<p>Hey Pushin…</p>
<p>what are your stats? you’re probably one of those amazing lac students?</p>
<p>hi my college confidential discussion group colleagues. </p>
<p>i don’t know why i am even posting here. i submitted the application already, so it won’t do any good (as far as getting advice). but i think that it’ll help me a little bit mentally, no matter what happens. </p>
<p>i might be a unique case. i might not be.</p>
<p>my father was blind when i was 10. he left my mother after he received a large financial settlement. she raised us on a very meager salary. i left school after the eighth grade, never completing high school–not even a half year. in fact, i was expelled for never coming. by 15, i suffered from homeless and i was basically illiterate. i could barely read and write. along the way, a cuban family became my family. i became fluent in spanish, and they paved the way for me to have a stable life, with all the basics. they also helped me recover from self-medication; my drug and alcohol problems (i did not mention this in the essay, it’s too embarrassing). during these hard years, i didn’t know what my identity was anymore. my father is white; my mother’s grandparents were native american (i am not registered); and i was raised basically as a cuban. so i don’t know even know who i am. i wrote about most of these things. </p>
<p>eventually, i went directly into four year colleges. no community college. i think i held between a 3.33 and a 3.5 outside of where i am now. </p>
<p>so, fast forward, somehow i got to harvard college. i maintained a b+ (though it was only about a 3.32 or 3.27?) this was like the hardest thing i ever did. the kids there are so amazing. i mean, really.</p>
<p>i’m from rural west virginia. nobody in my family has ever set foot in a college. i went from the ged placement exam to making an A in a pure mathematics course at harvard college (number two math dept. in the country). and i have never made below an A- in ANY math (though, i did not want to mention this on my essay; i felt it would be obviously on my transcripts). I have taken calc, logic, math logic, etc. also, i worked almost full time during my college career. </p>
<p>i have letters of rec from two people that taught at harvard and an employer. </p>
<p>i worked at ibm and a bunch of other places. </p>
<p>i feel like such a jerk for even posting this stuff. i don’t want to come off as a arrogant or anything because i got a chance to go to harvard and do a year of coursework. </p>
<p>any thoughts?</p>
<p>if you are serious about this stuff willard, i think i would be happy to be denied (as long as someone like you got the spot). </p>
<p>this is one of the most amazing stories i’ve ever heard in my entire life. it cannot be real, harvard college? THE NUMBER ONE SCHOOL IN THE WORLD, HARVARD COLLEGE?</p>
<p>i am going to pray for you. i think god has a special place for you on earth. </p>
<p>please PM me and tell me the rest of your story. this is crazy. i hope you get in. i hope i get in too. but wow. Harvard? i cannot believe it. how many other people will have Harvard College transcripts. </p>
<p>there is no way this is real… but if it is, you got my vote.</p>
<p>i think you are so bs willard. </p>
<p>nobody should believe you here… that’s the most ridiculous story that i’ve ever heard? rural west virginia? A in ANY math? I don’t want to sound like a jerk? GET A CLUE. we are not idiots… pure math? come on, kid… don’t lie to be cool. just get lost.</p>
<p>Lets look at Willard’s story.
First of all deadbeat dads are common, no biggie there. Second of all being raised by an ethnically diverse family could be considered, but it would not be one factor among many in the application that would be considered.To quote Willard:
" i suffered from homeless and i was basically illiterate…"
Hmm, he can barely put together a paragraph, nonetheless an essay.
Quoting Willard:
“i didn’t know what my identity was anymore. my father is white; my mother’s grandparents were native American (i am not registered); and i was raised basically as a Cuban. so i don’t know even know who i am…”
An identity crisis is also not a compelling reason for admissions into an Ivy. This is a poorly written story that REAKS!
Harvard does have a Visiting Scholars program, but Willard does not sound like he would qualify. Furthermore, if he is alluding to the Harvard Extension School, they require you pass three pre requisites one of which is in writing. From what I’ve seen, I don’t think Willard would be able to earn the minimum grade of B in the writing class.
Hey, I am more willing than anyone on here to believe a story, but you have to be able to back it up with the presentation of your post or documents. How about it Willard? Why don’t you email me a transcript from Harvard? Put up or shut up.</p>
<p>Yeah, it’s not a compelling story, perhaps. But give the kid a chance. </p>
<p>If he is telling the truth, he’s done something amazing. Harvard College is a big deal. </p>
<p>Just assume he is at Harvard College or was for a brief period of time. That’s pretty amazing in and of itself. Just having those transcripts would prove that he has overcome great hardship and that he is VERY unique. This is strange. </p>
<p>Assuming he is telling the truth, would he be a good candidate?</p>
<p>Okay I’m game.
Since we are giving the benefit of the doubt, I would immediately have several questions as a member of the admissions team.
First question would be why did he leave Harvard?
Second question is what “compelling” reason brings him to Yale?
Third question is what is he planning on doing with the education he will potentially receive at Yale?
The only compelling part of his story is that he attended Harvard and his alleged math genius. Math and hard sciences are two fields the Ivy’s give special consideration.
There is not a mention of G.P. A., Community involvement and stellar achievements. Is he a scholar? How long ago did he attend Harvard?
