Predictably, chances.

Colleges & Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>I'm not sure if I'm wasting my time with the early application. I'm not looking for false hope or "well it's Yale so who knows", but constructive comments and honest opinions. Thank you. :)</p>

<p>Demographics: Female from Missouri, registered Native American (please do not focus on this as a reason for admittance, I REALLY need an evaluation of my credentials besides ethnicity), parents hold college degrees, middle class.</p>

<p>Stats:
UW GPA: 4.0
Have taken all AP/Honors courses offered at my high school, am tied for #1 in my class
5's in Gov, USH, Lang, plus an exceptionally impressive 2 in Chem, hah ;)
35 ACT (36 Eng, 33 Math, 36 Reading, 36 Science, 12 Writing)
National Merit Semifinalist</p>

<p>EC's: Speech & Debate (9-12) VP 12 - very committed to this; state qualifier in debate and spend a large amount of time each week researching/case-writing/mentoring novice
Academic Bowl (7-12) Co-captain 9-12
FBLA (10-12) Pres 12 - state/national qualifier, I'm in it for the public speaking
Math League (9-12) - uh...math...yeah
NHS (11-12)
Science Club (12) Pres 12 - I just kind of decided to join...?
Key Club (12) - new club this year, I enjoy volunteering
Hi-Step (10-12) - mentor elementary students about the dangers of drugs/alcohol
JV tennis (9-10)
Band (9-10) </p>

<p>Work: 20 hrs/week as cashier - wrote ec elaboration on this, basically presented myself as an anthropologist able to observe human nature from daily experiences working. </p>

<p>Community service: I volunteered at a tornado relief shelter this summer, I have worked with habitat for humanity, and at a local food bank, and I have gone on mission trips to Indian reservations to lead VBS and help with work such as hauling brush (SO much fun..seriously), painting houses, etc.</p>

<p>Summer activities: 3 years Duke TiP (7,9,10), Missouri Scholars Academy (10), Med Camp (11)</p>

<p>Essays: Common App on how my major instructor at MSA sparked my passion for medical missions, and instilled a confidence that I can make a difference in the world
Additional on lessons from my childhood: my brother's terminal medical condition and the loss of my father teaching me to be independent and compassionate, as well as inspiring my interest in medicine through exposure to surgeries/doctors/etc for my brother. If someone was willing to read/evaluate these that would be MUCH appreciated - I'm not sure if I've conveyed enough personality.</p>

<p>Recommendations: APUSH teacher and AP Lang teacher, both of whom have written for me in the past and both of whom like and respect me.</p>

<p>Intended major: International Studies, Intended career: Physician [international medical missions are my passion]</p>

2

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<p>Be happy about being Native American - it’s likely to be your biggest asset in the college admissions game. With that said, a 35 ACT combined with that status makes you a probable admit, particularly EA.</p>

<p>If you were not a URM, maybe 25% chance EA, 15% RD? Extracurriculars are weak.</p>

3

<p>The fact of the matter is that there are relatively few NAs applying for college, and even fewer with competitive stats for schools like Y. Your stats are high by any standards (except for that 2 in AP Chem ;)), you are involved in the NA community and have reasonable ECs >>> definitely apply EA.</p>

4

<p>Thank you for the responses. I just got my SAT scores back today: 2230 (740 CR, 750 M, 740 W). Should I include these scores? Also, I’m not sure what I can do to improve my chances based on extracurricular activities.</p>

5

<p>Your ACT score is better so I would just send those. My son never took the SAT and had the same ACT composite. He is an attending freshman. Focus your efforts on the essays as your stats are sufficient.</p>

6

<p>Alright, that makes sense. I’m not sure if my essays are sufficiently infused with my personality. :/</p>

7

<p>@snipersas</p>

<p>“If you were not a URM, maybe 25% chance EA, 15% RD?”</p>

<p>Is EA that much of an advantage?</p>

8

<p>I just submitted. Now I’m freaking out. I’ve been done for awhile, but I knew I’d hold on to it until the last possible day if I didn’t just submit and get it over with. :/</p>

9

<p>27,</p>

<p>I disagree with my fellow Yale parent above. Send your SAT score in, even though the submission official admission date has passed. And send it to your other colleges. </p>

<p>Your SAT score is not as good as your ACT, but it is high enough to prove that your ACT is not a fluke. Since you don’t mention SAT Subject tests taken, I think your SAT score is necessary to reassure your app readers. </p>

<p>Elite colleges are worry that URMs from unfamiliar high schools might have a tough time academically at their schools, so as much as they want to admit URMs, they don’t want to set kids up to fail. Make sure all the colleges you apply to have nothing to fear on that score.</p>

<p>Wisedad (who is really a wise mom, but that screen name was taken)</p>

10

<p>lol just saying that when i first read this i thought it said “drug/alcohol” as an EC. haha</p>

<p>anyway, i’d say you have great chances. throw in URM status and that’s the icing on the cake. </p>

<p>also I agree with the above poster that you should send those SATs. they are pretty good in their own right, and they do help corroborate your ACT</p>

11

<p>I’m betting you’ll get in, especially considering your URM status. Beyond that, you seem like a creative and thoughtful individual who would be a good match for a school like Yale. Good luck!</p>

12

<p>I didn’t realize this at the time, but I designated Yale as one of my free score reports when I registered for the SAT. Now I suppose they’ll get both regardless! I never mentioned my subject tests because they’re not exactly spectacular: 700 Math I, 760 USH, 680 Bio E. Good, sure, especially history since I had a very rigorous APUSH class, but not high for Yale’s standards. Thank you soo much for all the encouragement! I’m not all too confident of my chances, but I’m hoping and praying for the blessing of acceptance. Less than a month’s wait now!</p>

13

<p>I was accepted!!! Thank you all for the encouragement-I honestly didn’t think I had much of a chance.</p>

14

<p>Congrats, enjoy!</p>

15

<p>Congrats. You really deserve it.</p>

16

<p>So did you send your SAT scores or not?</p>

17

<p>I did send my SAT scores, including subject tests. And as far as ethnicity goes, I indicated native American as well as Caucasian, and made it very clear that I identify myself as primarily white but have tribal membership as well as cultural ties to NA community. I wanted to stay completely honest to myself and my heritage, but my friend who also applied SCEA (and happens to be Asian) found this completely unfair when she was deferred and I was accepted.</p>