<p>Hey! I'm pretty keen on applying to Yale Early Decision and I just wanted an honest opinion on whether or not I have a real shot at getting in. </p>
<p>First off, I'm on a gap year. I took some time off because I had financial issues and I'm currently working to save up. </p>
<p>Okay so, I studied at an A Level school and graduated at the top of my class. (Rank: 1/70)</p>
<p>My high school record is pretty sound I've given 3 "board" examinations, I.e. my O Levels (GCSEs), my AS Levels and my A Levels. I've consistently gotten A*s and As and my record is marred by just one B over the past 4 years. I opted for science and math subjects for my O Levels but picked Literature, Sociology and Psychology for my A Levels. </p>
<p>I topped my country and got the A Level excellence award for Psychology. I'm originally from India but I reside in Dubai, U.A.E. </p>
<p>However, my SATs aren't that good. 670 Math, 770 CR, 750 Writing </p>
<p>My ECs and Volunteer work etc:</p>
<ul>
<li>Debate Club Founder/Leader </li>
<li>Kindness Anonymous (a nonprofit) core team (it's like a nonprofit to spread small acts of kindness/positivity) </li>
<li>TedxYouth Organiser and Speaker </li>
<li>Head of Events at school </li>
<li>Intelligent Optimism Workshop Organiser </li>
<li>Play the guitar, drums, piano and sing. Been doing it for 6 years.</li>
<li><p>Drama/Perfomance Poetry </p></li>
<li><p>Volunteer trip to Nepal to help rebuild and repaint a low funded school</p></li>
<li><p>Weekly volunteer at a centre for disabled children</p></li>
<li><p>organised campaign to donate food items to labourers in my city </p></li>
<li><p>organised huge fun fair for funds for our special needs department </p></li>
<li><p>Editor of Online School Magazine</p></li>
</ul>
<p>-Academic Topper for 3 years within school
-academic Topper in the country for A Level Psychology
-Short listed as one of 10 from a pool of 90 to represent our National Debate Team
-Runner up team in Debate Dubai </p>
<p>My recommendations are really really good I'm completely sure of that. My essay should be pretty strong too.</p>
<p>You have a really good academic record. I don’t really know about your chances but the first thing I’d suggest is to work on SAT Math: a 750+ would make for an amazing SAT score.</p>
<p>What are you A Levels grades? How many GCSEs did you do, and what did you get in them? And, finally, which A Level exam board are you doing?</p>
<p>You should normally have AAA-AAB at A Level to apply to Yale - applicants with A<em>AA-AAA are obviously more likely to get accepted. You should have normally done at least 8 GCSEs with the majority at A</em>/A. </p>
<p>If you are doing British A Levels (or CIE A Levels) - that is, NOT any other exam board such as Singapore Cambridge, etc - you do not need to submit your SAT II Subject Test scores. Again, you should have normally obtained A*-B in these two subjects. It is important to note that British A Levels can ONLY be used in place of SAT II Subject Tests if you have ALREADY achieved them - that is, predicted grades are NOT considered.</p>
<p>I have A<em>AA at my A Levels and yes, I did CIE. I did 8 IGCSE’s and I have 4 A</em>s 4 A’s and I’m working on that Math SAT so I guess I’ll just wait and see where that takes me.</p>
<p>Your A Levels and GCSE grades are excellent! You do not need to satisfy the SAT II Subject Test requirement anymore, because of your A Levels results. </p>
<p>You should definitely try to improve your SAT score (especially maths), but Ivy League universities realise that A Levels students specialise into specific subjects early on. As such, a lower score in the maths section won’t bring down your whole application.</p>
<p>Thank you!
I’m not exactly BAD at Math but for some reason I freeze up with the Math SAT so I’m not too confident about improving my score but I’ll definitely give it a shot again. However, yeah, I’m kind of counting on the slight possibility of them overlooking my math score.</p>
<p>I FEEL YOUR PAIN it is so frustrating.
Also, yeah, I guess with the ivies you never REALLY know…I think your essay can either make or break you though and that’s probably the main thing thats propelling me to apply anyway.</p>
