Hello Bronx Science!
We, the Editors-in-Chief and Managing/Advisory Editors of The Science Survey, are here to offer some advice about student life at Bronx Science, course selection, balancing academics and social life, must-read books, career paths, and college applications! We hope that you find our advice helpful!
Best,
Frances Auth ’26, Sophia Birman ’26, Aitan Dorsky ’26, Leif Emery ’26, Simone Ginsberg ’26, Ella Goodstein ’26, Gretchen Kamm ’26, Emilia (Emi) McKinney ’26, Samantha Nair ’26, Amanda Ro ’26, and Abigail (Abby) Sidi ’26
What’s something that you wish you had been told during your ninth-grade year? – Amanda Ro ’26
The jump from middle school to high school is inevitably a big one, and arguably even more difficult at a notoriously rigorous school like Bronx Science. I attended a middle school whose environment, when compared to Bronx Science, felt like a walk in the park. It was small, with few tests and homework assignments, and significantly less stressful.
Something that I wish I had been told during my ninth-grade year was to rely on the school’s resources. Your guidance counselor should be there to support you and help you make the transition to Bronx Science as seamless as possible. Getting to know your guidance counselor will be beneficial in the future, whether you have a question, need their help deciding your schedule, or are applying to college.
There are also Big Sibs assigned to every homeroom who are there to answer any questions and provide their advice and experiences during their time at Bronx Science. Every Big Sib actively works to help ninth graders feel less intimidated when entering the school and they are a great resource to rely upon.
Students, when first entering the school, can sometimes experience imposter syndrome, feeling self-doubt, or a sense of not belonging when surrounded by accomplished or high-achieving individuals. The most important thing to remember is that every student has a different educational path, including different interests, classes, and extracurricular activities. Though it may seem hard not to compare yourself to the impressive peers at Bronx Science, it is important not to feel pressured to participate in activities or take specific classes because you think that is what you are supposed to do, not what you genuinely want to do.
My last piece of advice is to take advantage of being a ninth grader. Every club and team at Bronx Science is open to most students, but especially encourages and welcomes ninth graders. There are so many extracurricular activities Bronx Science offers, and often it can feel overwhelming picking what interests you. The best thing a new student can do to benefit themselves throughout their four years is try every activity that piques their interest. Attend every interesting meeting you hear about, every first meeting, and tryouts, and give them a genuine first try. Then, once you have a good feel for each activity, pick a couple that make sense for your schedule and that you are excited about. This is also a great way to meet new people with similar interests.
Do you have any advice on getting into reading? Any book recommendations? – Frances Auth ’26
The best advice I can give to frustrated readers is to try to diversify your reading palate. It is easy to get stuck in a rut of reading the same author, the same genre, or even the same book over and over. I have curated a short list of books I enjoyed in the past year that helped me expand the scope of my reading and my worldview.
- The Overstory by Richard Powers is a novel with themes about conservation, environmental activism, and interconnectedness. Powers’ descriptions of wildlife, and specifically trees and their interactions with the environment, are poignant and powerful. The story is told from individual “root” perspectives whose paths converge at the end in a beautiful exposition. Because of its length (my copy was between 500 and 600 pages), I would opt to start this book over a break, when you have more free time.
- Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is a science fiction novel about a genius boy who is recruited by the government to a space program designed to train the world’s next interstellar military leaders. The boy’s interactions with his classmates and two genius siblings are a beautiful, grotesque commentary on human nature and connection, while his moral dilemma about eradicating an alien species depicts the xenophobia that is so prevalent in modern society. This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I highly recommend reading it with a notebook to jot down thoughts as you read.
- The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a historical fiction novel inspired by the true story of Martha Ballard, a midwife in the early American town of Hallowell, who investigates a murder in her community. The book covers scandal and sexual assault, dissecting the role of women in history. This was a quick read for me — I was hooked by the plot twists all the way through.
- Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell is a historical fiction novel about William Shakespeare’s family, particularly his 11-year-old son Hamnet’s tragic death from the plague. This is one of the only books that has ever brought me to tears, as it paints a picture of a family in mourning so raw and realistic that I can still picture many of the scenes I read a year ago. O’Farrell’s imagery is melodic, and the force of her characters and their struggles makes this an unforgettable book.
When it comes to nonfiction recommendations, I have a preface: I believe reading nonfiction is one of the infallible ways to diversify your reading palate, but I also recognize that nonfiction books are often more technical and harder to pick up than fiction. The best way that I like to incorporate nonfiction is to choose a topic I want to learn about, and read the biography of someone related to that topic.
