College Preparation & The Senior Year

4 BASIS Independent McLean Students Honored as National Merit Semifinalists

September 27, 2024 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

On September 11, 2024, officials from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists, and we are thrilled to celebrate four of our BASIS seniors who have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists:

Natasha A. ’25
Ian P. ’25
Vincenzo T. ’25
Gavin W. ’25

High school juniors entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as the initial screening of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants from about 21,000 high schools across the country.

While they have outperformed the majority of over 1.3 million high school juniors who entered the Program by taking the 2023 PSAT test, these academically talented seniors’ quest is not over. To become a Finalist, they must also submit a detailed scholarship application showcasing their outstanding academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. They will be competing for over 6,000 scholarships worth more than $26 million, which will be awarded next spring.

“We are so incredibly proud of our hard-working students. This is an amazing accomplishment, and we wish them luck as the process continues to unfold. Congratulations again to our Semifinalists!” —Jason Shorbe, Head of School at BASIS Independent McLean.

First row (from left to right):
Vincenzo T. ’25
Natasha A. ’25
Gavin W. ’25
Ian P. ’25

Second row (from left to right):
Jason Shorbe (Head of School)
Matt Ramsby (College Counselor)

Please join us in congratulating our four BIM Semifinalists!

Head of School Address to Class of 2025

September 25, 2024 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Each new school year starts full of excitement, and we make it a point to salute our seniors at BASIS Independent Brooklyn standing on the cusp of the next phase of their academic journey. Our Head of School address is one annual tradition to recognize and inspire our senior class. Earlier this month, Mr. Harmon dropped by Mr. Brauch’s college counseling session to welcome our Class of 2025 and help orient the year.

Below are selections from Mr. Harmon’s address:

You are the last class on this campus I had the honor to teach before moving into school administration. I remember working to make a Latin class engaging and relevant to you. It is bittersweet for me now to realize you are seniors about to leave our school. You will always be a special class to me, and you will always have a home here.

It is a great time to be a senior at our school. We just finished our 10^th school year, and our campus is established and strong. All our teachers and administrators are here to support you. We are all here to make your final year a success. I just ask for three things in return:

Be a leader on campus. Other students look up to you and will follow you.
Make decisions that benefit you and your families.
Set the tone for the years to come and finish the year strong.

Have fun. Enjoy your senior year. You have worked hard and we are so proud of you.

In senior year, our students take college-level seminar courses called Capstones. These are teacher-created, post-AP courses. While AP courses typically cover a breadth of content, Capstones allow students to explore a topic’s depth. Our teachers’ talents shine as they develop these college-level original courses tied to their academic passions. This year the Capstone classes at BASIS Independent Brooklyn are:

Chinese Literature & Culture
Differential Equations
Economics of Water Resources
French Cinema
Latin Composition
Monsters in the Mirror – Literature
Multivariable Calculus
Neuroscience
Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry
U.S. and Mid-Eastern History

In the third and final trimester of senior year, our seniors embark on their Senior Projects. The Senior Project is an independent, student-led culmination of our high school experience. After three years of academic preparation, our seniors are ready to spend the last trimester of their high school careers applying the skills and knowledge they have gained to develop a project that is insightful, academically rigorous, and professional in nature.

Once we know what questions our seniors will set out to answer with their Senior Projects, we will share with our community in the hopes of parents and guardians helping connect our Class of 2025 with leaders in the field who can provide perspective and expert commentary to benefit their research.

Class of 2025: We could not be prouder of you. We will be rooting for you this year and in all the years to come. GO BEARS!

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK– Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Celebrates AP Scholar Recognition

September 6, 2024 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

BASIS Independent Manhattan is proud to announce that nearly half (48%) of our Advance Placement (AP) test-taking students have been recognized by the College Board for their exceptional performance on the 2023-24 AP Exams. These dedicated 23 students demonstrated a remarkable commitment to rigorous academic pursuits and have earned the following prestigious AP Scholar awards.

15 AP Scholars with Distinction: Students who scored 3 or higher on five or more AP exams and an average score of at least 3.75.
5 AP Scholars with Honor: Students who earned scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP exams and an average score of at least 3.5.
4 AP Scholars: Students who scored 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.
1 AP Capstone Diploma: Students who earned a qualifying score on both the AP Seminar and AP Research exams.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ outstanding accomplishments on the AP Exams,” said Ms. Cyndriel Meimban, Academic Programs Manager at BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Upper School. “Their hard work, dedication, and intellectual curiosity have enabled them to excel at the highest levels of academic achievement.”

