<p>So what are your opinions? How much do you think each part of the app is worth to the admissions committee? GPA, courseload, rank, standardized tests, ECs, teacher recs, counselor rec, essays, short answers, URM, legacy...and anything else you can think of. I guess it would be easiest to attach a percent to each one.</p>
<p>You can't attach percentages because it differs by applicant. SAT scores, for example, factor in a lot more if you have a 2370-2400 than if you have a 2230. I think they try to look at your strengths and allow you to show evidence of academic viability, be it evidence from any combination of GPA, SAT/II's, rank, rigor, AP scores, essays, and recs. There's no "single most important" factor. While it seems like a bad transcript is the one thing that keeps you out, transcripts don't get you into Yale. They're looking for academic excellence, extracurricular distinction, or great personal qualities (have an awesome counselor/teacher recs, awesome interview, insightful essays/supplement). And no formula exists because there is none.</p>