ideas and a lot to think about. Do follow through on at least three of these summer activities to have a fool-proof college application and a guaranteed fun life experience. If you seek more guidance, feel free to contact us on social media or send an email.
Are you a student who is facing the dilemma of which IB subjects to choose? Or perhaps a parent who wants to understand what your child’s academic path should be? Then this post will help simplify which English paper should you take up. IB LangLit or IB Literature?
But, before that, let’s understand the collective importance of both these subjects. Both LangLit’s and Literature’s main aim is to assess and help the student understand the different types of works. Be it fiction, and non-fiction or literary and non-literary. The subjects also help students with language and its tools/devices are used by the writer to bring meaning and effect.
In an increasingly fast-paced academic setting where the syllabi are constantly changing and so are the requirements of universities, English as a subject often gets pushed aside as a wonky piece of furniture. But that’s not the case at all – it is an extremely valuable asset in your curriculum and fine-tunes the art of communication like no other subject would. It also gives huge exposure to prevalent global issues and encourages students to think about their surroundings and be more mindful and thoughtful about them.
Jumping back to the subjects on hand, let’s understand what each of them offers.
IB LangLit
This paper includes the study and analysis of literary texts along with non-literary texts. The latter includes advertisements, music lyrics, campaigns, articles, webcomics, graphic media, infographics, speeches, letters, journal entries, and many other pieces of writing that have a wealth of information to analyze.
IB Literature
IB Literature, on the other hand, focuses mainly on literary works. This includes novels, poetry, short stories, novellas, and drama. This paper encourages the student to write their commentary on the prescribed texts and compare them as per the question.
What’s common between the two?
Both have a Paper 2 Lit component that compares two of the prescribed texts.
What is the difference between the two?
The main difference between IB Lit and IB LangLit is Paper 1: where the former studies literary works only whereas the latter studies literary as well as non-literary texts, as mentioned before.
The table below summarises the number of texts that are taught in both subjects:
To put in words, IB Literature has 9 texts in SL (Standard Level) and 13 literary works in HL (Higher Level), whereas IB LangLit has 4 literary works in SL and 6 in SL. Apart from these, various non-literary texts are studied in both SL and HL (Paper 1).
SL and HL
As the name suggests, SL is a less-intensive course for students, recommended to be covered in around 150 hours of instructional time, whereas HL courses are recommended to be covered in 240 hours of instructional time.
Papers 1 and 2
For LangLit Paper 1 is media-based and for Literature it’s a commentary on an unseen poetry/drama/prose.
An example of LangLit Paper 1An example of Literature Paper 1
Paper 2 for both subjects is a comparison between texts.
An example of paper 2 for both, Literature and LangLit
LangLit or Literature?
Interest
Literature students analyze literary texts whereas LangLit students analyze non-literature extracts along with literary texts. Even though both of them use the same techniques, the latter focuses on language and how it’s used to convey, persuade, or entertain the reader, whereas the former studies the literary tools, the authorial purpose, and its literary impact. The choice between the two is solely based on the individual and the level of interest one has in the subject.
Do you love reading? If you do, then choosing the Literature paper would be an absolute delight for you, keeping in mind the 9-13 texts and many supplementary readings that you’d require to do for your paper. If you are more intrigued by non-fiction works that concern global and contemporary issues and directly relate to the audience today and have a knack for creative writing, then LangLit seems to be a viable option for you. And, of course, LangLit also has the Literature component so you have the best of both worlds!
Often you may have heard that some students find LangLit easier, whereas some find it a task to write multiple papers since it (LangLit HL) does have more writing to do. But when it comes to the level of difficulty, both are equally demanding in terms of preparation, which is essential for not just your grades but for honing your communication skills for life.
Career Plans
Having said that, let’s look at the larger picture – do you want to practice Law in the future? Or do you wish to study humanities? For those who want to take up Law, HL English Literature seems to be your best bet, giving you a sound understanding of how to evaluate texts and also preparing you for the LNAT in the UK.
