I need the truth.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>So, this is a chance thread, although I know that many people dislike them. I just need peace of mind so please read and comment honestly (not too cruel). I'm a junior by the way</p>

<p>GPA: 3.6 (UW, school does not W)-->with a moderate upward trend (explanation below)
ACT: 34
SAT: 2210
SAT II: not taken yet (but plan on taking Lit,Latin,and Math I)
Current Courseload: IB history, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Precalculus, Honors Latin, Theory of Knowledge, Orchestra
Senior Year Courses (possible):AP Shakespeare, AP Latin, AP Statistics, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP physics, AP Government, Orchestra, AP Music Theory outside of school
Awards: Silver and Gold on National Latin exam, Gold on Latin Etymology Exam, Highest Ratings in solo competitions, </p>

<p>Extracurricular:
Music
Viola Performance for 10 years
Youth Orchestra (Highest level orchestra) for 5 years (principle viola for 2 years)
Viola Mentor in orchestra for middle school children for 3 years
Founded a Chamber Music Club at HS
Founded a String Quartet (we play for many charities, parties, and other professional gigs)
Pit orchestra (in HS) 3 years
Pit orchestra for a professional performance of the Nutcracker (3 years)
Winner of a local solo competition
District and State solo and ensemble all Division 1 rankings for 2 years (this year will hopefully be the third year)
Principle violist in HS orchestra (3 years)
President of Orchestra (1 year)
Member of school's pops band (3 years)
Founded a Music Summer program for young children, this Summer will be the 3rd summer
Played with quartet at many nursing homes, middle schools to get children involved, and many charities</p>

<p>In School
Editor in Yearbook
VP of student council
VP of Science club
member of the Debate team (1 year)
Varsity Track and Field (2 years)
Varsity Cross Country (2 years)</p>

<p>Out of School
President of a community service/family group (for my age group)
Diabetes Science Research (published papers)
Office Assistant
Hospital Internship
Started a tutoring service for inner city children (going into 3rd year)</p>

<p>Summer
Music Camps (freshman year)
Volunteering
the Music camp and tutoring service that I started
Freelance violist (with quartet as well)
Camp counselor for a math and science summer program for inner city children
Camp counselor for a summer program for younger children interested in the medical field</p>

<p>School Type: Private
Ethnicity: Black/African-American
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: around 60,000 (single parent)</p>

<p>I was not always in private school, I came into the my HS with a very weak foundation due to the bad middle school I came from. That is mostly why my GPA is so bad. I try to give back and help provide as much as I can for kids who want more than what they are given in their environment. Since I came from an "inner city" school that was failing, and still live somewhat in the area, I know how some of them may feel.</p>

<p>I fell in love with Yale as soon as I visited, so I want to know what some of you think. </p>

<p>Do you think that I have a good shot or should I get my head out of the clouds?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>It’s pretty simple. You should apply if it’s your dream school. And you should compile a list of matches and safeties that you also love so you’re not crushed if you don’t get into Yale. What are you going to do? Give up if someone tells you admission is not guaranteed? It’s not. You already know this. You also know you have a shot. So take it.</p>

3

<p>In case you haven’t, OP, here’s a link you should explore: [QuestBridge</a> Home](<a href=“QuestBridge”>http://questbridge.org/)</p>

4

<p>You’re in shape. You might want to improve your Grades a bit. Your SAT score is ok, retake it if you have time, otherwise i wouldn’t worry about it. Do well on your SAT subjects.</p>

<p>You ECs are very good.</p>

<p>Also, if Yale is your first choice, apply Single-Choice Early Action. Will give you a slight advantage.</p>

<p>In short, Yale is within reach.</p>

5

<p>Your ECs are good, and I think viola and the published diabetes research will especially help you. Your standardized tests are decent enough. Your grades may hurt you, but is there any possibility your counselor would be able to include a note explaining your circumstances in his/her recommendation? Also, do you know what your class rank or percentile is? Can you get straight A’s from here on out?</p>

<p>In short, you definitely have a chance, but your particular combination of circumstances makes it difficult to guess what the outcome will be. Keep rocking away at your grades, viola, research, and community service; write some superb essays; and definitely apply! Good luck!</p>

6

<p>If you could bring up your UW GPA up to 3.7 or 3.8 by the time you apply you should have a good chance given I know how badly this will sound you’re an URM w/ good test scores.</p>