<p>So here's the scoop. I've probably asked the same question in different ways about a billion times, but I am curious to hear the opinion of some Yalies (explicitly). So in general, I am
a solid candidate. I'm ranked 2nd in a class of 381, 4.0 GPA, most rigorous courses, solid ECs (nothing stellar by any means, but I'm quite involved and love what I do), essays and short answers were awesome, and my interview went well (not that that matters much, eh?). </p>
<p>However, I have two holes in my application. One, I lack any major awards/recognition (some state DECA awards, NMSF, pretty limited). But the bigger hole is in my scores. I realize that a 31 ACT and 2120 SAT are not bad scores; thousands of students would be very pleased to have these. But as I am competing for a spot among tens of thousands of just as/better qualified applicants, are my scores so low that Yale will simply feed my app to the bulldog?</p>
<p>PS: Keep in mind that I was deferred SCEA, if that counts for anything.</p>
<p>ok, the fact that you weren’t rejected means they saw enough in your app to warrant a second look, this doesn’t mean you’ll get in, but it does mean you’re no autoreject 
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<p>By this point, that’s all anyone can ask for. Remember that most people who apply Ivy are people who think they’ve got some sort of a shot and are quite competitive in any pool. I think the number quoted to me was that around 70% who apply meet the qualifications required. From there, it’s down to who out of this pool is “more qualified” or in other words, a better fit. And luck starts playing a huge role. If you do get rejected, it’s not personal. (I apologize for how doom and gloom this has turned. I still think you have a decent shot, it’s just that by this point, the odds are stacked against everyone 
)</p>
<p>No, your message was really upbeat actually! That’s all I was looking for, a confirmation that my deferral means I’m not an autoreject based on scores! Thank you very much.</p>
<p>I suppose your scores are a bit lower than average, but that’s no big deal. Remember, the majority of applicants don’t have a hook. They’re just like you and me: very well ranked in our own little worlds, but haven’t managed to break onto the national academic achievement stage. I strongly believe past a certain point high on the academic spectrum, its just a tossup.</p>