For example, I became interested in economics this fall, so I ordered a biography called The Price of Peace by Zachary Carter. This was an engaging portrait of John Maynard Keynes, a British economist of the 20th century, which covered everything from his personal life to the geopolitical culture surrounding his work. As Carter named the titles of Keynes’ publications, I began reading online versions of Keynes General Theory and A Tract on Monetary Reform, thus immersing myself in Keynes’ story through a primary and secondary account. I find this to be the most effective way to try nonfiction — let your interests take you in a new direction, and your reading will follow. This fits into my overall advice: expand your appetite and try everything on your plate.
How many Advanced Placement classes should one take so that their schedule is still manageable for each year? Are there any specific A.P. courses that you recommend or can give tips for? – Frances Auth ’26
The true answer to this question is that there is no right or wrong answer. When it comes to choosing your courses, everyone’s “right” schedule is unique, and each is valid. I can try to generalize my advice, but keep in mind that course selection is not a one-size-fits-all question. For me, A.P. selection comes down to three factors: what I enjoy learning about, what makes sense on my college application, and what will help me avoid burnout. I will go through how those factors affect my choices, and include some tips for classes I’ve taken.
First and foremost, your classes should reflect your interests and your passions. For example, someone interested in social sciences might take A.P. Biology as a Sophomore and A.P. Psychology as a junior. As upperclassmen, Bronx Science students have more flexibility and autonomy, so you should fill in electives and core requirements with what you enjoy. For me, this meant taking A.P. American Studies in my junior year. My greatest tip for the class is to stay ahead on your reading, making time on your commute or during free periods. Keep in mind that your passions might lead you to take a non-A.P. class, like Modern Physics, Game Theory, or Animal Behavior. All of these classes are unique opportunities offered at Bronx Science that anyone interested should take advantage of, and have the same — if not more — merit than an Advanced Placement class.
Second, keep in mind what you want colleges to know. Here is where my general feedback becomes less useful, as everyone’s application is different. Generally, however, college officers want to see that you challenged yourself with the opportunities presented to you. That means if you qualified for an A.P. class in a certain subject, you might consider taking it (if it interests you) to show you want a challenge. As a reference point, I would suggest taking 1-2 A.P.s during your sophomore year, 3-4 during your junior year, and 3-4 during your senior year, if you qualify for them. Think about core requirements for a major you might apply for — A.P. World for a history major or A.P. Economics for a business major — and classes that express your overall interests. One class that I took for college is A.P. Calculus BC, which was a step out of my comfort zone as a student who prefers Humanities classes. My best advice for Calculus is to watch the A.P. Classroom videos at the end of the week to supplement your lessons.
Finally, think about the workload factor when choosing classes. Burnout is third on my list because I know most Bronx Science students want to stay oblivious to this advice. I promise (as a senior who is proud of my finished college application and all the work I’ve put in at Bronx Science), my favorite thing I did for myself was give myself breaks. Every year at course selection time, I have thought deeply about how to create free periods, reduce the volume of my workload, and avoid burning out. For example, I am interested in Economics, and I have applied with an economics major to multiple colleges, but I opted not to take A.P. Economics in exchange for an extra free period in my senior year. This is the type of sacrifice that helps me amplify the quality of my work in other classes and extracurriculars while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and lifestyle.
At the end of the day, I would discourage thinking of A.P. classes as a scoreboard, comparing yourself to peers, siblings, or online influencers. Bronx Science offers a vast array of amazing courses, some with the ‘A.P.’ preface and many without. No matter which level of a course you are in, please be proud of yourself and keep working hard!
Are there any particular books that you would recommend for students? – Abigael (Abby) Sidi ’26
Before I came to Bronx Science, I was an avid reader. I used to go to Barnes and Noble just about every weekend with my dad and force him to buy 2 or 3 books for me, which I would promptly finish by the next weekend. When I got to high school, I found it hard to find time to read. Between classes, extracurriculars, and sleep, reading tended to feel like the last thing I wanted to do.
