<p>I will be applying Yale SCEA next year and have looked through most of the results threads. That being said,(and I know this is hard to answer) are these results threads accurate? I mean, a senior who will be attending Notre Dame next year applied to Dartmouth early and was deferred then rejected. He had great scores, was a state champion in track, participated in activities such as mock trial, and even got national science
awards. He got into no ivies and was a white male (so the race factor wasn't against him). Now when I look at these results threads, it seems a bit strange that kids with normal (on the ivy level) test scores, ec's, and subjective qualities are accepted, particularly when they compromise at least a fourth of the results. I know for a fact HYPMS admissions are ruthless and that essays are also a factor, but could someone fill me in? I would hate to go into the admissions process hopeful only to be disappointed.</p>
<p>When you apply at this tier you must have ALL admission aspects at top level. That means that if you write an essay showing off your skills, it better be a great essay. And if you send an extra letter of recommendation, it better be marvelous. </p>
<p>Every factor weights a lot when admission officers are presented with lots of over qualified applicants, they must discard some with certain criterion, so each factor becomes paramount. This is in part why everyone stresses so much that its a holistic consideration when looking at applications.</p>
<p>Mario: we’re talking about admit rates under (sometimes WAY under) ten percent. Your ND example above – was there anything deficient with his app? Likely no – but the sheer volume of apps to seats available is simply crushing. I’ve interviewed almost 30 Yale aspirants over the last two years. Only ONE was offered a spot (an EA applicant who turned us down to attend PTon).</p>
<p>As for your desire: " I would hate to go into the admissions process hopeful only to be disappointed"</p>
<p>Anyone applying to schools under 20% admit rate should expect zero accepts from those schools – and truly view them as “reaches”. There’s no logical path otherwise IMHO.</p>