chances...ahhh. help.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>Hi, if you could chance me I would really, super appreciate it. I come from a school with really no Ivy-level kids so I just don't know.</p>

<p>Yale is my top school. I'm applying RD because I am just scared to go against all these ridiculously talented people, with no special skills.</p>

<p>Female, MD, no hooks, white</p>

<p>I have taken all Honors/APs
Soph: AP Euro (that's really all we can take as underclassmen) (4)
Junior Year: AP Lit (5) APUSH (5) AP Comp Programming (4)
This Year: AP Spanish, AP Lit, AP Gov, AP CalcAB, AP Psych, AP PhysicsB
I have gotten two 89's and a 86, but my lit teacher explained it in my rec, which was very good, as were the others (I think). Though my counselor rec probably was probably nothing extraordinary, since she is super overloaded, and I was really stressed when filling out my Senior Questionaire, that she just pretty much copy and pastes.</p>

<p>SATS: 2320, in three tries
SATII: Lit: 780, US History 730 (a fluke, but they won't know, sadly)
Also I'm taking Math2, and Spanish in December, and think I'll get in the 770-790 range again.</p>

<p>My common app essay is excellent, if I do say so (It's about my favorite short story, "Conversion of the Jews" and how it compares to my own life, except less dramatic, you know. I got into it.) I consider writing my biggest strength. I really hope the essays count for SOMEthing.</p>

<p>Awards:
NMSC Semifinalist
MD Distinguished Scholar
Gotten a short story published, but in some no-name literary magazine.
nothing else really notable.</p>

<p>EC's
Volleyball, regional club, on HS Varsity as a Sophomore, Captain Sr. Year
Newspaper, four years, Editor
Key Club, four years, Treasurer
Volunteering at a Transitional Housing, 11-12 about 100 hours,
Other various volunteer things
Veteran Girl Scout with Bronze, Silver, Gold
NHS, Spanish NHS
School Band, just a lowly third seat clarinet.</p>

<p>Also, I am the oldest of four kids, with two parents working/traveling full-time, so I have been limited by that to an extent, with me having to cook and drive and such. But how do I say that without sounding like a whiny brat?</p>

2

<p>In all honesty, while everything looks decent (scores, ECs, essay), your app is similar to many. To stand out in admissions, you’ll need to focus on some kind of passion/unique area of yourself that isn’t obvious. For example, your ECs seem to focus on community volunteering… can you talk about wanting to take part in public service one day? If your strength is in writing, maybe you can focus on your love for literature? Both of these resonate with Yale. </p>

<p>As for the familial setting, try talking about how while academics/your future are important you, you’ve also gained something invaluable from your responsibilities in caring for your siblings. Instead of writing about it being a hindrance, talk about how it has helped you develop as a person.</p>

3

<p>you are not going to make it</p>

<p>sorry</p>

4

<p>perhaps im a hopeless optimist, but you always have a chance. Frankly admissions at these ivy leagues, especially at the big three, are shrouded in mystery. So just do your best and put yourself out there, you might be surprised with what you find. But dont put all your eggs in the yale basket, so apply to back up schools too.</p>

<p>AS for your chances per say, you are in that lovely gray area that most non-genius-legacies are in. So simply impress with that essay, take topspin’s advice perhaps, or go your own way.</p>

5

<p>For your family responsibilities, The common app has an Activity titled Family Responsibilities I think, so just add that to your activities and explain a little.</p>