Still, I’ve managed to squeeze in a few really great books in my schedule throughout the past three years. So, if you’re trying to read at least one book (on your own accord, and that won’t make you fall asleep) during 2026, here are my ultimate recommendations:
- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
If you’re not familiar with Agatha Christie, you’re missing out. Christie’s books are not the kind you can read in one sitting, and are often a bit tricky for the mind to follow. For that reason, I would leave her most complex book (in my opinion), The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, for a school break. But And Then There Were None, which is still quite complex and is often seen as Christie’s masterpiece, is perfect for daily train rides. It’s ingenious, it’s witty, and most importantly, it’s entertaining. I doubt you’ll fall asleep while reading this.
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Of all the book recommendations I’ve gotten from social media, this is by far the best. Alex Michaelides writes thrillers in such a captivating way that they will genuinely have you reading 200 pages in one sitting. His other book, The Maidens, is also great, but the plot twist in The Silent Patient is really top-notch (probably the best I’ve ever seen). This book is nuanced, advanced, and truly thrilling.
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
To diversify this list a bit, here’s a literary fiction novel that I absolutely love. You might’ve heard of the T,V, show called Normal People, which is streaming on Hulu, but I’m telling you, the show does not do the book justice. It makes the story seem a lot more like a romance than it actually is; Rooney intended this to be a real story about discovering your identity and navigating adult life, and how difficult this is when you’re shackled to a piece of your past. The romantic connection between the two main characters is really beside the point. Regardless, this is a great story, and the book is hard to put down. Keep the show to watch, after you read the book.
How do you figure out what you want to do in the future? – Simone Ginsberg ’26
With hundreds of possible career options, the prospect of having to choose merely a single one feels unfeasible, impossible even. The good news is that you don’t (not really, at least) as a high schooler. Choices that you make in high school regarding your future career are relatively inconsequential; you should, of course, treat them with weight, but recognize that you truly do have a lot of time to change your mind. For instance, while many perceive choosing a major as a binding agreement to embark down a certain career path, the vast majority end up entirely ditching the major they selected when completing their college applications. The “bad” news is that there will inevitably come a point where you need to narrow down hundreds of options, all while taking into account not only your passions but salary, location, and a litany of other factors. Thus, while not determinant of your future career, high school is undoubtedly a great and remarkably low-stakes period to begin the extensive process of exploring your interests, skills, and possible careers. Here are a few pieces of advice to get you on the right track!
- Keep an open mind!
You may enter high school with pre-conceived notions about yourself and your interests. Coming to Bronx Science, I had an intrinsic belief that I wanted to become a doctor (specifically a brain surgeon); I am now applying to colleges as a business and public policy major. The reality is that the career vision you have for yourself as a kid is typically predicated on unrealistic media depictions of careers or career propaganda from your parents. Do not let a fixation on what you think you want to do prevent you from determining what you actually want to do. That is to say that high school is the time to engage with as many disciplines as possible; take a diverse range of courses, and don’t be afraid to try out extracurriculars that may be outside of your comfort zone.
Despite having virtually no interest in business at the time, in my sophomore year, I decided to join the Women in Business Leadership Club because my friend ran it. Now, having served as president of the club for two years, I can easily say that the club played a key role in highlighting my passion for business, and I’m grateful I attended that first meeting on a whim. Courses are also a great way to help you predict your career trajectory, especially at a school like Bronx Science that offers dozens of unique classes that transcend a standard curriculum.
- Seize opportunities to gain real-world experience!
The only way to truly know how much you’ll enjoy a career is to get as close to experiencing it as possible. As high school students in New York City, there are countless summer internships and program opportunities accessible to us, which I encourage you to take advantage of. Not only does real-world experience help you gauge your talent and affinity for a potential career, but it concurrently adds an edge to your college application and résumé.
Over the summer before my senior year, I enrolled in an amazing summer program called Boss Girls at CCNY, where I was able to simulate the process of building my own start-up and present it at a final pitch competition to senior bankers. Immersing myself in the world of entrepreneurship and getting hands-on experience in constructing a business proposal made my interest in business much less “theoretical,” and corroborated my choice to major in it. However, formal experience is in no way necessary; simply having a conversation with a professional in your field of interest can be extremely helpful in determining whether the field is for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your family members and friends, teachers, or even people you don’t know (you’d be surprised how many people actually do respond to cold e-mails) in the careers you’re interested in to ask questions and have an open discussion.
- Think big picture!
You don’t need to have a hyper-specific interest in a discipline to determine your career path. When lost, start by thinking about yourself in a broader, holistic sense. What are your defining characteristics? For instance, let’s say you know that you love problem-solving and hands-on work; perhaps a field such as engineering or computer science could be for you. If you enjoy speaking with and learning about people, you may want to look into psychology or journalism as potential majors. You don’t need to know a certain field in depth; you just need to know yourself!
