Why do people on here focus on scores, extracurriculars, etc

Colleges & Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>During the summer, I was accepted into the Questbridge College Prep Scholarship.
To begin, lets establish the following:
You only got accepted if there is a chance that schools like Yale will accept you.
I got a travel grant, which meant they must have really liked me
I also received the Amherst Telementoring Program</p>

<p>Now, during the Yale Conference (the prep scholarship) I was basically told that the most important thing to admissions officers is the individuals, thus, effectively, the individuals' essays and recommendations seem to take priority.</p>

<p>This notion was made adamant by the fact that my SAT score is in the 1700s (only took it once), my ACT is a 29, I hardly have any school extracurricular ( I do out of school), only have 5 hours of volunteer, only been class president of freshmen class, and so far only had two 5s on AP tests.</p>

<p>Still, I was accepted and given all the other privileges.</p>

<p>On top of that, when I talked to the officers, they told me that they also don’t put the same weight they used to on numbers, instead they focus on the individuals.
Mostly, they don’t want a grocery list of extracurricular activities. </p>

<p>Anyway, my point is, when chancing people why is there such a focus on factors, that in my experience, seem to not be that important?</p>

<p>I feel like I can get into Yale even though I lack in extracurricular and standardized testing just because of how intellectually curious and adamant I am about being challenged to learn more; how these factors affect my essays and recommendations.</p>

<p>Reading these boards is depressing me and causing me to question myself.</p>

<p>Basically, should I be questioning my ability to get into Yale?
Does being president of this club and that club really matter that much?
Do these test scores really matter that much?</p>

<p>I'm starting to really doubt myself.</p>

2

<p>Well, Yale looks to fill its class with diverse applicants. For some students and their backgrounds, the only thing they can focus on is something to make them unique. Your being a QBridge potential finalist makes you unique. But consider the kid who goes to HS in Palo Alto or Princeton where dozens are getting +2100 SATs and have extensive internships, research opps and maybe play violin or piano at a high level.</p>

<p>What, pray tell, do you say to that kid to be noticed in the pool of Yale applicants?</p>

3

<p>Thank you for clearing that up for me.</p>

<p>But either way, among those students, shouldn’t intellectual curiosity and ambitions rain supreme?</p>

<p>Anyway, I have been told there is nothing I can do to increase my chances of getting an interview, is that true?
I really believe that once they truly get to know me, through an interview, and realize how passionate and in need of intellectual stimulation I am, they may consider me even more.</p>

4

<p>“But either way, among those students, shouldn’t intellectual curiosity and ambitions reign supreme?”</p>

<p>Academic potential is the FIRST criteria. No where do I diminish that fact. But when a dozen kids in your class seem to have the same academic credentials — then what?</p>

<p>As for interviews, it depends on how organized the Alumni Schools committee is in your area, if one exists. But many kids are accepted who never get interviewed – it’s not a necessity. And even if you ace an interview, it’s no guarantee to be a boost – it’s the smallest factor of evaluation, if at all.</p>

5

<p>Thank you, and thank you for the grammar correction.</p>

<p>You seem to be very knowledgeable, could you perhaps shine some light on a question I have about Yale’s (and every other ivy league or ivy league equivalent) academic life?
Though I love to be intellectually challenged, I also enjoy having time to pursue my own passions and self reflect.
While attending these schools, is the academic rigor so intense that I will no longer have time to do activities I enjoy, or is it up to me as an individual to determine how difficult and time consuming my schedule will be.</p>

<p>Since most do not have an open curriculum, I am worried that perhaps I will have a lot of my time consumed to the point that I cannot do activities I enjoy. </p>

<p>Basically, how difficult and time consuming will it be? Will it be on par with the most difficult High School classes, or does it just depends on what classes I choose?</p>

6

<p>During my son’s Freshman year (last year), he was as busy with classes as he was with outside activities. there is a ton of things to get involved in. But realize that the academic demands are high and you need to put in a lot of time.</p>

7

<p>^ To add on that, Yale is an ACADEMIC school, so the first and most important thing they will factor is your high school transcript. After that, they will compare the results with your essay and see what type of person you are. Those two things are needed to get in.</p>

8

<p>Farzaad123, many of my Yale college friends have found time to pursue many activities in addition to their studies. I have friends who have started REAL businesses while being freshmen, in addition to all the other societies that they have joined. Your time is what you make of it, really. I must say that most of the Yalies I know are really hardworking and can spend nights without sleep churning out essays and whatnot. But you don’t have to be like them. </p>

<p>So don’t worry yourself to death even before you’ve started applying! Self-doubt is the biggest barrier - if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others (i.e. admission officers) to?</p>

9

<p>I’m sorry, but I frankly don’t think you’re going to get into Yale with a 1700, unless you are Native American or something.</p>

<p>Academic competency is a prerequisite, and there are thousands of students with amazing scores and grades internationally. Ivy leagues are looking for the students who were able to pursue other passions on top of maintaining their grades… and I’m sure even then there are still too many who qualify. I guess THEN the factors such as depth of their personality, etc. will be looked at.</p>

<p>But then again, what do I know :d</p>

10

<p>^^As the OP said - he/she got into Questbridge. Questbridge does not accept students that it doesnt think will do well admittance wise.</p>