<p>I think most posters have made good points. Clearly there is no right or wrong answer to the OP’s question.</p>
<p>The truth, though, is that Yale now has to select from an applicant pool that is filled with Harvard and Princeton hopefuls. Hopefuls that would, without hesitation, choose Harvard or Princeton over Yale. To get accepted early at Yale, then, one must really stand out amongst applicants. In other words, there is no gray area like there is in regular decision. There is no compromising. No admissions officer will say, “We’ll this applicant is pretty strong, but not exactly what we’re looking for. That’s okay, we’ll accept him (or her) anyway.” There will be none of that. Instead they will defer. And defer. And reject. And very few will be accepted.</p>
<p>So what will make the difference then? Test scores will play some role, but the Why Yale essay will, in my opinion, be the main decider between an acceptance and a deferral. </p>
<p>If you think you have a strong chance of being admitted, then, pay careful attention to the Why Yale essay. That’s how the admissions office will sift through the applicants who are only applying to Yale as a second-choice.</p>
<p>Those who will be accepted SCEA will have a strong propensity to yield, and will also be top notch.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>P.S. As a URM applicant, a 33 is more than sufficient. Work on your essays now, and just hope that Yale will want you as much as you want Yale.</p>