Non-traditional applying for freshman, possibility?

<p>Hello all, </p>

<p>I've been checking out CC for quite some time - and finally have a question to ask. </p>

<p>I delayed my high school graduation for some time (about 2-3 years) to do political research in China, Japan, and several other countries- and I am currently 23 years of age. I also ran my own firms (making designer outfit for such dept stores as Neiman Marcus) in the pacific northwest - as well as a tutoring company for AP / regular / enriched curriculum. For the current year I am invited by an organization (supposedly with U.N. connections) to teach English and global culture in a small village in Tibet - and will be there till early 2014. I want to apply for Yale this year (2014 entry) and probably other ivies so here I've got a few questions. </p>

<p>I understand that Yale has its Eli Whitney program - however I haven't taken a 5 year break from my education and my teacher recommendations / additional recommendations will be quite fresh. I have also never been to any post-secondary institution.</p>

<p>I went to first, a German gymnasium (high school), and then graduated from a Chinese high school ranked top 1%. I've got several AP 5s and excellent SAT IIs -and I'll be pushing my SAT I to the appropriate level by the time I apply (I assume, 2300-2400). </p>

<p>I am not asking anyone to "chance me" but I am interested to know if my age will be a hindrance. I am uninterested in the ivy non-traditional programs (Columbia GS Penn LPS..that is) - but do you believe it is appropriate for me to apply through the traditional freshman channel?</p>

<p>Just curious. Why are you uninterested in programs like Columbia’s and Penn’s for non-traditional students? Is it because you prefer to live on campus in a freshman dorm?</p>

<p>yes…unlike many other “non-traditional” students…I actually prefer living in a freshman dorm. Also, I’m unsure how LPS GS are perceived. </p>

<p>I guess my question thread is a little unnecessary. and probably no one has any experience with this…the adcoms probably don’t care as long as my package gets a pass (the SAT, high school GPA, teacher recommendation, etc. etc.)</p>

<p>Eventually I want to get a MBA from H/W/S and I seem to have accumulated enough experience for that - All I need is a top undergrad and a high (3.7+) GPA.</p>

<p>I’m also more confident about the summer analyst / BB recruitment process at traditional programs…or it’s just I don’t know much about the non-traditional career services</p>

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<p>Since you don’t meet the definitions of either an EW or Transfer applicant, then it’s appropriate that you apply as a fr, I don’t think you have a choice. I’d think the age difference would be more of a concern for you dorming with 18 yo fr, than for adcoms. As a fr on Old Campus, the frocos will be closer to your age and in subsequent years there will be a mix with older students in the RC or off campus housing.</p>

<p>That’s good to hear - I don’t really mind living with 18 year olds. I am also considering Oxford’s PPE program (if at Yale, I’d go for EPE) at Harris Manchester college, which offers a specific “mature student” common room. Perhaps the admit rate for Oxford is higher given I can do their TSA well. As an international Asian male (Canada) applying to Yale, I’m definitely disadvantaged…even with 4 800 SATIIs and SATI and all that. </p>

<p>But I do hope my added life experience can be positive “ECs” for Yale.</p>