When colleges such as Yale ask “How have you learned about ____? List in order of influence.” and you have learned a lot from a current or past alumnus, they ask you to provide the “Name, if known”.
Why?
I am really confused why they want the name? Is it to see if you have good connections or what? Would it be bad to not provide a name?
Thanks, in advance, to any responses.
I think they just want to know if you have connections with an influential alumnus. Also to be sure you aren’t just making up your connection to an alumnus. I don’t think its a big deal. I find it odd that they even ask how have you heard about Yale. That’s like asking how ahve you heard about McDonalds. Everyone has heard of Yale.
A college like Yale may want to know that you have a thoughtful reason for applying (ex. a particular interest in program, atmosphere or something about the school) and you are not just going for the most prestigious name school you can get.
or it can be solely used for its statistics and marketing team
I cant imagine that your provided response will make or break your application
I think it’s for the marketing team to see if the tacts they use to gain popularity (brochures etc.) are effective