Additional results worth highlighting include:

The average AP score for our students was 4.02 (out of 5), whereas it was 2.96 for the rest of the country and abroad.
For two years in a row (2022-2023 and 2023-2024), approximately 75% of our AP students reach the highest level of AP Scholar with Distinction by the time they graduate.

What is increasingly impressive is that our students on average complete 12.4 AP exams and complete their AP course requirements during their first three years of high school. These AP Scholar awards are a testament to the exceptional quality of education at BASIS Independent Manhattan in a supportive learning environment with experienced teachers who provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Interested in learning more about our program and the High School Years? We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, or contact our Admissions team to see if BASIS Independent Manhattan is the right fit for you.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings.

What Makes Our Senior Year Different?

August 15, 2024 by msnyder Leave a Comment

The high school years offer students unprecedented exposure to high-level content and the creative critical thinking opportunities typically reserved for university-level studies. Under the guidance of passionate Subject Expert Teachers who are deeply invested in their success, students gain the best possible preparation for college and hone skills and habits that stay with them long after graduation.

Senior year is a unique bridge to college; a transition from traditional classroom learning to applying knowledge in a real context. To achieve this unique approach, our students can fulfill all required coursework in Grade 11 and focus their knowledge and skills into the three distinct pillars that make up senior year.

“Our senior year allows students like me to differentiate themselves in the increasingly crowded market for college applications. Academic success depends on the publication of compelling research. Industry success depends upon delivering results that impact the bottom line of your research. This year enables me to prove that I can do both, while sampling the day-to-day work of my field of interest.” – Senior at BASIS Independent Schools

Capstone Courses
These two-trimester courses are the teacher-created counterpart to AP® courses. While AP® courses typically cover a breadth of content, Capstones offer students the opportunity to explore a topic’s depth. Our teachers’ talents shine as they develop these college-level original courses tied to their own academic passions. In each course, students transition from classroom-style learning typical of high school to seminar-based or lab-based learning typical of college and university courses.

In the past, Capstone courses have included:

Advanced Java Topics and Machine Learning
Arte Contemporaneo
Corporate Finance
Differential Equations
Economics of Water Resources
Existentialism and the Absurd
French Cinema
Inorganic Chemistry
Introduction to Gothicism and Horror
Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus
Lyric Poetry and Music
Neuroscience
Post-Colonial Literature
Rhetoric and Communications
Roman Drama
The Biology of Cancer

College Counseling
This two-trimester-long daily class allows College Counselors to get to know students on a deeply personal level and help them determine what college and university options will align with their personal, educational, and professional goals with a focus on individual fit. This course helps students research colleges, work on college and scholarship applications, manage and organize college-related correspondence, write essays, and conduct mock interviews to develop interview skills. In addition, each student will meet individually with their College Counselor during class time. The atmosphere of the class is much like a focused study hall where students are expected to work in a dedicated and respectful manner to achieve their college admissions goals.

The Senior Project
The senior year culminates in a three-month, off-site Senior Project, proposed and constructed by students under the guidance of an internal faculty advisor and an external professional specialist in the field of the student’s choosing. After three and a half years of academic preparation in high school, our seniors are ready to spend the last trimester of their high school careers applying their skills and knowledge to develop a project that is insightful, academically rigorous, and highly professional in nature. Students work with an internal BASIS Independent advisor and an external mentor, such as a lab director, entrepreneur, or researcher, and are required to blog about their experiences. The Senior Project culminates in a presentation of their findings to the entire school community. This event is a great source of pride for our whole school, a perfect capstone to the high school experience, and an inspiration for students to come.

The final year at BASIS Independent is a bridge from traditional classroom learning to applying knowledge in a real context. BASIS Curriculum graduates leave our program prepared to be leaders in college and beyond.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s Class of 2024 College Acceptances

May 7, 2024 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

The Class of 2024 at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is an exceptional group of students with a diverse range of talents and interests. These students have consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a strong work ethic, both inside and outside the classroom. By completing our rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, our students have developed a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve them well as they pursue their post-secondary goals.

When speaking to our Head of School, Ms. Kolb, she emphasized that the college acceptances this year are a clear reflection of the students’ dedication to their studies and readiness to take on the next chapter of their lives. “It’s clear that the students’ efforts have paid off, and they’re now reaping the rewards of their perseverance and commitment to their education,” said Kolb. “As they prepare to graduate and move forward, their achievements serve as a source of pride for both themselves and the entire BISV community.”

