This is a weird one. And I do want to apologize if this is a daft question, as I do not–nor have I ever–had a high school counselor.
I graduated from high school a while ago from home school.
My entire high school, but especially the latter half, have been shaky due to a severe illness.
I didn’t know I was sick, but I found out late last year. (Nothing terminal, but it is chronic) I am improving and am able to start thinking about my future alma mater.
I always craved going to Yale, as it has a program that is unique and very rare in the USA. I graduated from HS at 16, but my numbers on tests and academics are not the best because of my illness. I have silent achievements–things I can reflex upon in my application, but academia is where my heart is, even if my numbers don’t reflect it.
You can probably see where this is going.
I know Yale admissions are over, but I want to apply for fall 2017 or 2018. But this would require waiting.
I do not have a counselor so I am doing this all blind and it is very confusing. The home school I used also means that I could not get any teacher recommendations.
The first question is: can I apply for 2017 or 2018 now or do I have to wait?
I know we as people all think that we are the ones that are deserving of the special circumstances, so I’m sure that this is not enough, but I know that those who fall under that criteria can in fact be admitted.
Do you think it is worth trying?
Please be kind with your responses. I am very new to all of this.
Thanks!
Yale’s application cycle for fall '17 admissions has ended, @moosemunchies
Would you be so kind as to link me to the article that tells me that?
I can’t find that anywhere.
I see the deadlines on Yales Website, but do not see anything about fall 2017 being over.
That was probably a typo. The cycle for fall '17 will begin in the late summer/fall of 2016.
Without knowing your specific circumstances it would be hard to even make recommendations. You will need stellar test scores, recommendations, and EC’s to be admitted to any ultra selective school, and/or have a hook or athletic ability. Have you taken the ACT and/or SAT? You will need scores in the top 1-2%. Yale starts accepting applications in Sept 2016 for Fall 2017.
If I were you I would make a list of 7-10 schools that match your interests, are affordable to your family, and accept students in your test score range (you should be at or above the 25th to 75th percentile). If you are not fully recovered you should consider a local university you could attend part time.
Typically, most of the colleges talked about in this forum will have an application cycle opening up from late summer to January 1st (some like UMich have extended deadlines). Students will apply during that cycle to potentially obtain a spot for the class that enters that following fall. For example, I applied to schools by 1/1/2015, got back results in 3/2015, and committed to one school to attend that following fall (9/2015).
If I’m understanding, you don’t have the stats, we don’t know if you had the rigor, and you won’t have recommendations? After this admissions cycle is over, you can speak with a rep there. Unfortunately, for such a competitive college, with a high bar during the four years, it’s not likely there will be an easy solution. Yale has the Eli Whitney program but the criteria are fierce, for already accomplished individuals. This isn’t an easy matter.
What exactly is the “program that is unique and very rare in the USA”? If you explained, we might be able to find some other schools that are not one of the most selective in the country that might be a better fit for your situation.
Were you educated overseas? Are you a US-based or international applicant?
There is a section on this forum for students and parents involved in home schooling. Maybe you could get some ideas about how to proceed there.
Did you do any on-line courses or dual degree courses at a local university?
Have you taken the SAT or ACT or any SAT subject tests or AP tests? These are often used to verify rigor regarding home schooling.
Yes, a typo–sorry and thanks!
Always worth a shot! But I strongly suggest boosting those test scores, because the unfortunate reality is that home-schooled student admission is almost ALL based on test scores. (This is according to my current college counselor, a former Princeton admissions officer.) So, if you’ve got time, I’d definitely make scores a priority!