Is Yale lenient towards kids who come from atypical backgrounds?

urbanlegend213 · 11-01-2009, 10:32 PM

hey,

im trying to figure out which schools i should apply to and really want to get into an ivy school. My scores and gpa are low(2000sat/90gpa) but im not your average student. i come from an abusive household, my dad was arrested, parents went through a rough divorce, wouldnt see my mom( who i lived with) for weeks at atime, very poor, etc.

im not trying to start a sob story or even asking for sympathy, i truly feel greatful for my situation cause in the end its made me a stronger person. but i am curious if Yale or any of the ivies are a worthwhile application for me considering i do have a very weak application (although i have very strong ECs and Recs as well as a really great essay)

courteau91 · 11-02-2009, 12:48 AM

I think the short answer to your question is yes. But your word choice could use some tweaking. They're not so much "lenient" as they are interested in understanding you in your context. The fact is, as I'm sure you know, that only about 7.5 percent of applicants get into Yale, period, and, if admissions officers are to be believed, various intangible factors come into play when building a well-rounded class. If you convey your background while also showing that you have a lot to give to Yale, then of course you have a chance. Probably not more than most others, but probably not too much less, either.

I'm sure you've already heard this a million times before. I know I have. I've had the same question. Ultimately, there's no way of knowing if we'll get accepted. Good luck!

urbanlegend213 · 11-02-2009, 01:03 AM

thank you, i truly appreciate the candid response.

seems like i should give it shot, applyign to the ivies despite my low scores...

chair2 · 11-02-2009, 03:52 AM

your GPA is not terrible (even without the context of your home life) and the SAT is a four hour test, so you can really study for that SAT. try to bump it up as high as humanly possible for you. be sure to have your counselor write about this. good luck!

wjb · 11-02-2009, 08:40 AM

The academic piece of your application (transcript, curriculum, scores) is the most important component of every application. You know your grades and scores are low for schools like Yale.

Assuming, however, that a student makes it get over the basic threshold with respect to grades, curriculum, and scores, all colleges, including top colleges, are interested in applicants who have overcome adverse circumstances. "Overcome" is the operative term. You need to tell your story in a compelling way. You can't just talk about the hardships you've suffered. Through your essays, you need to tell colleges what you've learned, how you've grown, and how you'll contribute to the campus community as a result of your experiences.

urbanlegend213 · 11-02-2009, 06:25 PM

chair2-my last chance to take the sats already past, but i understand what your saying about the test. i studied quite a bite for the test and on ALL my practice tests i was getting between 2200-2350's, usually getting a perfect in math, 760+ in cr and a i was hovering about 700 in writing. but when it comes to the sat, i just get so nervous on the test date that my scores end up being incredibly low. any other day i am a master of the material, but on test day my nerves ALWAYS get to me. i just handed in my senior questionnaire, i havnt informed my counselor about my situation what so ever other than that i cant afford to send applications and that i need her to write me the fee wavier letter. What should i say to her?

wjb-thanks, ill be sure to revise my essays with your advice in mind.