College acceptances mark a significant achievement for our students and their families, underscored by the pivotal role our college counselors play in the journey. While getting into a top-ranked college is often seen as the ultimate goal, our counselors focus on helping students find a college that’s the best fit for them academically, personally, and professionally. This entails a deep dive into understanding each student’s passions, strengths, and circumstances, including financial and geographic considerations. By prioritizing this tailored approach, our counselors empower our graduating Bobcats to discover a college environment where they can excel academically, personally, and socially, paving the way for their future success beyond college.

Ms. McCollum, one of our college counselors, exuded pride as she spoke about the graduating class, expressing, “The Class of 2024 comprises hard-working and collaborative students, and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them. I have no doubt that this group of students will go on to positively influence the world, all while enjoying the journey. Congratulations, Seniors, you truly deserve all the good that awaits you!”

The dedication, resilience, and achievements have been nothing short of inspiring from the Class of 2024, and we have full confidence that they will continue to thrive in all their academic and personal endeavors. As they start on their exciting journey beyond our campus, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to each and every member of the graduating class. Below, you’ll find the comprehensive list of college acceptances for this remarkable group of Bobcats. Congratulations, Class of 2024! Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Grads Head to Top Universities: Class of 2024 College Acceptances

May 7, 2024 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to announce the college acceptances of our inaugural graduating class at BASIS Independent Manhattan! These outstanding results reflect their hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence. We are inspired by their achievements and proud to see them succeed.

A Pioneering Spirit Sets the Stage
As Ms. LaNette Hodge, Head of School, reflects, “This is a truly significant milestone for BASIS Independent Manhattan. Many of these students joined us in the very first year we opened our doors. Witnessing their development and evolution throughout their 6th-12th grade experience has been truly rewarding. They are pioneers, setting a high standard for future BASIS Independent Manhattan graduates.”

College Enrollment Reflects Exceptional Achievements
Here’s a glimpse into the impressive colleges our Class of 2024 will be calling home this fall (listed in order of commitment date):

Wesleyan University
Yale University
Duke University
University of Virginia (2 students)
Cornell University
Stanford University
University of California San Diego (UCSD)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Lafayette College
Carnegie Mellon University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
University of Colorado Boulder

(Full list of college acceptances will be included below.)

The statistics speak volumes about the caliber of this graduating class:

23% of students secured spots at top-10 ranked universities.
Over 62% received offers from institutions within the top 25 nationally and internationally, including prestigious names like Stanford, Yale, Duke, and the University of Virginia (three graduates this year!).
An impressive 92% gained acceptance to schools ranked in the top 50.
Remarkably, 100% were accepted to colleges within the top 75.

These statistics are reflected across the BASIS Independent Schools Network! Check out our blog highlighting the acceptances from our fellow campuses in Brooklyn, McLean, Silicon Valley, and Fremont. Read the blog: The Class of 2024 – Achieving New Heights and Redefining Success

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Opportunity
Ms. Andie Abrams, College Counselor, shares her experience, “While we weren’t quite sure what to expect from our first graduating class, we are absolutely thrilled with their achievements. The students embraced the college application process early, focusing on self-discovery and finding schools that truly aligned with their goals. They celebrated every milestone, big and small, and I have no doubt that they are all well on their way to incredible success.”

We at BASIS Independent Manhattan are beyond proud of our Class of 2024 and their remarkable accomplishments. They are a testament to the power of a nurturing and rigorous academic environment, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them all! We can’t wait to see the amazing things they achieve in the years to come.

Full List of College Acceptances:

American University
Babson College
Boston University
Carnegie Mellon University
Cornell University
Denison University
Duke University
Elon University
Emory University (2)
Fordham University (2)
George Mason University
George Washington University (2)
James Madison University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University (2)
McGill University (2)
New York University
Northeastern University
Ohio State University, The
Pomona College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2)
Rochester Institute of Technology (2)
Rutgers University
SUNY Albany
SUNY Binghamton
SUNY Stony Brook
Stanford University
University of California – Berkeley
University of California – Davis (2)
University of California – Irvine
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California – San Diego (3)
University of California – Santa Barbara
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Indiana at Bloomington
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Massachusetts Amherst (2)
University of Rochester
University of Virginia
Washington University in St Louis
Wesleyan University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2)

Interested in learning more about our program and the Senior Year? We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, or contact our Admissions team to see if BASIS Independent Manhattan is the right fit for you.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings.

BASIS Independent McLean Class of 2024 College Acceptances

April 10, 2024 by weitoker Leave a Comment

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! The list below shows this year’s class’ power and inspiring nature. While additional acceptances are still possible from waitlists, 100% of our seniors have secured a spot at a Top-70 Nationally ranked institution of higher education. Our graduates will pursue majors in Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Science, Engineering, Neuroscience, Political Science, Physics, and Journalism.

