I think I only want to apply to one since they’re both so hard, my school has only gotten a few people into Yale, but much more into Princeton. I am majoring in Engineering Physics and am from a top public school in Kansas City. I would rather go to Yale.
Any particular reason you only want to apply to one?
Any particular reason these two for Engineering Physics? Which isn’t even listed on Yale’s list of available majors?
I’m already applying to quite a few schools (12) and have been advised by many not to apply to too many top reach schools because of the rarity of being accepted. Ii’m actually applying to Stanford for sure because of their outstanding Engineering Physics program(its my first choice). I very recently found out that I am a legacy to Yale(weird complicated situation). And since I loved the campus and my second choice major is Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Physics (Yale’s ranked very high in Physics) I figured I should take advantage of this fact. Although Princeton is ranked higher in engineering I would prefer Yale because of the location, campus and culture. For a reference on how good my application is my college advisor (hired by my high school) did not think I had a shot at Stanford(applying anyway cause dream school) or Yale(before I knew about Legacy) but that I have a slim chance at Princeton, this was before I found out about Legacy so I may replace Princeton with Yale so I can keep my “extreme reach” schools at 2.
You should use your legacy at Yale and apply early there. That actually has some weight on the scales
Applying early to Princeton by contrast has comparatively small influence on your chances.
But I say that on the assumption you’re truly a legacy. Grandparent or uncle for example doesn’t count
For legacy status to matter much, I would think it needs to be clear-cut and simple. Regardless, if you’d rather go to Yale and it meets your needs, that is reason enough to choose it over Princeton (assuming you’ll only apply to one).
You don’t get into any tippy top based on how well they suit you. It’s about how you match what they want. And I don’t see anything that shows if you understand what that is.
If you do not match what S, P, or Y looks for, legacy is no tip. None. If you don’t understand what it takes, a “dream” is nothing more than a shot in the dark. Whatcha gonna do about this?
Can you elaborate more on your legacy to Yale? If you “were not sure until recently”, What does that mean? A parent who is an alum would qualify.
Well it’s kind of a weird situation, essentially I found out my mom is married to someone who went to Yale for med school, but I’ve never actually met him, apparently he helped raised me from like 1-3 years old and their still technically married but have not been “together” for quite some time. So I found out about the marriage recently is why I didn’t know before. I checked yale’s website and step parents count as legacy.
Step parent counts as legacy but med school probably does not for the purpose of Yale College.
And not seeing him in 15 years defies the point.
Will you.list him as stepparent on the app? Will he contribute to college costs, fill out his portion of the fin aid forms?
Stretching these relationships is just grabbing at straws.
More importantly, how does that effect any financial aid that you may be eligible for? Not an expert on this topic, but if they are still married, do you have to include his income?
I live with my dad therefore I submit his income, money is not a concern for choosing between schools because I have a fund for college+grad school. We would not qualify for any need based financial aid anyway
Grad school and professional school affiliation counts. A step parent that you have not lived with in 15 years? That’s a stretch. Even if you get whatever legacy boost there is, over 80% of legacy applicants are rejected.
how will they know about the extent of my affiliation with my step parent?
Are you certain 300k+ is available?
The app also asks for info about each ‘parent’ you list. If you live with your dad, list your mom at a separate address, then you expect to show a 3rd address for this phantom step parent you didn’t know about? AND expect him to swing you in?
The app doesnt ask income. That’s the fin aid forms. If you will apply for aid, that’s a whole other can of worms.
Doesnt seem like you understand the parts. You’ve also asked about Stanford, saying this phantom guy went there.
Imo, legacy isn’t going to be a tip.
If you prefer Yale, apply to Yale.
I think Legacy in your situation is somewhat irrelevant.
I hope you have a nice solid selection of other schools you are excited about.
You didn’t even know about the marriage until recently. You probably have little-to-no memories of this man in a parental role with you.
@CollegeDoggo, just asking the question “how will they know about the extent of my affiliation with my step parent” does not bode well for your character.