@n2theoah , I’m going to take the liberty of quoting gibby from 3 years ago:
Is it possible for supplements to focus too much on yourself? I know Yale looks for applicants who contribute to the community and have a focus larger than themselves, and I don’t want to come off as sounding self-centered if my responses focus on myself and don’t relate to my interaction with others.
I finally finished everything for my SCEA app! I want to read over some of my short answers a few more times, but everything is really polished. The only thing I have to say is that I hope they read my Additional Information thoroughly. I don’t have any special circumstances, but one of my extracurriculars is unique and I explain what I’ve accomplished through it in great detail in that section. (I am the EIC of an international literary journal & gave information about the cross-cultural translation/submission/publication/organizational process, as well as different global opportunities/awards I’ve received through the mag.)
It could have definitely been fodder for an essay, but because not all of my schools have supplements/space to elaborate on extracurriculars, I figured that Additional Info would be the most centrally located place to have all of my Common App schools receive this information. I used that section to expand on this one EC, as well as explain why I stopped competing in debate & give further information about an award I received. (The award was for a research paper and I explained the prize of being a finalist for it & what my thesis was on.) I hope they take this information into account. I’m a bit nervous that they might get a wrong impression from my decision to include notable achievements in the Additional Info section – I understand it’s usually to clarify extenuating circumstances/scheduling issues – but I didn’t feel like I had any other choice.
I’m having a lot of trouble with the “Why Yale” short response. How do I explain in just 125 words? I tried doing something specific, but it’s honestly just the general campus culture of community and focus on teaching that draws me to it. How did you guys approach it?
^A campus culture of community and focus on teaching are desirable characteristics for any college. You need to explain how/why you feel Yale delivers it to its students and will deliver it to you. Use examples specific to your interactions and/or observations.
@h0kulani - What connections do you see between the interests and activities you have pursued in and out of school over a long period of time, and the classes, clubs, etc., which attract you to Yale. I agree with @BKSquared that you should try to provide specific examples of those things. Good Luck!
I’m glad they extended the deadline until Nov. 10th for students impacted by the hurricanes. I was without power for a week so I lost some time. I did the two 250 word supplementals but I am rewriting my personal statement. It was lacking in personal depth. My life feels like a blur right now. Everything is going so fast. I wish I could pause time and finish my entire application. My goal is to put forward an application I am truly proud of.
@BKSquared @worriestoomuch I think I just finished it! I got into detail on how the freshman seminars and 3 advisors per student result in Yale focusing on students individually. Is that specific enough?
If you could tie a specific seminar to one of your interests, it might be a nice touch.
@h0kulani My daughter wrote about the cobble stone walks. She is a history nut. She used them to talk about the history of the people that have walked on them, how they could lead her to both great knowledge and to home (where she talked about the RC’s and old campus). She mentioned something about leaving behind her own imprint on the stones. There are so many ways you can do it without it being such a literal question.
All of my supplements are done, but I can’t even fathom clicking the submit button yet. My school makes us do it by 10/25, so I don’t have much time to gain the necessary confidence at all. Sigh.
I submitted my app yesterday through Questbridge. I REALLY want to go to Yale.
and…presses enter. There we go, and with that my son is now in his very own purgatory until December. We had a small family party as he made the final gesture. Good luck to all the other applicants!
I am rushing to finish my app this week. Hitting that submit button will be difficult!
Submitted my application! Wow. I can’t believe I just did that.
Submitted my application last Thursday! Best of luck to all! No matter what happens for Yale, just know that you will end up somewhere great. It has been such an honor to even apply somewhere of the caliber of Yale. 
I have a question for those well-versed in the college admissions area- is it considered a hook if I am applying from a low-income school district? What if my area is underrepresented? Thanks for your responses- I was hearing mixed things on other threads. 
Best of luck to all with high school endeavors- I hope you all survive the seemingly bottomless pit of AP work
Submitted my application yesterday and received my portal today The official decision date for EA has been set: Thursday, December 14 in the evening. Good luck everyone!
@Benji3025 I’m sure coming from a low-income district will give officers context for your activities and accomplishments. I’m not sure it’s a hook, but it will definitely help!
Are you 100% certain it is on December 14th!? :-S
I submitted my application about a week ago. I forwarded my QuestBridge application to be considered for SCEA since I didn’t want to rank any other schools because Yale is my dream school. I can’t believe the responses will come out in about a month and a half!!!