Chances at SCEA

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>SAT: 2330
SAT Subject Tests: Chem 800, Math II 800, Bio M 800
AP: Bio 5, Chem 5, Calc BC (AB subscore): 5/5</p>

<p>High School: Around 10 accepted to Yale yearly (school policy is that if I'm accepted early, I'm expected to attend)
Rank: ~Top 5%</p>

<p>Courses Junior Year: AP Bio, English, US History, MV Calc + Abstract Math, Sci Electives
Courses Senior Year: AP Physics C, Modern Physics Electives, Linear Algebra + Abstract Math, Computer Science, English</p>

<p>Leadership Positions:
National Science Bowl Team Captain (since 10th)
Quiz Club Head (since 10th)
Head Tutor for Peer Tutoring (since 11th; it's my community service)
Founder/Head of Student-Published Science Magazine (since 10th)
Dormitory Proctor (beginning 12th)
Founder of Biology/Chemistry clubs</p>

<p>Other EC's:
Piano (passed NYSSMA Level 6 and ABRSM Grade 5 for Theory/Performance)
Guitar (started 10th)
Republican Club
Rap/Hip-hop Club
Beach Clean-up
Club Squash</p>

<p>Summers:
Science Research in unique field, at the same lab for the past 3 summers
I will apply for research competitions this year and hope to get at least STS semis</p>

<p>Awards:
Qualified for National Science Bowl team event (2009 - T-17th, 2011 - Top 6)
USNCO finalist (3rd place in region for 2010, 2011)
USABO semifinalist (2011)
Quiz Club stuff
School Math Prize (2009, 2010)
School Spanish Prize (2009)
National Spanish Exam Gold, Score of 100 for Level II (8th grade)</p>

<p>Essays: I will work hard on them and see what I can do.</p>

<p>I love research and am esp. interested in biology/chemistry. </p>

<p>I thought hard about EA'ing to MIT but decided the community is not for me... </p>

<p>Prospective Major: Yale's MB&B or Chemistry program (and I am not planning to be a doctor!)</p>

<p>Asian M</p>

2

<p>It looks to me like you have a very good chance; ~40% or so. However, the Asian male status will certainly hurt you, considering your interests are stereotypical Asian material (Biology/Chemistry). I’d urge you to spend a lot of time on the essays–they really do count! Make sure to have your own voice, write about something you care about, and try to be unique. If you can achieve this, I believe your chances will jump significantly.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

3

<p>The sad thing is they would gladly take a 1900 Black person over you because he is “under privileged.” It is asinine I know.</p>

4

<p>Definitely right about the essays. I think I can whip up something decent. </p>

<p>Isn’t there some kind of advantage to being interested in sciences? Since I believe Yale is trying to recruit more science-y and engineering kids. Would there be an advantage to applying as Chemical Engineering major instead?</p>

<p>Any other opinions, esp from current/past/incoming Yalies?</p>

5

<p>Even though I’m just an incoming senior, I felt I could raise a point.</p>

<p>I think elite Unis (HYP) don’t really consider the future major question very seriously. The uni, Yale, for ex, probably get tons of sciency kids applying for the Ivy name. Yale could just pick and choose from this group if it wanted. Not only that, but it’s a known fact that teenagers at our age are prone to changing our minds often about these things. Yale could careeefully pick out some sciencey guys for its curriculum but some of them may end up chaning their minds. It’s kind of pointless to “predict” on a macroscopic level, a class’ choice on a major.</p>

<p>Does that make sense?
JB</p>

6

<p>@JB: But Yale has recently pumped a lot of money into constructing Science & Engineering buildings + recruiting science students. I think Yale is trying to change its name from a “strong humanities school” to a school that can also attract the best science students. I think that most <em>elite</em> science students would choose HPMS over Yale if they want to stuff like math and engineering. So I feel like there is more of a desire at Yale to recruit science-y people than at other places. You’re right; the chosen major probably doesn’t matter that much. But there’s also a third essay you must right for your supp if you choose engineering, so that might be able to convey even more information about an applicant.</p>

7

<p>It is true that many college decisions are based on supply and demand (which is what you’re hinting at). For example, since Harvard receives applications from the cream-of-the-crop math students every year (because of it’s renowned math program), it has the ability to pick and choose which students it wants to accept. Yale, however, would be quick to accept a top math student, because their program isn’t as strong (and they receive less math whiz applications). The opposite could be said concerning the theater arts (Yale has a huge supply of star drama applicants; Harvard has less and thus a higher demand for them). </p>

<p>Thus, you are correct in thinking that Yale is actively seeking star science applicants to snatch up. Try to distinguish yourself as one of these stars, and you’ll have a far better chance at being admitted.</p>

8

<p>You have very good qualifications, and you surely will be admitted to several highly selective schools. Yale may be one of them–it accepts many kids like you each year. But it rejects many, also, so make sure you have a good list of schools, including matches and safeties. Your chances may also be affected by where you live.</p>

<p>

Expected by whom?</p>

9

<p>@Hunt: It’s a school thing. My school regularly sends people to top schools (like around 10-20 per Ivy + others) and wants to minimize competition. If I get in early, then it’s assumed I got into my first choice and the admissions process would end for me. Yale is my #1 so I wouldn’t have a problem.</p>

10

<p>I certainly think that you should withdraw any applications to schools that you wouldn’t attend over an early action school–but on the other hand, the EA school might not necessarily be your first choice. If it is your first choice, that makes sense.</p>

11

<p>Virtually none.</p>

12

<p>I am waiting for your response, I think we both know that you have a very good shot at SCEA.</p>

<p>It looks to me like you have a very good chance; ~40% or so.
^Lol</p>