How did you do it?

<p>For those who got accepted to Yale...how did you do it?
I know about having high grades both in school and in the SAT but other than that what did you do?
How much did you study everyday?
In easy words, how did you motivate yourself?</p>

<p>From a depressed soon to be senior :(
Really need help</p>

<p>Susi: here’s the rub – it’s mostly not what they did (hours studying/day) but who they were – people who excelled at academics and other areas that Yale saw could contribute to their community. </p>

<p>To be a viable candidate, I say that you’ve got to be known as one of the top scholars in your school. If not, then not really a viable candidate. Once viable, there’s tons of serendipity involved. That’s just the numbers.</p>

<p>Agree with T26E4 - At a high school orientation session for my younger son recently, another parent peppered DH with questions after hearing that S1 is at Yale. She wanted to know what her HS freshman son could do to get into Harvard or Yale. What we have always maintained is do your best (which means grades, EC’s, sports, etc) and you will find the right school. Maybe Yale, maybe not. But with the odds what they are for top-tier schools, hanging all your hopes and following some “formula” to get in, will likely not end happily at admission time.</p>