<p>Hi everyone, I'm an international applicant.</p>
<p>I graduated from high school in 2008, so I'm taking gap years. </p>
<p>I have just received an email from the admissions office asking for elaboration of my activities in post-graduation period. </p>
<p>Does this mean Yale is interested in me (at least they don't reject me right away haha)?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any response!</p>
<p>@cinderella0201, it certainly sounds like you’re still in the running. :)</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, what did you do during your gap year? Was it something that would be impressive to Yale?</p>
<p>I do a lot of things: training courses, community services, student org, and part-time jobs. </p>
<p>The officer said he is quite interested in knowing more of one of my activity: AIESEC (because he is familiar with it) and asked for a reference letter from my supervisor in AIESEC. </p>
<p>Don’t know if that would be impressive to him though.</p>
<p>It doesn’t mean you are accepted but it DOES mean that you are still NOT rejected. You should think of it as good news. I’d say “Congratulations” but I don’t want to put your hopes up too much. As for now, smile and relax. You are still in the game!! Best of luck!</p>
<p>I’d say that is a good sign. I’ve taken a gap year too; I graduated in 2009 AND I’m an international applicant too. But I haven’t really gotten any such email. My question: Bad sign? :(</p>
<p>Thanks :). The officer then got back to me and wrote:</p>
<p>"Thank you for your prompt and thorough response – this is indeed very helpful. Very interesting work you’ve been doing!</p>
<p>We’ll look forward to releasing the final admissions decisions at the end of the month.</p>
<p>Till then, take care!"</p>
<p>Good luck to me 
[praying]</p>
<p>@Noonesfool: wish you luck too :)</p>
<p>Thanks, cinderella0201. Though the future seems pretty bleak right about now. Good luck to you too, I hope you make it.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity,what country are you from and why exactly did you take a gap year?</p>
<p>P.S. I’ve noticed how my question is yet unanswered:P</p>
<p>Wait so does this mean that you have effectively taken 2 gap years? As i am an international student also and wondering about this as i am ‘graduating’ high school this june and have already planned to take a gap year but was wondering if taking two years off would hinder my chances of getting accepted into an ivy league school. (As if i was to apply this december/jan i wouldn’t have actually travelled yet but merely worked to pay for my travelling and taken the SATS) Best of luck though 
and thanks for giving me hope x.</p>
<p>What I’ve learned, theadora, is that if you’re taking a gap year solely for being able to apply to the States, then you might be taking a huge risk. It would help if you have a green card and are partially going to fund yourself through college. Also, if you have a job lined up for certain right after you graduate or know someplace that will definitely take you in, only then would I recommend you go for it. If you’re waiting for school to be over before you start looking then you must remember it’s a tough market out there, what with the recession. Gap years will only be used against you if you have no solid reason for taking them other than you wanted to apply abroad, because that would in most cases be interpreted as indecisiveness or not getting in somewhere in your own home country (which, if you don’t mind my asking, is where?)</p>
<p>You see, I too took a gap year and I’m now coming to realize that it may have been one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made. This is not to discourage you, if you feel strongly about it then go for it. Maybe cinderella can help you out a little more with this seeing as how she’s had more time off and would be able to give valuable advice. Good luck with whatever decision you make! :)</p>
<p>@Theadora: don’t lose hope. I’m an intl student. I’ve taken two gap years too, now I’m going to Yale this Fall. I have some advice for you. Even if going abroad is the main reason for you to take gap years, you should make yourself busy during that time. Working, volunteering, or attending some courses, etc., all’s good for you and makes you look good on the paper. But don’t force yourself to do what you don’t like, you can’t cover it before the Ad Com’s eyes.</p>