Hey guys! Thought I’d make this so we can discuss/vent about apps for the next 6 months. Scary to think we’ve only got 6 months until we apply.
I guess I’ll start by introducing myself. I grew up in Europe but have spent the last couple years in NYS. I wasn’t sure about Yale at first, but after a rep came to my school recently, I fell in love. I have a 34 ACT Composite + 36 writing as of right now but plan on boosting that to a 35. What does everyone like about Yale?
I just want to note that Yale requires all testing dates to make their decision. Do not take the ACT again with that kind of score. Yale does not want to see a student who cares more about 1 point on a test than pursuing an academic or extracurricular interest. Do stuff that you want to do instead. Yale would appreciate that much more. You’re current score, and assuming that you only took the test once, is a strong component of your application. A 34 will only help. a 35 on multiple attempts seems silly (no offense).
@Technogirl21, IMO @BestSinceHamlet has it right. You’re done with testing (unless you’re taking SAT Subject Tests), use the time wisely. Holistic admissions means AOs can draw whatever inferences they care to based on the small window they get into “who you are.” Make every impression count.
I’m a parent, so my answer to “what I like about Yale” is from a parent’s perspective, but I lurked on campus one afternoon early in the process, eavesdropping and observing, and the vibe was overwhelmingly positive. DS and I had dinner in a local eatery, near a large table of students, and their mix of banter and serious discussion was intoxicating. I could easily see DS in that setting. He is thriving at Yale. Good luck.
I only took the ACT once but got much lower scores on the science and math sections than I usually do on practice tests. like 3-4 points lower than I did on practices… are you sure being in the 75th percentile for Yale wouldn’t be an advantage?
My opinion is worth exactly what you’re paying for it, but I have always been one to recommend quitting when you’re ahead. If you want to indicate math and science chops, take the SAT Subject Tests. It is said all the time here and I know it’s difficult to fully believe, but standardized tests, assuming they’re sufficiently good results, are the least of your worries.
You got a 34. That’s a great score. I guarantee that your essays and recommendations will be read much more closely than your ACT result.
Hello everyone,
I’m still trying to decide where I want to apply early but right now I’m leaning toward Yale (will be applying to state schools early as well). I’ve just fallen in love with it based on what I’ve seen online and I can’t wait to visit! Looking forward to our upcoming college freakouts together! I’m done with my SAT I testing but I’ve still got subject tests to do (gotta do 3 of them bc Georgetown is annoying). Hoping to be a bulldog at the end of the year!
Hello all! I am an international student from the Middle East. I am not too sure where I’ll be applying SCEA/EA/ED, but I am leaning towards either Yale, UPenn or Princeton. I look forward to all the rants and bants during this application season. 
I’m so nervous about this decision and the application “season” hasn’t even begun yet
The best way to ease the nerves is to aim squarely at multiple “match” schools and 1-2 safeties. Then shoot for Yale and its peers as your dream reaches.
Any idea when the supplemental essay prompts will be available?
I’m so excited for this! Can’t believe I can finally apply to college!
hello everyone! So just to break the ice, where are you all from and what field what you like to major in? The Indian subcontinent and Econ for me!
Hi! I am from Pennsylvania and I would love to major in Molecular Biophys & Biochem.
@techogirl21
If you want to take the ACT again, you can delete the lower score and Yale would never know you tested more than once.
Is your 36 on the new ACT essay? If so, that is a great score, it seems everyone else is scoring low on it.
Mid-Atlantic and I plan on majoring in anthropology and biology, Econ, or a language 
@technogirl21,
User LyricalLacuna reported on what her father’s take on this was. He specifically referred to SAT IIs, but I think it says it very well regardless:
@nw2this, SMH.
Hi all - I am a Yale alum ('88) and have a 17yo son who will be applying (to Yale and other places) as class of 2021.
What I loved about Yale:
- The people were amazing. Every single person was interesting once you got them talking.
- I am a musician (viola). Yale offered unlimited opportunities to play and perform with really high-quality musical peers. Many have gone on to professional careers, although I didn't. I played in the Yale Symphony, the Bach Society, in many pit orchestras, for composition classes, for conducting classes, in chamber groups, and even some non-classical stuff, which was totally new for me at the time. If I'd had more hours in the day I could have done more. My one regret about my time at Yale was that I didn't sing at all. I would have loved to be in an a cappella group (I rushed as a freshman but was snobby about which groups I was willing to consider and didn't get in).
- The professors truly care about undergraduate education and make themselves very accessible. I didn't take advantage of this as often as I should have.
- The residential college system really does make a large university feel like home. My closest friends to this day are the classmates from my college (Silliman), not only because we lived nearby, but because we ate at least two meals together each day for four years.
- It was far enough from my parents on Long Island that I couldn't go home too often and they couldn't drop in on me unexpectedly - but close enough that if we wanted to meet in New York, or if I was playing a concert I wanted them to hear, they could be there. For the first few years I stayed on campus most of the time, but as a junior and senior I would hop the commuter train to New York once a month and spend a day in Manhattan, either with friends or with my mom.
Feel free to shoot questions my way. I have been an alumni interviewer for Yale for over a decade. Not all alums approach these interviews the same way, but here in southern California they are pretty important, as very few California kids get to New Haven for an on-campus interview.
Erika
I was just wondering if anyone knew how the new residential colleges will affect the admissions process for Yale’s class of 2021.
Hi, I just had a question regarding SCEA and I am a bit confused by the description on the website. I am trying to figure out which schools, if any, my daughter can apply early to when she applies SCEA to Yale. For example, I know she can apply Early Action to Michigan as it is a public uni, but can she also apply unrestricted Early Action to a school such as Northeastern U? I know that certain ED schools would also allow you to apply EA to Northeastern, but can you combine SCEA Yale with EA Northeastern? Thanks.