Chances for a Wisconsin Boy

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>Hey, if anyone could tell me my chances for Yale that'd be awesome.</p>

<p>GPA: 3.78 (unweighted)
Rank: Around 12% at one of the strongest public schools in Wisconsin, a B below a 4.0 drops you to 5th %.
Some classes..
Freshman: TAG English, Accelerated Algebra 1, thats all I could take harder.
Sophomore: AP Psych, AP World History, Advanced/Accelerated Geometry, Chemistry and English
Junior: Micro AP, AP Bio, AP English Comp, Accelerated Algebra 2, Poly Sci.
Senior: It's gonna be AP Macro, AP Euro History, Accelerated Algebra 3, AP English Lit, etc</p>

<p>TEST SCORES
AP: 5 on World History, 5 on Psych. For this years, expecting 4-5s on Micro, English, US History, US politics, comp politics, and a 3-4 on Bio.
ACT: 34
SAT: Probably gonna retake, but 710 Critical Reading (the new Verbal), 670 Math, 680 Writing. I think I can get writing and CR up a lot, math up a little.
SAT IIs: 720 on US History, 710 on Math I.</p>

<p>EXTRACURRICULARS:
Sports: I'll be a 5-time letterwinner in Cross Country and Track, captain of the CC team this fall.
Volunteer: Working with autistic kids, including running with an autistic teamate, help younger classes with their class activities.
Clubs: Captains Club, Student Newspaper (editor in it), Prom Committee, Class Government, Forensics, NHS.
Other: Class Secretary as soph, Class VP junior and senior. Two-time state champion in Radio Speaking in Forensics. Recently elected Student Liaison to Board of Education, so I'll be providing student perspective to the school board, basically as a member, except I only get an advisory vote.</p>

<p>LEGACY: Double, my dad went there and my brother goes there now.</p>

<p>I've got a couple teachers who will write me excellent letters (one teacher who has been obsessed with getting a kid from my school to win the student liaison election for 10 years, and the coach of the forensics team), and my essays will probably be decent.</p>

<p>No affirmative action for Jews, so none of that.</p>

<p>If anyone could tell me what my chances are for getting into the College, I'd be thrilled. I know it's gonna be a reach school, but if someone could tell me if I'm reaching for the stars, or just flailing around wildly, that'd be great. Thanks</p>

2

<p>Wow you have really good chances. You probably don't worry about your SAT I score. Your ACT score is very good (equivalent to 1510-1550 which is about 2270-2330 for the new SAT I).</p>

<p>I'm not entirely familar with the ACT and Yale's policies, but if Yale doesn't need SAT II's in addition to the ACT, you're set in terms of testing. If that's not true, and you need SAT II scores in addition to the ACT, you should retake however many SAT IIs (I think 3...) you need and score 750+. </p>

<p>Extracurriculars are good. I'm sure you've won some awards in forensics and other areas-be sure to put them down of course. </p>

<p>Dang. I'm jealous of your legacy LOL. Your double legacy will definitely give you an edge over any other applicant.</p>

<p>Overall, great chances.</p>

3

<p>Your weak point seems to be your GPA and class rank. 3.78 UW is a bit low, and anything below 10% class rank is low as well. While either a low GPA or class rank can be explained, having both is not good. I can see your application as one of those marginal ones that will get a push towards acceptance because of your legacy. Remember, though, that the acceptance rate for legacies is about 20%-30%; 70% or more of legacy applicants are rejected.</p>

4

<p>I'd take the SAT IIs regardless of whether or not they are required. If you do well on them, they only bolster your ACT score and make you look better + consistent. Where's the calculus?</p>

5

<p>Being in cross country, I would contact Yales sports division. Atletes are usually shoed into any college. I would also have to agree on the GPA and class rank. Work hard at getting really good recomendations. Admission officers like to see words such as one of the best, challenged me in class, and other pices of advice that seperate you from other applicants.
Being that you are a Legacy, it boosts your chances extreamly. If your dad contributes some money to Yale you can look at being accepted. Also, impress your interviewer. If you slip into the maybe pile, this little persuasive piece can help get you in the doors. I have to say good luck.</p>