<p>Ok. I've spent a ridiculous amount time sifting through the countless chances threads on this board only to arrive at a single, rather sad conclusion: I don't stand a chance. Really, on this board, a majority of students seem to be featured in this month's issue of U.S. News for a plethora of astounding accomplishments. Are these people the absolute cream of the crop? </p>
<p>Bottom line, I'm from a very, very small private school in northeast Mississippi that offers very few activities to students not interested in contact sports. Don't get me wrong; I'm extensively involved in the school's service organizations, I was chosen to go to the HOBY World Leadership Congress from the seminar in Jackson, I'm in the process of starting a Lion's Club in my school, I won a first annual community achievement award in my town, I'm easily 1st in my class, etc. In fact, my school has yet to send someone to the Ivy League. Amazing, right? My point is this: I consider myself to be a far and away above average student within the context of the opportunities available to me. That said, does someone like me even stand a chance?
This isn't necessarily a chances thread, I'm simply hoping to spark a general discussion. Thanks.</p>
<p>Definitely apply. From what I've seen, Yale takes into account what you participate in the context of what was available to you. A friend from a small school who participated in NO extracurricular activities and had average test scores was admitted. This friend is excelled at Yale and is already highly respected in her field of study. Yale takes chances, and many times they are wise chances to take.</p>
<p>This board is not necessarily representative of everybody who applies to Yale. People probably exaggerate their accomplishments as well. There are plenty of well-rounded but above-average people here, myself included. I would apply and not worry about it.</p>
<p>I hope you're right, conwoman. I feel somewhat inadequate at times, too. I truly hope this site isn't representative of everybody who applies to Yale. But I'm not going to worry about it. What happens happens.</p>
<p>Apply! I assume you'd get geographic diversity points for Mississippi and diversity points for not coming from an urban center (which seems to be true based on your description of your "town"). I totally agree with La Vie that Yale looks at you in the context of where you come from and you sound like you're outstanding in your context.</p>
<p>Also, while Yale has many ridiculous overacheivers, I don't find the CC community to be representative of the applicant pool.</p>
<p>"This board is not necessarily representative of everybody who applies to Yale. People probably exaggerate their accomplishments as well. There are plenty of well-rounded but above-average people here, myself included. I would apply and not worry about it."</p>
<p>good thing, i feel like i have no chance when speaking to these people, but i guess that the extra competition (or feeling of competition) can give you that extra edge and desire to succeed. also, i doubt anyone exaggerates their accomplishments. It won't help them, they will get false feedback, besides who wants to impress a bunch of people on the internet? by telling the truth, they get better feedback for impressing the people that matter-the adcoms.</p>
<p>There's a lot of obsessing (who can help it) without much in the way of true material to obsess over. I have been reading the Yale site (obsessively) about admission and ? the following
Yale legacys admit at a rate of about 33%
If you follow this web site, the most amazing applicants ---scores, grades, you name it---are deferred and rejected.<br>
Does this mean the legacies that are admitted have as good scores as the "average" amazing applicant or does being a legacy bump you over better candidates? I can't believe 1/3 of their legacy candidates are stunners.</p>
<p>My understanding is that being a legacy is the tie breaker among equally qualified candidates. According to statements made by Yale officials in a variety of publications (for instance 2005 Yale Alumni Magazine interview with President Levin regarding admissions), legacy admits, on average, have slightly higher stats than non legacy admits.</p>
<p>It makes sense to me that many children of Yale grads have grown up in a world where education is a high priority, where many enrichment opportunities are available, and where sophisticated parents understand elite college admissions and plant the seeds for admissions success early in their children's lives.</p>
<p>And I know numerous legacy "stunners" who were denied admission.</p>
<p>APPLY! you have nothing to lose, except a bit of time and possible rejection, but that's totally worth it considering the chance (however big or small...i think it's probably pretty big, as your background reminds me of one of my friends' here at Yale)...and even if you don't get in, you can be happy that you tried.</p>
<p>sure :). just btw though--i dont know THAT much about your background, and im not telling you that youre definitely getting in...of course, no one can predict w 100% accuracy what the admissions officers are going to do.</p>
<p>(when stressing out about college, as i spent much of my senior year doing, try to keep reminding yourself that everything works out. and apply to a lot of safeties/other ivies, just in case! also, remember that where you go to college isn't everything, since most of your success in life, i think, depends on your personal motivation and skills.)</p>
<p>Thanks. I know I stress about the whole thing too much, I just worry about how I can present myself on an app. Except for the HOBY involvement, which I hope is a pretty big deal, most of my other stats are completely school-based. Also, since the organizations I started were formed in my junior year, the top two ECs on the list will be the ones I participated in for two years. I wonder if things like that really matter, though. When listing ECs, how can one describe specific projects within a club or group, or is it better to just list the organization? Rather, is community service understood with membership in numerous service clubs, or do specific instances need to be cited? Also, do you know anyone that was involved with HOBY? I just really hope that can help. Sorry to bombard you with questions, I'm just happy someone understands.</p>
<p>okay. i would say that you can mention one or two notable things you did on your activities sheet near the specific club.</p>
<p>and sorry, ive never heard of HOBY.</p>
<p>just remember that in every part of your app, theyre looking for the big picture--what kind of person you are, how accomplished you are, etc. and i think theyll understand that youve had few opportunitites.</p>
<p>channel your stress into something where more time means better results: your essays.</p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>email me for more help. (im rarely on these boards and just decided to look around randomly last night.)</p>