For those who wish to study the arts, human sciences, or economics, and build a career on that front, LangLit is the better option for you. It gives you the premise to analyze language and the various methods that writers employ to achieve the desired meaning and effect.
Grade 10 Performance
Did you enjoy your time studying IGCSE literature? If you did, then SL literature seems to be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you struggled with it then LangLit could be the easier alternative. Furthermore, if you’re taking English under duress, then SL LangLit is the safest option of all 4 (SL/HL Lit/LangLit).
Ultimately, the decision to choose either can be made only by you and what interests you. Having explained the differences between both subjects, we hope to have answered a few questions that you may have had regarding the two and helped you make a decision. Still bamboozled? We offer academic and career counseling – get in touch with us to get the support you need.
If you worry that you’ll not be able to memorise or grasp the entire syllabus in time for exams, this blog post is for you. Effective note-taking is a process of consolidating useful information in a manner that can be easily deciphered. It helps in the strategic storage of information that is presented to us in different situations. Whether you are in a classroom setting, trying to absorb all that is being presented by the tutor or you find yourself in the middle of a solo study session, making notes will help your brain process and remember information in an efficient way. Listed below are a few methods which will help you ease into this process, especially during the exam season.
1. The Cornell Method:
This technique relies on summaries of the course material. Whenever you listen to or read new lessons, you should note down the key points and later construct them into a precise summarization of otherwise lengthy content. You can become creative in this method by using easier versions of complicated words and phrases. This method is beneficial when it comes to remembering the major concepts and themes of the subject matter. Along with that, it’ll help you revise easily.
To apply the Cornell Method in your routine, divide a blank sheet of paper into 3 sections: a 2.5” margin to the left, a 2” summary section on the bottom, and a main 6” in-class note section. Use the main notes section to take notes during class, the cues section to review your notes, and once you’re done with the class, write down things you’ll need to remember and a prompt for each. You can also use this section for vocabulary words and study questions. In the summary segment at the bottom, write a summary of your notes. This is where you will highlight the main points. Given below is a skeleton structure of the method which will help you to put it to execution flawlessly.
Template for the Cornell Method
2. Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is one of the most visually efficient ways to memorize a range of complex data. They are an academic tool that helps pupils utilise their cognitive abilities to the maximum. As opposed to linear notes, mind maps are visual structures of information that allow you to see the big picture (how all the different ideas are connected to one another). They are used as a study aid to help clarify thoughts, determine relationships, simplify complex ideas and memorise information.
In order to create a mind map, start with a specific concept that you want to learn. Place the center of a sheet and branch shoots from it, each noting a word or a phrase relating to the main topic. More branches sprout out from them adding more information to the primary concept till the point of completion. The sub-branches will contain detailed pointers for overall understanding. This helps develop and elaborate on the overall theme of the mind map. Including images and sketches can also be helpful in brainstorming and creating the sub-branch topics. Mind maps can be created on paper or on a computer with mind mapping software such as Bubbl.us and MindMeister which allow us to edit as we create. Feel free to download the template below and use it as per your needs.
Template for Mind Map
3. Outlining Method
This technique is famous for its simplicity and speedy execution. However, dash or indented outlining is usually not recommended for certain subjects like physics or math. The information which is most general begins at the left with each more specific group of facts indented with spaces to the right while the relationships between the different parts are carried out through indenting. This method is not complicated as there are no numbers, letters, or Roman numerals needed.
To use this way of note-taking, listen/read and then write in points in an organised pattern based on space indentation. Place major points farthest to the left, and indent each more specific point to the right. Levels of importance will be indicated by distance away from the major point. Indention can be as simple as or as complex as labeling the indentions with Roman numerals or decimals. Markings are not necessary as space relationships will indicate the major/minor points.
Example of the Outlining Method
As you cruise into the exam season, knowing how to make concise notes will help you grasp and revise the subject matter effectively and efficiently. Young Scholarz offers exam-based intensive revision classes for all IGCSE and IB subjects and can help guide you with effective subject-specific study techniques to help you score excellent grades. We hope this blog post helps you in your exam-prep journey. Reach out to us via email, or social media, or register for a class to have a great learning experience!
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