<p>Hi everyone, the last 30 hours since getting in SCEA have been an absolute dream and I'm grateful for everything that's happened. I am, however, back at work on applying RD to that one other school in Cambridge, and would really like to know how my chances are based on getting in SCEA at Yale.</p>
<p>The reason I'm really anxious is that my acceptance could well have been a fluke, or my application possibly a "wild card" app. I was never "Yale material" throughout my high school life, in the top 10% academically at a top private school but in no way our valedictorian, had a 2250 SAT in a class with 2400's, and some of my friends whom I applied against are the most freakishly intelligent people I've ever met. I did, however, have a passion for a future career that was reflected in all my EC's, echoed in my family background and in all my essays. Speculating as to how in the world I was accepted, I guess it was because of that "hook".</p>
<p>I wasn't sure that those would overcome relatively weak academics to get me in, but by some stroke of luck, they did. I'm now extremely anxious though and would really appreciate anyone's replies to the following:
- How consistent are Harvard's decisions to Yale's, specifically in terms of valuing one individual's "hook" as worthy of acceptance? If my "wild card" hook overcame my weak academics at Yale, would Harvard likely pass the same judgment?
- How strong is the Yale SCEA admit pool compared to the Harvard RD pool? And on the basis of getting in Yale SCEA alone, how assured should one's chances be for Harvard RD?
- Would anyone have any statistics for the acceptance rate of Yale SCEA acceptees in the Harvard RD pool, or any knowledge of past performance on CC?</p>
<p>Would really appreciate any replies guys, and thank you again for all the advice available on this incredible site.</p>
<p>dick.
just kidding, congrats on your acceptance. I just feel like you’re being greedy because I’m mad, but hey, maybe Harvard was your first choice like Yale was mine.</p>
<p>All I personally know is, Yale and Harvard are different, yet similar. Just apply and calm down: you got into an amazing school! Be happy man. If you get into First-Choice University, more power to you.</p>
<p>Anywayz, I’ve seen this Yale/Harvard divide go either way. It’s random, but if you are competitive in one pool, you will most certainly be competitive in another. Remember, you get different adcoms from each school, so the decision in subjective. </p>
<p>And if you do get into Harvard and I’m still waitlisted at Yale, send some help my way brah. ;)</p>
<p>The kids that Yale accepts SCEA are definitely not “stronger” than many of those that are not accepted, they are simply kids that Yale believes would help build their specific idea of an incoming class or help accomplish something that Yale specifically desires. Based off of your own evaluation of yourself, and I really know nothing beyond that, I wouldn’t say that your chances are great. I’d assume typical HY cross-admits are academic superstars, very good URMs and the like. That being said, I’ll reiterate again that I really know nothing about you, and unless you want to be more specific about your EC’s or self-perceived “hook”, then no one can really even begin to attempt to answer your question. In any case, you already have a Yale acceptance in hand, and should be extremely proud/grateful.</p>
<p>Forty-eight hours since you were admitted to Yale and you’re posting multiple threads agonizing over your Harvard application? How about enjoying the moment (and not pouring salt into the wounds of those posters who weren’t as fortunate as you). </p>
<p>Is a Yale SCEA admit competitive for Harvard? Of course. Beyond that, no one can provide concrete answers to your questions.</p>
<p>Was there a Yale specific hook that you had? If not them you stand a good chance anywhere else. Of course, by good chance I am not talking 70-80%, I am talking 15% instead of 6. This is though complete speculation and I hate talking in percentages; more like Schrödinger’s Cat imo. So, all applicants are accepted, waitlisted (deferred) and rejected until they open the letter. Importantly, you cannot know until that letter is opened, so:</p>
<p>In conclusion, stop worrying. What will come will come. The “worst” that could happen is that you end up at Yale. Woe is me.</p>