Hello! I want to know what Yale looks for in their students. I mean, what do you think that can enhance a student chances to get in? More than the standard model (good grades, score in tests and essays and strong recommendation letters). Many volunteer works? Previous experience in any art activity? Medals and prizes? Experience in the course chosen? Character? Hope you can get my idea.
Yale wants to select a wide range of students who will bring their own stories and perspectives to the community. Speaking as a current Yale student, the one thing that all of my classmates have in common is that they love what they do and do what they love. Remarkably few of them went through high school with the goal of going to Yale (or another highly selective college), rather, they found something (or things) they were excited about and poured time into it (/them).
@OrchidBloom has it right on. To supplement, there’s not really a magic formula to get in short of A) having a name on a building or B) getting a LL for athletics. There’s so many different types of people going, from artists to debaters, athletes, national academic competitors, political activists, etc. It’s most important that you show why Yale is the best fit for you + your passion for your ECs. Best of luck!
@OrchidBloom is right on point. As an alum, current parent and interviewer, he/she has hit it on the head. They are looking for authentic students who have a genuine love of learning and sincere outside interests. Straight A’s, perfect scores and a long list of ECs and glowing teacher recs are not enough. What makes you special and how will you add to the specialness of Yale and its student body? Not an exact science I know and if you are looking for a formula, one doesn’t exist. But I know from experience that they always seem to get it right, year after year.