<p>menuetto, I felt the same way a year ago. In my mind, I thought that the admissions officers were either overworked (as you imagined), or gossip girls (I figured they had to be vicious if they could only accept 10 percent out of the nation's best.) I advise you to calm down, however, as the admissions officers at Yale and at other schools are far from cubicle rats who laugh over your applications. They are very human, and they understand you're human too. If they're in charge of selecting a class of worldly scholars, they HAVE to be understanding and patient. I'm sure they goof us just like you and I do. Just check MIT's admissions blogs, and you'll see what I mean.</p>
<p>And if you really want to get in touch with Yale's admissions, there is a directory of adcom contacts for you to use. My admissions officer has been really helpful, as was my interviewer and other Yale students I met. The people in this thread and others are also very helpful, unless you're posting chance threads (especially if we're 17 days from decisions :P). You can certainly find support for your admissions jitters here or anywhere, if you look hard enough.</p>
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<p>I remember thinking that if I didn't get into my top choices that all my work has gone to waste. I understand completely why you're questioning your accomplishments now, but you have to get to the point where you are proud of what you have done, regardless of which institution you attend next year. My relationship with my college applications/high school achievements was a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute I'd think, "Why shouldn't they take me" to "What was I thinking?" I would exploit the bad points of my application and think about what I could have done better. It's a useless thing to do, and I encourage you not to fall in the same potholes I did. Be confident in your abilities, and you'll make the wait much easier. Remember, what college you get into is NOT a measure of your intelligence or worth. College is just another 4-year notch on the road, whereas you're stuck with your own ambitions and dreams for life.</p>
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<p>I won't lie. You're in for a big and long fight for a spot at Yale (or any other school), but if you've made it this far, you are more than prepared. This is supposed to be a stressful time for you, but I assure you that it will feel good after you're done. After you have submitted your application, all you should be focusing on is enjoying your last year as a high school student.</p>
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<p>About SATs: I know that feeling very well. I bombed one of my exams before, and I literally thought I had NO chance whatsoever at my dream schools because of it. Luckily, most schools look ONLY at your top scores, so take it again if you deem it necessary. It worked out for me. :)</p>
<h2>It IS hard to stay motivated, and your self-esteem will take tons of hits (if you're anything like me!) But if you keep pushing yourself, I PROMISE that things will work out. You owe yourself that, and if you can stay motivated, than you are one step closer to growing up and joining the next generation of scholars (hopefully at Yale ;)).</h2>
<p>^-- That was really disjointed, but I hope you feel a little better.</p>