<p>I think that it exhibits a lack of understanding of the teenage brain on Yale’s part, or perhaps it just doesn’t matter to them, not to send Likely letters and to let applicants that they want know as soon as possible if they’re in. I have read [a link is not close at hand] that Yale is trying to build up their STEM reputation, so some highly desirable RD STEM applicants get likely letters (but not SCEAs). My DS can’t be the only teen who, if he received a likely letter in late November, would lose some momentum in applying to other schools. I’m not saying that he would stop, but the effort level would go down, and he’d be jazzed that Yale wanted him enough to say so early.</p>
<p>Mind you, I don’t know if he’ll be accepted at all (SCEA or RD (here’s hoping!)), but his reaction would be very different if he heard Dec 17, earlier than Dec 17, or regular RD deadline.</p>
<p>Yeah…not sure how I would feel. I think I would still view going to Yale as my first choice. I’d definitely be more excited and committed if I get accepted in December, though.</p>
<p>Interesting… I suspected that the reactions could vary to a Deferral. </p>
<p>In my daughter’s case, she seems to clearly understand Yale’s challenge in this process. So I believe that she would remain excited to gain admission, even if delayed until March/April. And then, from her current perspective, the final decision would come down between Yale and Brown, if she is lucky enough to have that tough decision to make. She would want to visit them both in person and in detail and then finally decide.</p>
<p>But I do believe that an Admission in December would go a long way towards swaying her final decision. It would seem to create the belief with her and many applicants that there was a “fated connection” or “meeting of the minds” between the school and student. If an applicant clearly names one school as their favorite and then if that school also feels strongly enough about the applicant to agree to commit to them early on as well… that seems like an overwhelmingly powerful affirmation. And I believe that my D in particular would then fully commit to Yale.</p>
<p>@WWWard As I said earlier, two of my family friends had the very hard decision of choosing between Brown and Yale. Both decided to go to Brown because they liked the environment and focus on undergrads. I talked to them recently and one said that they liked the atmosphere at Brown. They say that Yale is too “cut-throatish,” but of course they are biased. I, however, am still set on Yale as my first choice.</p>
<p>I wonder why they won’t send highly desirable STEM applicants from the SCEA round likely letters. By the way, has anyone gotten a likely letter? If you have, was it due to athletics? </p>
<p>I really hope what IxnayBob said about Yale looking for more strong STEM students is true. The fact that Yale is focusing more on STEM is one of the main reasons why I would like to go there, and I emphasized that in my application.</p>
<p>because it’s early in the process and since we applied SCEA we demonstrate strong interest so we’re already pretty committed… ergo no use in sending us likely letters</p>
<p>I was under the impression that likely letters (at least at HYPSM) were reserved for athletes and incredibly accomplished slam-dunk applicants (e.g. international competition winners). So, maybe you are one of those people, but I don’t really think likely letters are part of the game for even the average Ivy-League accepted student!</p>
<p>Still, I kinda wish all schools had rolling and you’d find out a month after applying… wouldn’t that be nice?</p>
<p>Adding: If i’m deferred I will hope more for my other top choices because Yale acceptance after deferral is even less likely than early acceptance.</p>
<p>For information about likely letters from a reliable source, please read the thread linked to in the Resources sticky thread at the top of this forum.</p>
<p>True. Acceptance rates fall from 14-16% SCEA to 5-6% RD. Well… let’s hope for the best. At least you are all now within 12 days of knowing… 11D, 23H, 18M and counting…</p>
<p>@awesomenerd Never thought of it that way. That makes sense.</p>
<p>@silogram I’m not sure if I would prefer rolling or not. A research program I applied to had rolling admission with low acceptance rate, so I was constantly freaking out and checking my email for a decision. I was extremely stressed out for a month and it was incredibly disheartening when I looked on college confidential and saw other people getting decisions before me. I think having a fixed date is better because I am not constantly refreshing my email. But I guess it would be nice to know right away.</p>
<p>Correct me if I’m wrong, but I am pretty sure a rolling admissions policy would give those who submitted applications earlier an advantage. A state university representative who explained rolling admissions at my school said that they are pickier toward the end and favor those who submit earlier.</p>
<p>Son received likely letter in early november, close in time to his interview. I want to frame it but settled for taking a picture of it that I can look at from time to time. He is an athlete. We are incredibly grateful, relieved and thankful. To say this is a difficult process is understating it. He did this himself and really has been working at this both athletically and academically since Grade 8. I know everyone else has too and everyone is a worthy candidate. Good luck to all.</p>
<p>How do we know for sure that the results come out on 12/17? Yes, it said 12/17 on one of the eli accounts, but why so late. Last year the EA deadline was also extended, to 11/5, and the results came out on Friday, 12/14 – 5 weeks and 4 days later. This year the deadline was extended to 11/4, add 5 weeks and 4 days, and you are on Friday, 12/13 – which is more in line with similar colleges.</p>
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