I am looking to apply to Yale next fall and I think I have the test scores/gpa/extracurriculars to be a competitive applicant. My school, however, has a pretty bad track record with Ivy admissions. It has no connections even though it’s overall pretty rigorous, and I don’t have any hooks in terms of location/URM/first generation student. Anyway, I’m looking for ways to make connections with people who have some level of influence in Yale’s community (professors, local alumni, etc.) I’m wondering what level of communication is helpful/ what level is unnecessary or annoying. Does anyone have any tips or relevant experiences to share with me? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!
Also- I did YYGS this past summer so I have some professor contacts but I am wondering what kinds of things are appropriate to ask them and how I should go about doing that.
Those people don’t actually have any real influence on admissions (with the possible exception of alumni who are also major donors, but those people already have applicants clamoring for their attention–friends’ kids, relatives, etc.).
I’d advise against your networking plan; I don’t think there’s any chance it will help and it may even backfire. @MaybeYalie
I would just apply and take your chances like most other people. Admission to a school like Yale is basically a crapshoot for everyone (other than a lucky few hooked applicants). Unless you developed a very close relationship with a professor you worked directly with throughout the summer, I’d agree that the networking idea won’t help you. Your time will be better spent crafting a great essay and being sure your application is as good as it can be.
There’s no inside track unless one of your parents can be hired on as a Yale faculty member.
Yale rejects +80% of kids of previous grads – many of whom have fantastic stats. Like others have said, you apply like everyone else. Above all, apply broadly enough. The nos. of AMAZING kids whom Yale (and other very competitive schools) must turn down is huge. If you’re viable, there’s nothing wrong with chasing a dream and dropping in an app. But NO ONE short of Malala Obama should be at ease applying to schools of such low admit rates.