Hi! So I’m working on my application to Yale right now. I was a huge fan of gilmore girls growing up, and while that’s not the only reason I want to go to Yale, it definitely was part of my inspiration. Would it hurt me to mention that in my essay? Does anyone else know someone who said something similar and did or didn’t get in? I would obviously supplement it with professors, programs, campus life, etc., but is it too trite or do the admissions officers dislike the series?
I think it would be dishonest to leave it off, frankly. If you’re the type of person who likes Gilmore Girls, say so and be proud.
Yale is an academic institution, as such Admissions is looking for students who would THRIVE in their professors classrooms. I’m sure there are many Elis who enjoy Gilmore Girls, but I don’t think mentioning a fictional TV show as your inspiration for applying to Yale will necessarily move your application forward. Here’s a thread on the same topic which may be of help to you: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/1724303-being-unique-in-the-why-yale-essay.html
Dishonest?
You’re applying to a tippy top. I’d skip a TV show. To be blunt, I’m not sure it’s smart. It’s the sort of thing you tell new friends. Try to stay on point.
I think it’s a good, humanizing starting off point. Of course you’d mention the academic, smart stuff, but putting in something about what you like gives the admissions readers a little more info about you.
These other guys know more about the process so I’d listen to what they say rather than me, I’m just giving an uninformed opinioin.
It depends.
Highly risky. It might work if you somehow tied the show to some interesting unique anecdote to yourself just as an initial attention grabber. Couple of years back, Quinlan was addressing applications with a select group of alums. He mentioned that they read some great “Harry Potter” themed essays and some really bad ones. As stated upthread, the essay needs to be about you and how you will benefit from Yale (or any other school) and how Yale will benefit from you. It is not a creative or clever writing exercise.