Ultimately, high school is a time to stay open. By exploring diverse classes, extracurriculars, and real-world experiences, you learn who you are and what genuinely excites you, rather than locking yourself into a career path shaped by assumptions or expectations.
How can I figure out which study methods work best for me? – Leif Emery ’26
For me, figuring out how I would study as a student was one of the most important things that I had to do in high school. I am sure that everyone is well aware of how important studying is — especially at a rigorous school such as Bronx Science. While it is a cliché, one of the most important things that I learned was how important it was to study for my tests gradually in the days leading up to the exam, rather than all at once. Most teachers give ample time before the date of a test to announce it, meaning that students have the ability to study well in advance. While it is possible and may be more convenient to try to learn all the material of a test the day before, that often comes at the expense of significant loss of sleep and mental clarity, which makes it impossible to perform well on the actual test.
Additionally, one of the things that made me more efficient as a student was to study a little bit of the material I learned the night after I learned it. Of course, this is easier said than done due to the large amount of work that many of us have. However, doing this (especially in A.P. World with Mr. Gonzowitz) allowed me to have a much better grasp of the material that I was learning. Each day, I would get a worksheet with the “Key Terms” that we learned for the day, and each night I would spend 10 minutes reviewing the terms that we had learned. Thus, when it came down to studying for the difficult tests that we had, I had much of the content already memorized. Of course, this is harder to do on some days than others, and harder to do for some classes than others, but just generally adopting the strategy of reviewing my notes the day I learned them allowed me to improve my study habits tremendously.
What are some good TV shows that are not super common but are enjoyable? – Gretchen Kamm ’26
I’ve always loved the depth that T.V. shows are able to reach across episodes and seasons, compared to a couple of hours of a movie. Finding the perfect show to put on, whether you want to be immersed in a story or just unwind, is one of my favorite pastimes. Even during this particularly busy time of the year, I still try to make time to find underrated but still amazing shows for whatever kind of mood I’m in.
For something lighthearted, I put on New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or How I Met Your Mother. These three sitcoms are good for laughs and when you want to watch something low-effort but with characters you still care about. Each centers around a friend group with enjoyable dynamics, with New Girl and How I Met Your Mother being about roommates.
For something more intense, I recommend House, a medical show that’s not quite as popular as Grey’s Anatomy but is still super interesting. For comfort and drama, Jane the Virgin and On My Block have super-engaging and immersive storylines.
Depending on what mood you’re in, there’s always a TV show that fits! If you try and like any of these shows, searching “shows similar to ___” has led me to more that aren’t super common but still fit what I want.
How can I be more efficient with my time management? – Aitan Dorsky ’26
One way to be more efficient with your time management is to check your homework before or when you get home, so you can calculate the time it should take you to do your homework. By doing this, you can make sure you leave yourself enough time to do your homework without depriving yourself of sleep. If you focus on your homework without distractions, it shouldn’t take more than two hours unless you have an unusually large amount of work. Most teachers in this school give some homework, but they don’t try to bury you in it. Also, teachers are required to let you know about an exam a week before so that they don’t make you cram for exams. This makes it easier for you to manage your time.
Since you have early warning for exams, you should start studying a week before, and you should be ready for the exam the day of. If you know you will have a lot of homework coming up, or you have a test soon, you should plan to do homework during a free period if you have one. Additionally, I recommend taking advantage of teachers’ office hours (at Bronx Science, this is called Small Group Instruction or SGI, for short) if you don’t understand the topic you are learning. If you focus in your classes, your homework shouldn’t be too hard. A lot of teachers will provide study topics before each test, so you should make sure to review them. Just remember that if you focus on school, you shouldn’t spend too much time on homework, and you will have free time.
What’s something that surprised you about Bronx Science that you’ve learned after attending for 3 ½ years? – Emilia (Emi) McKinney ’26
Walking into Bronx Science as a ninth grader, I thought I knew what to expect: tough classes, brilliant peers, and a lot of late nights. What I didn’t anticipate was how much those things would teach me about myself.
One of the biggest surprises has been realizing that every person in the room is smart — and that includes you. It’s easy to underestimate others, but it’s just as easy to underestimate yourself. Over time, I’ve learned that the best way to grow and to thrive at this school is by surrounding yourself with people who challenge you. And that confidence comes from overcoming those challenges.
