dimples

hey i was just wondering, in addition to GCSE's and A-levels do i have to do SATs as well, and i could really do with some information about what these actually are.

and what else do i need apart from stellar grades to get into Yale?

Booklady

Applying to Yale as a Freshman International Student

You have to do the SATs, but not SATIIs (your A-levels will count for the latter): SAT Reasoning Test

Apart from grades, you'll need excellent SAT scores and A-levels results, commitment to one or more extra-curricular activities (a sport, a club, community service, etc.), sterling teacher recommendations and a very strong essay. And a fair amount of luck - the acceptance rate this year was 7.5%.

dimples

Thanks for that link it's very informative.

Where about in Scotland could i sit the SATs?

dimples

Do i have to sit my A-levels in English and Maths, like the SAT?

I was intending to take English, French and Spanish. I want to be an English major

dimples

It says on Yale's International Freshman page that A-level results must be received by Yale by February of 2009. However when i sit mine, it will be in May of 2012, the year i want to attend Yale in the autumn. Does this mean after leaving high school i will have to wait a year before going to Yale?

Booklady

Generally, American universities like to see a Math SATII (or in your case an A-level), even if the student isn't planning to major in math or science. Students here tend to specialize later than European/British students, and a place like Yale is looking for academically (as well as in other senses) well-rounded individuals.

May is too late - decisions come out at the end of March, and the complete application has to be in well before that date. Your best bet is to e-mail Yale, or ask someone at your school who has helped other students applying to US universities to see how to approach your application process, which tests to take, etc.

dimples

Also, what's Yale's position on jobs? Do they take them as seriously as ECs? And also internships at newspapers and magazines in the summer?

Booklady

Jobs are good, and yes, they are taken seriously. Those internships are also good, particularly if you're interested in writing/English, as they will show further interest in your intended major.

P.S. You might want to repost your original question in the regular Yale forum. This sub-forum is actually for the Yale class of 2012.