top of page
STEM College Studio
Admissions coaching from a professor who wrote the rubric
Passion Project Development
Colleges want to see students who show interest beyond schoolwork and projects they develop on their own. Passion projects are a rising trend, ways to show students their unique perspectives and grow in ways outside the curriculum. Who better to mentor a student with passion project development than a professor who teaches design thinking!
Below are a few excerpts from passion projects, and how they helped students stand out in applications as well as grow as scientists.
Is our music sadder?
Kyle loves data science and music. She plays the guitar in an all-girl band. She wanted to think about how music has changed over time. She finds music a stress-relief and a positive outlet for mental health.
After hearing more of her interests, we developed a thesis, examining lyrical themes over time. And she found that the top songs have shifted to being sadder.
She published this work in a local music editoral, and wrote how these experiences in her college essays.
She is now pursuing a major data science and minor in music performance.
A present for dad
Ethan has loved automotive racing ever since his dad introduced him to it. He built all sorts of makeshift cars and go carts as a kid with his dad and brother. As he learned more science, his goal was to major in mechanical engineering and pursue automotive engineering.
As a way to develop his computer-aided design (CAD) skills, we came up with a plan for Ethan to design and 3D print a go cart, learning key engineering principles along the way. The goal was to get it printed by his dad's next birthday.
The ups and downs of learning new software made great essay material for Ethan's essays, and now he is pursuing mechanical engineering and joining his university's Society of Automotive Engineer's Baja Off-road racecar team.
How does AI reinforce stereotypes?
Jay is interested in regulatory law, and was not sure if he wanted to pursue computer science or political science as his primary degree.
To explore both options, we discussed Jay's concerns about both fields, as well as get more experience in both, we designed an experiment to see how AI databases learn from existing biases, how it may portray stereotypes, and what regulations should be considered.
In this experiment, Jay found that AI will create an image of a male if the prompt does not specify gender when prompted about male-dominated fields at disproportionally higher rates than the gender ratios in that field, lead to false impressions of that field. We then discussed ways to understand and counteract biases without overcorrecting.
Through this experience, Jay realized his true passion was closer to the political science side, but the understanding of CS will be important, and thus is pursuing a political science major with a CS minor.
Passion project development
Interested in having Professor Berent help you develop a passion project? Book a consultation or send us a note.
Note sure yet? No worries. Many students develop a passion project through the College Admissions Coaching process.
bottom of page