Is military service a good "hook" for Yale?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>I'm female, just turned 24, and Hispanic. I hold the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve and I graduated from the Military Defense Language Institute (DLI), located in Monterey, CA. The language I learned is Pashtu, spoken primarily in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. It is a very difficult language to master and rather obscure. </p>

<p>After DLI I volunteered for an eight month tour in Afghanistan where I did loads of "community service." I worked in a medical clinic and was responsible for translation between doctor and patient, as well as minor first aid. I had a great time and took a variety of pictures, mostly of women and children. I'm in the process of publishing a book comprised of the best of my Afghan photographs. I really think this project will help define who I am and what I believe in. </p>

<p>Apart from good academics which I'll elaborate on if anyone cares to know, would my situation make for that pop that sets one apart from the pack? Also - I'll be applying to Yale as a transfer student from a Kentucky Community College.</p>

<p>Please help!</p>

2

<p>Yeah, military service would be a huge plus for admissions at any school. It's something very unique and quite respectable. Transferring into Yale is quite difficult (hardest in the ivy league, with a ~3% acceptance rate) though , so you should still definitely apply to other schools. </p>

<p>If you have strong academics, I really believe that you will stand a good chance in admissions with your credentials, nevertheless.</p>

3

<p>That is amazing. However, Yale transfer admissions are EXTREMELY difficult--you have a shot but it's really difficult if your GPA isn't up to par. How were your academics at KCC?</p>

4

<p>Sounds like you have accomplished extraordinary things. As long as you do well at Kentucky CC, I think you'll have a great chance : )</p>

5

<p>I'm still taking classes and I expect to get A's in all of them which will probably put my GPA at 3.8. </p>

<p>I'll take the SAT's in January and have very high hopes for the verbal and written portions. The math I'm not as confident in.</p>

6

<p>Small world. I visited DLI for a class field trip for French when I was in high school. Amazing place...</p>

7

<p>I will be applying to other schools but Yale is my top choice. After that is Northwestern, UCLA, and then the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne. Kind of a weird list for some, but it works out well for me. </p>

<p>If anyone has compiled a strong Yale transfer packet before I would really appreciate some advice. I have a lot of polishing to do and the chances of admission for me are extremely slim but I'll never know what would have happened if I don't try. </p>

<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>Oh yeah, Yale08 - wasn't the area around DLI beautiful? I especially miss Carmel and Big Sur.</p>

8

<p>Ah, it's "Carmel by the Sea" :p they're stuck up.</p>

9

<p>Haha - Carmel, Carmel by the Sea, or Caramel-Chocolate - whatever! They've got a really pretty beach :)</p>

10

<p>One thing that is really important for transfers is the reason you want to attend Yale. They look at it pretty closely.</p>