Earlier this school year, Niche.com named BIM the #1 Best College Prep Private High School in the Washington, DC area. Our 24 seniors proved worthy of that ranking as they were accepted to 60 colleges and universities in the US and Canada. The Class of 2024 began their college application process during their College Counseling Boot Camp last May, and the acceptance list below marks the culmination of 12 months of hard work and application dedication. It has been quite a year, and we are excited for what the future brings for the Class of 2024.

In-State Highlights:

UVA accepted over 50% of our Virginia applicants, William Mary accepted 75%, and Virginia Tech accepted an unprecedented 90% of our applicants.

National Highlights:

46% of our seniors were accepted to a Top 25 National University:

Brown University, Cornell University, Duke University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rice University, Stanford University, University of California (Berkeley), University of Michigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Washington University in St. Louis, Yale University

Please join us in congratulating our Class of 2024 Red-Tailed Hawks!

Arizona State University
Binghamton University
Boston University
Brown University
Case Western Reserve University
Clemson University
Cornell University
Drexel University
Duke University
Emory University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola Marymount University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mount St Mary’s University
Northeastern University
Oxford College of Emory University
Penn State University
Purdue University
Queen’s University
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
Stanford University
The Ohio State University
University of Arizona
University of California (Berkeley)
University of California (Davis)
University of California (Irvine)
University of California (San Diego)
University of California (Santa Barbara)
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Vassar College
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Western University
William & Mary
Yale University

Personalized Attention, Big Dreams: BASIS Manhattan Seniors Shine with College Counselor Support

December 4, 2023 by msnyder

Anticipation grows as BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Class of 2024 eagerly awaits college decisions. But amidst the nervous excitement, there’s a sense of calm confidence. That’s thanks to the unwavering support of our College Counseling program, led by the inspiring Ms. Abrams.

Ms. Abrams goes beyond just checking applications. She’s a champion for each student, guiding them through the maze of personal statements, essays, and resumes. Her personalized approach, fueled by a deep understanding of each senior’s unique strengths, helps them craft narratives that shine.

Their work together began well before their senior year and picked up during their junior year. In partnership with Ms. Abrams, students created a starter list of colleges tailored to their needs and interests and wrote a strong personal statement draft before leaving for summer vacation. With her expertise, she guided them to identify their priorities and toward their perfect college fit.

Now, the seniors meet with Ms. Abrams in a daily 50-minute College Counseling Workshop. She provides presentations about major checkpoints in the application process including:

writing a personal statement,
crafting supplemental essays,
building a resume,
exploring different methods of applying to college,
understanding financial aid, conducting college research, and
exploring career and personal interests.

Also, Ms. Abrams provides a kind of personal attention that is very unique to our school. She meets with each senior individually to check on their progress. Leveraging the advantages of small class sizes, Ms. Abrams provides personalized feedback and guidance to help each student polish their essays and stand out in their applications. With her deep understanding of each senior, she is able to assist them in generating ideas and brainstorming essay topics that highlight their unique qualities and experiences.

Ms. Abrams also plays a significant role in helping seniors kickstart their Senior Projects. Many of the seniors have been matched with impressive organizations around the world, where they will intern for 10 weeks from March to June. These internships cover a diverse range of fields, including finance, special education, computer science, physics laboratories, and support for Ukraine.

This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone at BASIS Independent Manhattan as we move through the college applications and admissions process together. We are so proud of the work our students are putting in and eagerly anticipate sharing their college decisions in the coming months.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Students Honored as National Merit Semifinalists

September 15, 2023 by msnyder

On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, ofﬁcials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the Semiﬁnalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. In our school’s first year of eligibility, we are pleased to share that two BASIS Independent Manhattan seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists. These students have been with our school since the beginning, starting in 6th grade. Throughout their time here, they have consistently excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service.

Among the16,000 Semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, we are pleased to recognize our honored students at BASIS Independent Manhattan: Scarlett S. (Class of ’24) and Zachary S. (Class of ’24).

“Watching the students go through the full academic experience at BASIS Independent Manhattan and starting to receive these awards and honors feels gratifying and motivating. Proper recognition is finally coming our way, marking the beginning of an incredibly strong future for our school,” said LaNette Hodge, Head of School at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

Zach and Scarlett at an awards ceremony during their grade 6 year at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

When asked about this achievement, Scarlett commented, “It feels really great to be honored for all of the hard work I have put into my studies.” She has always been a student who goes above and beyond, which is something our community witnessed just last year when Scarlett placed second in the BASIS Means Business competition as the only all-female, one-person team.

