<p>why do you think you were admitted when others were rejected??</p>
<p>I wish I knew! :p</p>
<p>It's a mystery to me considering they rejected two other students from my school with equal stats.</p>
<p>did you think the interview was particularly important?</p>
<p>lapoubelle: from an interviewer's standpoint, while a general "competitive" candidate can be ascertained, given the ridiculous nos. of apps, it's very much an art rather than a science. Two years ago, we hit around 9% admissions. Last year we went below 9%. This year we popped up a fraction (probably just due to the FEAR factor induced by the >9% rate which probably drove down apps in 2006 (not due to the Taliban scenario like that annoying featured thread here at CC)).</p>
<p>I think the interview can be helpful if a kernal of information is conveyed that strikes a chord with a file reader. I think most interviews leave positive impressions -- but the very unique "hook" information can help. Red flags can also come out that can diminish the applicant's chances too. I recall a fellow interviewer who was aghast to find rather racist attituded conveyed at the interview. To be so unwise as to have those views and then so stupid as to spew that stuff out -- well, let's just say I'm glad he had a big mouth.</p>
<p>For me, my hook was that I'm a ORM but grew up in the inner city and rose to prominent leadership positions in an all african-american community. I also had a great transcript and middle of the pack (Yale wise) scores. My essays were very good too (even reading back these many years). They showed that I was very reflective and engaged. I wrote about my complex relationship with a gay friend as well as a simple state music ensemble festival. Nothing too earth shattering but honest, and in my own voice.</p>
<p>Congratulations all! Go JE!</p>
<p>Doesn't matter - you're in!!! I'll never understand what got me accepted but boy I'm glad I was! JE Sux! (that's JE's cheer - long story)</p>