<p>Hi, I'm a rising high school junior and I realize that this is THE year that makes or breaks your application. </p>
<p>I was wondering what (there could be a number of reasons) you think in retrospect got you accepted into Yale? </p>
<p>I don't have a legacy or a defined hook (no sports, not too good at my instrument, live in suburbs near big city, not native american, etc.) but I have a keen interest in astronomy and in environmental awareness that is demonstrated in my EC's. They aren't national-recognition-caliber, obviously, but I nonetheless have them. I'm wondering how much of an impact these "personal interest" hooks help? Do adcoms simply not care because they aren't school related, or do they value them because they show passion and interest? </p>
<p>Also, I've moved around a lot so I'm wondering if Adcoms are lenient with people with these kinds of situations? I.e., A lot of my ECs are choppy and not consistent for 4 straight years because I had to discontinue them when I moved from Canada to the US right in the middle of sophomore year. </p>
<p>Am I focusing too much on EC's? I have the toughest courseload at school, so I'm just worried that I will get off track with my ECs once school starts.</p>
<p>I'm firmly convinced that the core essential for the almost all accepts is demonstrated academic excellence -- displayed by superior performance in a very rigorous curriculum and confirmed by test scores. Adding to this base line (which many people possess (including many eventual rejected applicants)), the extra "spark" which can reasonably translated to make the person a "contributor" to the greater Yale campus. This most comes from teacher recs, perhaps personal statements, somewhat EC involvement. Here is where the subjectives really come into play.</p>
<p>In today's environment, the phrase "crap shoot" is often bandied about. I think it's here to stay just due to the sheer no. of applicants each season. </p>
<p>To your original question: I had very high GPA in a ridiculously hard courseload (even in the context of my competitive HS). My scores were only OK (somewhere around the 25th to 30th percentile of admittees). My ECs showed engagement and broad leadership -- unique for a Chinese in a predominantly African American HS. No particular prizes of note. One of my essays spoke of how I betrayed my best friend's secret (he is gay) and how I had to try to mend the relationship. In hindsight, it was a very sincere self-reflection -- and I think it correctly displayed my willingness to think beyond myself and was probably very unusual. Hope this helps, best of luck to you.</p>
<p>And to answer (what i think is) your question more directly, it doesn't matter what i think got me in, it matters what you think can get you in. We're different people, and the admissions process is holistic. Do whatever you like doing, and do it exceptionally well. Or even just moderately well. Most people who get in aren't superstars. There's no answer of how much you should be doing in any area, just do your best and accept that as enough. </p>
<p>And with respect to moving around a lot... if you think that's something interesting about you, you might try including that in your application.</p>