Ms. Williams (Subject Expert Teacher, Latin) said, “I have had the pleasure of teaching Zach Latin for the past six years. He is a student who — once exposed to a new topic — will dive into it whole-heartedly by not only participating in all class activities but also researching deeply. I am astounded at his academic ability and brilliant thought processes which enable him to make connections far beyond the classroom.”

These two Wildcats consistently impress their peers and teachers with their diligence and dedication. In addition to this recognition, both Scarlett and Zach have been awarded as AP Scholars with Distinction.

More about the National Merit Scholarship Program: High school juniors entered the 2024 program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semiﬁnalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The scholarship winners will be selected from a group of Finalists between April and July 2024.

Please join us in congratulating our incredible Wildcats!

2023 STEM Senior Project Spotlight

September 7, 2023 by ekugler

The Senior Project, the pinnacle of the BASIS Curriculum, is a selective program that involves an off-campus research project or internship of the student’s choice and design for the last trimester of their senior year.

Seniors select a BASIS Independent Schools faculty member as their advisor and work with a mentor at their research site. These students create detailed project plans, bibliographies of resources, and a personal syllabus for their projects, all of which are approved by a committee of teachers and administrators.

At the end of the trimester, students return to campus and present an analysis of their findings to peers, staff, and parents. To remain connected to their school community while in the field, students are required to blog throughout their experience.

To view a sample of this year’s Senior Projects, keep reading below.

Student: Alison D.

Project Title: Illustrating Jane Eyre: Reviving Classics Through Art

Internship Location: Virtual

Abstract: Many classic novels have been adapted into visual mediums like TV, graphic novels, and web comics to give an element of modernity to historical stories and make them appealing to students. However, these works are often far more simplified than the original and fail to embody the complex themes and nuances of the text. Additionally, since the visuals portray each scene explicitly, readers no longer have to pay close attention to the writing in order to visualize the descriptions. My project explores a middle ground between a graphic novel and a text-only book. With the guidance from my advisor, Mr. Bucci, I will create a few illustrations for a novel that will provide the reader with a visual base for their imagination while preserving the original text. I’ve chosen Jane Eyre as my book since it is a well-known and ever-relevant classic. I will use the Medibang Paint software to digitally draw my historical illustrations in a modern art style that will appeal to the younger generations and encourage them to read the book. The final product will be a set of 5 – 10 illustrations of scenes from Jane Eyre.

Student: Timothy H.

Project Title: The Dissection and Arrangement of Music Using Computer and Instrumental Composition

Internship Location: San Jose State University

Abstract: When creating music, it is important to understand the ins and outs of the various sounds that are used to create the melodies that are produced. From learning how to create a rhythm to adding the right percussion and bass to even finding a catchy and appropriate melody, each part of the song is an important aspect that needs tuning to create a coherent song. Through arrangements, it is important to take those key components of a song and translate them in a new and original way, potentially utilizing different instruments or even software to generate the notes and melodies. Whether it’s simple guitar arrangements from Sungha Jung or Andrew Foy to the fully fleshed post-modern arrangements of Weird Al, my work analyzes these various arranging styles and how they use their creativity to utilize the musical tools to create their own arrangements. Through the understanding of these complex arrangements, I am creating my own arrangements of songs for people to listen to through researching and adopting various arranging styles of well-known artists and music creators.

Student: Cindy W.

Project Title: Generosity and Vulnerability in Conditional Cooperation

Internship Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract: Standard economic theory assumes that all agents are rational, acting in their own best interest. Yet, we often find real-life decisions to be far from rational as they are affected by our emotions and environment. Specifically, I am focusing on the factor of vulnerability through a virtual project with Carnegie Mellon University’s Social & Decision SciencesScreenshot 2023-05-31 142845 Department. Vulnerability has often been studied in psychology as a facilitator of trust and intimacy. Considering this, I am researching whether vulnerability can also induce trust in an economics setting through reciprocity, generosity, and cooperation. By creating my own economic game and distributing it through Prolific, an online site for completing surveys and conducting research, I am gathering a sample of subjects to participate in my study. In my game, there is a clear Nash equilibrium; however, due to the effects of vulnerability, some subjects may not choose the most rational choice for themselves. Instead, they may be more inclined to give to other people. I expect that vulnerability can induce connections between humans, which is extremely pertinent in real-life interactions, specifically in business through sales and marketing. The results of my research add an additional explanation for why real-life human behavior is not the same as that predicted by economic models, and more importantly, it may advise us on sales and marketing strategies that can induce customers to give back more to the business.