Chances for an unsure URM? :/

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>Hey all, what are my chances for getting into Yale? And any advice? Please & thank you :]</p>

<p>Class: Junior (2011)
Nationality: Ugandan & first generation (But American citizen)
Gender: Female
State: New York</p>

<p>ACADEMICS!</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0
Class Rank: 20/132, top %15 percent
AP Classes: Junior Year = AP English, AP US History (No scores yet…)
Senior Year/Next year: AP Biology, AP European History, AP English (No scores yet…)
ACT: 34 Composite. 32E, 36M, 34R,34S.
SAT: Yale requires SAT I + 2 SAT II’s OR ACT so since my ACT’s are relatively strong I figure why bother with the other two? In all likelihood, I could secure a 780 on the literature and US History SAT II’s but I’ve taken SO MANY practice SAT I’s and I’m stuck at 2160. I even got a tutor and I can’t get higher. Also, I can’t afford all these tests (at my school we have to pay for AP testing) sooooo that’s close to $300 for a bunch of tests when I could just pay $45 for the ACT, do well, and pay for my AP’s in May. What’re your opinions on this? Do you think my status as a first generation/URM will negate the absence of an SAT? AND Yale says either/or but submit both IF YOU CHOOSE! Sooo can they really hold that against me? J
* I am only taking 5 AP’s and I’m not in the top 10 percent. Will this hurt me? But at least I’m excelling at these AP courses right? Above 95’s in five is better than 80’s in 20? Lol…And will the SAT thing hurt me? Honest opinions!</p>

<p>EXTRA CURRICULARS!</p>

<p>Summer Camp Counselor
Model United Nations - Honorable mention twice
President of Human Rights Club - planned a Dance for Darfur that raised $8000 for the nation, launched a World Hunger Event that involved the community and raised $20,000 for Cambodia
President of Youth Against Racism - Selected to attend New Paltz University’s 11th Annual Racism Conference
Vice President of SADD
Youth Leadership - participated in the most successful Junior Achievement Company ever.
Varsity field hockey captain
National Honor Society
Honor Roll since 2007
Selected for Summer Scholars 09: Exploration of American Diplomacy at Vassar College
* I am confident about my EC’s but wondering if they’re strong enough. Do I have enough leadership positions? Do I stand out? Hmm…</p>

<p>TRANSCRIPT!</p>

<p>Very strong with the exception of a two C’s freshman year but who really cares? I’ve maintained honor roll ever since then with A’s in EVERYTHING! And excelled in more and more honors classes and AP’s each year so my transcript greatly reflections my academic progression.
*I am not worried about this section.</p>

<p>ESSAYS/RECOMMENDATIONS!
I’m confident about my essay strengths and tentative topics.
I have teachers/advisors who really know me that I plan to have write my recommendations.
*I am not worried about this section.</p>

<p>INTENDED MAJOR!
International Relations/Political Science</p>

<p>Thanks guys =)</p>

2

<p>Your tests scores are fine. I didn’t submit SAT 2 and I had your same score on the ACT. Your rank is troublesome but there is nothing that you can do about it now. My advice would be to focus on how your ECs relate to your intended major so that they appear cohesive.</p>

3

<p>Your ECs are one of the best if not the best I’ve seen on CC</p>

4

<p>What’s your unweighted GPA?</p>

5

<p>You have a great shot at Yale (especially considering URM + first gen status), but I would strongly recommend taking your SATIIs (especially considering your confidence in securing strong scores). The reason being you never know with colleges like Yale and you will be severely limiting your options if you don’t take subject tests. I know people with similar stats (including ethnicity and other factors) who were rejected at Yale, but were accepted at Harvard or Princeton or Stanford. So I would even recommend taking three to give yourself a shot at the Harv. </p>

<p>Also, you might want to look into fee waivers. I’m sure your guidance counselor will have some info on this.</p>

<p>Good luck with the rest of junior year; maybe I’ll see you on campus some day :)</p>

6

<p>That’s great advice! Yeah, I probably should take them. Ugh, so annoying. Haha but thanks for the awesome advice!</p>

<p>And I have no clue what my unweighted GPA is.
At my school they only give us one GPA, sorry :(</p>