<p>daughterofyale,</p>
<p>I think it is also good for you that one of your recs comes from a Yale College alum. This will, most likely, make an interview redundant and proffers the additional grace of an alum who knows you well. Good luck!</p>
<p>Just to clarify for others who are reading this thread, it doesn’t matter if your rec comes from a Yale alum. If you have a Yale alum in mind for a rec, but it’s a stretch in terms of how well the person knows you, get a different rec. If the Yale alum doesn’t know you in an academic or extracurricular context, get a different rec.</p>
<p>Even if you have a rec from a Yale alum, you will want an interview if you are offered one. An interview serves the purpose of a spontaneous encounter with someone who has never met you. Yale values this as the only spontaneous thing in an application file–everything else has been carefully polished and teacher recommendations thoughtfully selected.</p>
<p>Good luck to the OP.</p>
<p>Yes, AdmissionsAddict is correct. Alums who obviously don’t know you well can harm your app. Head this advice well.</p>
<p>I do wonder if Yale would contact a student for an interview if the teacher rec comes from an alum who knows the applicant well. My experience is that interviewers (I have been an off-site interviewer for Yale) are attempting to gage the level of the student’s sincerity along with a general impression of the “fit” for Yale. As you know, this is best accomplished in the interview setting. That said, I know if an applicant’s app seems well done, an interview is (in many cases) not needed. </p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>oldyale–Yale processes the name of every applicant to the appropriate Alumni School Committee director, the person who coordinates alumni interviews for the region. They do this as soon as the app comes in and before anyone has checked out the content of the application. So yes, even kids whose recs come from a Yalie are included in the alumni interview pool.</p>
<p>I do think that the alumni interview serves an important purpose because of the spontaneity. I’ve had amazingly arrogant interviewees; teacher recs may not have commented on that. I’ve had kids whose extracurriculars were revealed through discussion to be largely parent-initiated ; I bet that didn’t come through in the apps. There have been people who have shown amazingly poor judgment (skimpy attire with purposely exposed underwear worn to an interview in a professional setting); that wouldn’t come out anywhere else. I’ve had kids who couldn’t sustain an interview for longer than 10 minutes despite my best efforts; they might look great on paper but had nothing to say and no enthusiasms to demonstrate in person. Etc, etc. My take is that a strong alumni interview only confirms the rest of an applicant’s file, but a negative interview in an otherwise strong file raises red flags that the admissions officers need to see.</p>
<p>I just checked this during my lunch period. Thanks for all the encouragement. That is really kind of you. I have not heard anything regarding an interview. I would love to have an interview, but I am really not worried if I don’t get contacted. I understand not everyone is contacted for an interview for a variety of reasons. Thanks again and keep sending those positive vibes.</p>
<p>I got the call today and my interview is tomorrow. I am looking forward to relaying my passion for Yale, especially in the area of performing arts/vocal music and musical theatre. Any pointers? Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, the interview want as well as can be expected. A lot of give and take, and some really special “Yale” moments were shared since I have been a part of Yale since I was young. My interviewer and I sincerely connected, and that is all I can ask for.</p>
<p>Just curious I am sure you are shoe in but what do you do if you dont get in where else are you prepared to love?</p>
<p>I am primarily interested in a very demanding and well rounded, or maybe egg-shaped undergrad experience with a significant emphasis on vocal music and musical theatre. For me, Yale has a real commitment in this area, with many learning/performance opportunities. I am not applying RD to Harvard or Princeton. I am also staying clear of conservatory-style schools which may constrict taking an unbalanced (for me) liberal arts direction. Sorry I did not give more detail, but that is all still in the works…</p>
<p>Hello,
I just found out I have received several significant awards - Academic All State in my sport, #1 soprano in my state for All State Chorus, and some others. Should I ask our GC to send this info in, or is this ill advised…or too late?</p>
<p>DoY,
By all means, speak with your guidance officers. My advice is to send it in. It can’t hurt you, and it shows your continued excellence.</p>
<p>Send it in. The committee meetings haven’t started yet, so it’s not too late.</p>
<p>Thank you, so much, for your advice.</p>
<p>I was wondering if you sent in your updated information? You seem to have a sense of propriety. I hope you did update.</p>
<p>Yes, my GC sent it in for me right away. Thanks again for the advice/encouragement.</p>
<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I want to thank all posters for your encouragement. This is a very kind forum and I do appreciate the support and advice along the way.</p>
<p>I was wondering if daugherofyale got in SCEA?</p>
<p>yes, she did.</p>