More information is needed to give an educated opinion, my two cents.</p>
<p>hi, pushin… </p>
<p>harvard college: low B+ (3.32)? this is not exact.
everywhere else: 3.33 to 3.5. </p>
<p>i never went to any high school. i never wrote any essays before college, except for my ged exam, which i had to write twice. </p>
<p>your right. i have no special achievements, except for the fact that i went to harvard college with a ged and made an A in a pure math course. i am not claiming to be a math genius. that’s your claim. i’m just stating facts. </p>
<p>why i want to study at yale is because i am not traditional and i want to earn a traditional rigorous degree. yale could push my limits, just like harvard college did. </p>
<p>i am sorry that my tone has changed a little, but i feel like i am being attacked for NO reason. i just asked for your thoughts… and should i have applied? nobody really responded except that one person, AnnaLo. </p>
<p>anyhow, do you think that i should have applied to eli whitney? </p>
<p>do i stack up against other LACs and CC Students?</p>
<p>hey kid, </p>
<p>if you’re telling the truth, your harvard college transcripts should blow anything close out of the water. harvard has a strong reputation as an ivy. don’t even sweat that. dude, a low b+ or high b is completely competitive–especially for a non-trad that didn’t even go to high school? woah, that’s a story. i think i know why people are skeptics. i even say it’s not possible to do what you claim you did. so if you did do it, i have one question: when is the book or movie coming out?</p>
<p>i’m sorry that i ever posted here. i’m sorry that i told you all that i applied to eli whitney. you’ve all really hurt my feelings. i might not be as good as you. i might not have had such a stellar life. but one thing that bothers me is that people are tearing me down and calling me a liar. i just presented my little story to you all. i got no feedback in return. i just got kicked. </p>
<p>so please just stop messaging me and ‘demanding’ my transcripts; please just quit judging my writing. people have treated me like this my whole life, and i am sick of it. so i didn’t go to a lac; so i did not go to high school. i didn’t do anything wrong but work and try to help my mom. </p>
<p>i grew up next to where they accept section 8; my friend has his brains blown out; i come from a divided family that suffered from abuse; i self medicated; a cuban family raised me; i don’t know why nobody else has to explain their entire life. i just wanted some feedback. </p>
<p>i am so sorry that i posted here. i will never post here again. i am so upset. it was the wrong decision to share with you folks. </p>
<p>i guess this is what is like when you come from where i come; it never changes from one generation to the next. i am so sorry you all. just please forgive me and let me be.</p>
<p>I’m rooting for you, Willard. SHAME ON THEM! I can’t believe they would even consider or suggesting that you should “put up or shut up.” That’s hurtful. I’m so sorry. I read about what you posted, the section 8 housing and all and losing your friend. I have a feeling that this program is meant for people like you. </p>
<p>Thanks for explaining your personal statement to me. IT WAS AMAZING! I think you made the right decision by focusing on what you want to do ACADEMICALLY and not making yourself A PITTY case. You did give little bits and pieces, though, which I think was just right. You maintained strong focus on what you want to do academically at Yale, and why Yale specifically. You did that amazingly well. </p>
<p>For never writing much or going to HS, I think your essay was WAY better than mine–and I had to pay editing services to find the grammatical mistakes and such. </p>
<p>I’m in your corner. Though, you know it is hard to get into the program. HOWEVER, your essay was so well written and you said you have some great recs. I don’t know if you’ll get into the program, but you’ll definitely have a unique story–that’s for sure. </p>
<p>AND TO EVERYONE ELSE: WHY DON’T ALL OF YOU POST YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AND YOUR LIFE STORY! THIS WAS SO BRAVE ON HIS PART, AND ALL YOU DID WAS TEAR HIM DOWN! SHAME ON YOU! He sounds like a good kid who had it tough. I BELIEVE HIM! YOU ALL ARE JUST LUCKY THAT I AM NOT ON THE COMMITTEE!</p>
<p>What are some of the stats that have been rejected? Just curious.</p>
<p>A big issue for me is the lateness with which we’ll know about Yale and EWP. I have to respond to the UC’s by June 1st, and I won’t know yet about Yale. Arg. Which means I’ll have to pick a fall back school, send in my intent to register, and pay a deposit when I may not even go there. boohoo.</p>
<p>Wow, that sounds like you’re in between a rock and a hard spot, ilivefree. I say go with what your gut tells you! It’s usually never wrong.</p>
<p>Ilivefree,
You can always accept and rescind your acceptance, if you get into Yale. That way you are not left dangling…</p>
<p>pushin30, big question is will they give me my deposit money back.</p>
<p>also, has anyone been contacted for their interview yet? </p>
<p>i had set aside money to travel to new haven, but then my dog was a punk and i had to take him to the emergency room; thus eating up my budget for travel. i know i can do a phone interview instead, but i wonder if this will hurt my chances.</p>
<p>i’m hoping not; when in sales 80% of my sales were conducted and sold by phone so i know i have a strong phone presence, but still, any thoughts?</p>
<p>Most schools do, even Yale:
Withdrawal/Leave of Absence</p>
<p>In case of withdrawal during the course of an academic term, each school within the University maintains a schedule of tuition rebates that is in compliance with federal regulations. Contact the appropriate financial aid office for specific details of the refund policy in your school. Undergraduates should contact the Student Financial Services Center at <a href=“mailto:sfs@yale.edu”>sfs@yale.edu</a>, (203) 432-2700 or fax to (203) 432-4126.</p>
<p>There should be something on UC’s website.</p>
<p>Oh, hey there. I just saw this on the website: </p>
<p>What if I will not be able to come to the Admissions Office in May for an interview and want to be considered as a Eli Whitney Student candidate?</p>
<p>If there is another time when you will be available and can come to the Admissions Office, complete your application early and call to arrange an interview. We will try to accommodate your needs.</p>
<p>Yeah, thanks Willard. I have emailed with the admissions person for EWP and she indicated to me that a phone interview was possible. I just wonder if it will hurt me that they won’t get to see my charming face. 
Maybe if I do a phone interview, I’ll email a photo to aid in putting a face to the voice. </p>
<p>Thanks, pushin; I’ll ask the UC admissions folks about refunds. Good idea; didn’t even dawn on me. :)</p>