<p>Hi, I'm not really used to using CC so maybe this thread is posted in the wrong place, but I really want to get into Yale and I've found that I have a few reasons, but I'm not sure if they're specific enough to show Yale as being unique to me or enough to show that I have a strong interest in Yale.</p>
<p>Yale is my top choice because:
1) Strong history department (#3 in the nation last time I checked - correct me if I'm wrong)
2) The Residential College System (which provides a friendly and binding atmosphere - I've learned from several experiences in my life that when there's a nurturing environment it's much easier to learn and that the bonds you form in such environments will go long)
3) The people (I've met a few Yalies and read around on the web about how the professors at Yale take extra attention in the education of the undergraduates and how Yalies are happier). </p>
<p>But I'm not sure if this is really "unique" to show my interest in Yale. Or just seems really generic. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Heyy I love Yale for pretty much the same reasons you listed. It’s a wonderful place. But you should look into other places as well just to have more options. </p>
<p>Have you looked into Duke? I was told it was really similar to the Yale culture because its president was a famous Yale president before he came to Duke. Duke history and its housing (which will be modeled after Yale’s) are supposed to be almost as good as Yale’s.</p>
<p>There are probably other options you should look into too. Gluck.</p>
<p>I disagree. Duke and Yale have very different feels, though they do have some superficial similarities. Rice would be a much closer fit to Yale than Duke. </p>
<p>
I’d say at least 75-80% of the applicant pool is applying to Yale for precisely the same reasons as you. </p>
<p>1) Along with political science and economics, history has always been one of Yale’s three most popular majors.
2) The house/college system is something that virtually all applicants talk about. This applies to applicants at Harvard as well.
3) This is also something that gets discussed a great deal. Almost everyone has seen the eye-roll inducing “That’s why I chose Yale” video.</p>
<p>It’s true that these things help set Yale apart, but it doesn’t change the fact that admissions officers get bored to tears reading hundreds of nearly identical “Why Yale” essays. This also applies to people who write about the open curriculum and pass/fail at Brown, basketball and tenting at Duke, etc. </p>
<p>You could stand to be a lot more specific. For example, as a prospective history major, you could talk about some of the unique resources Yale offers. Not many universities offer things like the Beinecke Library or the Babylonian Collection. If you’re interested in Directed Studies, you could talk about that. You could also talk about nonacademic interests you want to explore at Yale. Extracurricular offerings are one of Yale’s strong points, and you could mention if you’d like to join a particular music ensemble, theatre or sketch comedy group, LGBT organization, community service/outreach group, etc. If there’s something you’re interested in that Yale doesn’t offer, mention it - few schools have as much money available for new organizations as Yale. </p>
<p>Remember - if you are admitted to and choose Yale, you’ll be studying, breathing, eating, sleeping, working, and socializing there for the next four years. Think about how you’ll fit in from all angles. Also don’t forget to emphasize what you can do for Yale – the university obviously has a lot to offer students, but admissions officers look for people who can take advantage of those offerings. What do you have to offer Yale that someone else doesn’t?</p>
<p>warblersrule86: Just another question … you said I should emphasize what I can do for Yale… that kind of links with my liking of the Residential College system. I want to accentuate that my experiences as an international student as well as having been in “close-knit communities” have taught me to truly value the importance of connections which can truly be created in environments that Yale’s system provides. Does that still seem too “eye-roll-inducing”? – I’m asking because you gave me some really good advice and got me thinking . . .</p>
<p>Yes, Yale is unique.
Other schools have residential college systems. Other schools have history departments as well ranked. (Princeton on both counts).
But there is no place exactly like Yale. Harvard is more graduate and professional school oriented. Princeton more undergraduate oriented.
But as similar as the students are at these schools, they would be quick to acknowledge how different they are.
I like the idea of a dream school, but you are likely to be very happy at more than one school.
Good luck!</p>
<p>confused, Yale is unique in the same way that all colleges and universities have unique personalities and characteristics. You will find excellent academics including history, nurturing accessible professors and friendly supportive fellow students at many American colleges. Yale also happens to be one of the most selective so if you want to attend college in the U.S., be sure to develop a balanced list.</p>
<p>In thinking about what you can contribute to the campus community you should consider aspects of your cultural background and life experience that are different from that of the average American high schooler. How can your experience enhance discussion and understanding inside and outside the classroom? In other words, focus (with humility of course) on reciprocity: why you want Yale and why Yale should want you.</p>
<p>You can best communicate this by writing about a personal experience that illustrates what you can bring to the party. Be indirect, not preachy. I don’t know your background so I can’t give you a specific examples, but some ideas would be experiences that illustrate how you witnessed/dealt with cultural or religious differences, economic setback or political upheaval.</p>