"Why Yale" Short Answer Help

[MrBean1978]

Hi everyone, I’m writing my Yale short answer response, and I make it clear why I want to attend, but I think I sound too robotic! Is anyone able to help me read over my response? Preferably someone that’s attended, or currently attends the school.

[gibby]

If you think you sound too robotic, then you probably are. Your responses need to honest and truthful, maybe having a twinge of humor to them, as they are meant to allow an Admissions Officer to get a quick glimpse into your soul to see how your mind works. For example, below are several samples from my son’s short answers seven years ago. He graduated from Yale in 2015. Keep in mind, that Admissions has already seen these responses, so you should not re-use them in full or in part with your responses.

QUESTION: What would you do with a free afternoon tomorrow?
ANSWER: I would go to the Guitar Center on 14th Street in Manhattan and try out guitars that I can only dream of purchasing.

QUESTION: If you could witness one moment in history, what would it be and why?
ANSWER: I would have Doc Brown set the DeLorean to July 20, 1969 so I could be with Neil Armstrong when he walked on the moon. That would be awesome!

WHY YALE?
ANSWER: Because it’s not Harvard! No, I’m not being flippant, as my sister attends that other school to the north and I understand what I don’t want. From the whimsical admissions video, to the creatively festooned hats worn on Class Day, humor abounds at Yale – and I want to be part of that tradition! In addition, Yale’s residential college system is a big attraction, as I would like to participate in intramural sports. Most importantly though, Yale will allow me to explore a wide variety of academic interests, from computer science to physics to economics; each department has incredibly stimulating courses that I would like to take.

[Tperry1982]

My Daughter’s answer to “what would you do on a free afternoon” - perfect my vegan bread recipe.