Another unexpected lesson is that in the process of studying Marxism’s effect on the modern world, Einstein’s theory of relativity, or Shakespeare’s transformative use of English, I’m graduating this year not only with an excellent education but also a better sense of who I am. Bronx Science has teachers and students who can introduce you to the world — and, just as importantly, help you discover your place within it.
Lastly, after 3 ½ years, I didn’t expect to find a pool on the fourth floor, but don’t ask me for directions. Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
How do I avoid burnout? – Ella Goodstein ’26
Some of us enter Bronx Science with an unstoppable drive, determined to join every club and excel on every team. On the flip side, maybe you were (or are) an underclassman still figuring out what you like and what will stick.
Regardless of where you started, you’re guaranteed to hit a mental block sometime down the line, and it’s important to know how to bounce back, or away, from that fate. And trust me, you are far from alone. Whether you’re unsure if you’re all that burnt out yet or you’re knee-deep in a pool of missing assignments, here are my top three suggestions for avoiding that dreaded burnout.
- Make studying… fun? Try treating yourself!
Some days, I’d have to drag myself to my desk to even fathom doing A.P. Physics homework. But I do like sweet coffee. So to make that homework a little more bearable, I’d clear my desk, make some instant hot mocha, get a chocolate or two, and get to work. Or, for some math tests, to get through pages and pages of practice sheets, I’d just play my favorite songs (or really upbeat house music) and I’d gradually get back into the flow. Maybe there’s a huge essay due tomorrow, and you just barely started an outline. Go to a cute cafe, watch some videos on the subject, or dig through the subject and find niche subtopics that actually interest you. But if you regularly dread studying for most subjects, that’s the unfortunate recipe for burnout!
- No, everyone isn’t studying harder than you.
It’s not fun to fall into the trap of thinking that everyone’s so much smarter, hardworking, or better off than you. But remember — that simply isn’t true. First off, you don’t actually know what everyone is doing. And get off LinkedIn, because that’s just academic Instagram. In fact, what you’ll often find is that a lot of people are struggling just as much as you, and that most of them also have moments feeling that same crippling imposter syndrome. By showing up to school, staying afloat in your classes, and bouncing back from a bad test grade, you’re proving yourself to be a lot smarter than you think you are. Don’t downplay your talents!
- Not all breaks are created equal.
You’ve worked for a while, and 30 minutes ago you promised yourself a break by now. But by any means, that doesn’t mean “spend 5 minutes scrolling through social media.” Nor should you lie down for a “minute,” play some video games, or kick back your legs and watch T.V. That’s your brain tricking you into procrastination, so don’t fall for it! Some quick break ideas could be to take a walk, take a shower, doodle a little in your notebook, do some (or a lot of) jumping jacks, follow a stretch routine, fold a paper crane, or connect with the outside world. When you start to freckle more breaks into your schedule — while ensuring that each break is rejuvenating, not distracting — you’ll see yourself take some baby steps away from burning out.
What are some spots around the city that are perfect for relaxing? – Samantha Nair ’26
New York City is known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” a fitting name for such a hub of activity. Yet, there are some places within our concrete jungle that offer some solace and relaxation.
The American Museum of Natural History, located at 200 Central Park West, is a prime example of a place that offers a calm and unique space for locals and tourists alike to visit. Additionally, if you live in the city, a trip to the museum can be free. The Natural History Museum is uniquely situated as not only is it a great place to explore fascinating topics, but it also has a peaceful and quiet atmosphere since many of its exhibits are interactive, low light, or are shows. There are also many places for one to sit, engage in activities, or even buy different types of cuisine. The museum remains one of New York City’s greatest public installations and can be perfect for a relaxing visit.
Other overlooked and very public attractions that are great for finding some quiet and academic spaces are the multitude of Barnes and Noble stores in the city. These bookstores are made almost entirely the same at every location, with a cafe, multiple stories of many different genres of books, full amenities and bathrooms, and even a kids’ section. These classic institutions, which have been staples in the city for many years, encourage people of all ages to relax inside their walls with a good book for however long they want. These bookstores make an effort to be inviting to all their patrons, and most of them are usually large enough that even at the busiest hour, you can always find a quiet corner. One specific bookstore is the Barnes and Noble located at 105 Fifth Avenue (Union Square). This store is not only the largest location but also one of the most beautiful and most diverse with reading material. This should be a priority visit for those needing a quiet place to work or read.
New York City is magnificent in all its urban glory, but we all need a little fresh air sometimes. The parks in the city are a triumph for burning off excess energy, finding a fun activity, or even de-stressing with a walk or picnic. Central Park is the obvious choice when people imagine a large and beautiful park in the city, yet Riverside Park offers even more in some cases. Riverside Park, all the way on the West Side, spans dozens of blocks and even includes a walkway right next to the Hudson River under the West Side Highway. This park has many more trees than Central Park, and the forestry gives Riverside Park a secluded natural feeling that is replicated nowhere else in the city. Additionally, Riverside Park has many more attractions and amenities than other parks, as it has many playgrounds, soccer fields, a skate park, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more. This location is also home to stunning sunsets over the Hudson River, which you can watch from the many benches all along the park’s interior. Finally, Riverside Park is also much quieter and much less busy than most parts of the city, as it is next to many family areas on the West Side, creating an overall wholesome and relaxing atmosphere.
These might not be the most unique or alternative spots in the city to relax, but that is what makes them so versatile and beloved. They truly are an unlimited resource for New York City residents since they can be used by so many people every day.
How and when should we start working on our college applications? – Sophia Birman ’26
This is definitely a loaded question and completely depends on the person. You have to always find what works for you. However, from my experience, there is a general structure that will help you have a good senior year while still submitting stellar applications!
- Building Your College List: Spring of Junior Year
First, in the spring of your junior year, I would recommend touring various colleges. This not only helps you build your list, but also helps you better understand what features and aspects you value in colleges. However, there’s one big thing to note: you need to schedule these tours far in advance, especially for the most prestigious colleges. Otherwise, the spots fill up quickly.
I would recommend sitting down with your family in March and building a list of potential colleges you would like to apply to. This way, you’re able to schedule tours over spring break and the coming months.
While this depends on the person, I don’t think it is necessary to visit every school on your list. I simply toured some of my top choices to decide where I wanted to apply early, and decided that I would visit the rest if I needed to make a decision in April of my senior year. This way, I was able to save both time and money on travel costs.
However, if you can’t make it to an in-person tour, that’s no problem. There are plenty of virtual tours, Q&A sessions, and YouTube videos available that will tell you just as much, if not more, about a college!
Overall, try to have your college list finalized by mid-July of your Junior year. Of course, you can continue making tweaks up until December (I personally removed three schools from my list in the fall of my senior year), but it is good to have a rough guide and anchor point for the rest of your college journey.
- Activities List and Personal Statement: June and July
As the school year starts winding down in June, you should hone in on a couple of ideas for your personal statement and start drafting. My biggest recommendation here is to just start writing. If you can’t think of anything, read through the Common App prompts and start writing the first thing that comes to mind for 3-4 of the prompts. Throughout June and July, make sure you find an idea you truly like and try to finalize your personal statement.
Of course, this is easier said than done. This will take many, many series of drafts and revisions. But that’s okay! It’s part of the process.
Simultaneously, you should be writing your activities list. You should note that different portals, such as the Common App, the UC Application, the SUNY Portal, and the MIT Application, all have different structures and formats for their activities section. I would recommend starting with the Common App format, as that’s likely the portal through which you will submit the majority of your applications. This is a relatively straightforward part of the application, but you should think deeply about every word you write and every character you use — it means a lot!
- Supplements: August to December
On August 1st, the Common App opens, and all the colleges on the Common App release their supplemental essay prompts for the upcoming application cycle. This marks the day when you can start working on your supplemental essays!
Notice that I said can, not should. If you aren’t ready on August 1st, that’s okay — that’s normal! I definitely didn’t start my supplemental essays on August 1st. It’s more important not to rush yourself. Writing is a creative process, and if you aren’t happy with your personal statement and want to continue working on it before starting your supplemental essays, that’s okay! And it’s certainly much better than submitting a personal statement you aren’t happy with because you rushed to start your supplemental essays.
From August to December, you now have free rein. Work on what needs to be worked on! For example, for me, supplemental essays came much easier than the personal statement, so I spent a lot more time on my personal statement. Overall, aim to finish your supplemental essays for all your schools two weeks before they are due.
We, the Editors-in-Chief and Managing/Advisory Editors of The Science Survey, are here to offer some advice about student life at Bronx Science, course selection, balancing academics and social life, must-read books, career paths, and college applications! We hope that you find our advice helpful!