Chances for an unsure URM? :/

elbeeen
Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:24:33 +0000

Hey all, what are my chances for getting into Yale? And any advice? Please & thank you :]

Class: Junior (2011)
Nationality: Ugandan & first generation (But American citizen)
Gender: Female
State: New York

ACADEMICS!

GPA: 4.0
Class Rank: 20/132, top %15 percent
AP Classes: Junior Year = AP English, AP US History (No scores yet…)
Senior Year/Next year: AP Biology, AP European History, AP English (No scores yet…)
ACT: 34 Composite. 32E, 36M, 34R,34S.
SAT: Yale requires SAT I + 2 SAT II’s OR ACT so since my ACT’s are relatively strong I figure why bother with the other two? In all likelihood, I could secure a 780 on the literature and US History SAT II’s but I’ve taken SO MANY practice SAT I’s and I’m stuck at 2160. I even got a tutor and I can’t get higher. Also, I can’t afford all these tests (at my school we have to pay for AP testing) sooooo that’s close to $300 for a bunch of tests when I could just pay $45 for the ACT, do well, and pay for my AP’s in May. What’re your opinions on this? Do you think my status as a first generation/URM will negate the absence of an SAT? AND Yale says either/or but submit both IF YOU CHOOSE! Sooo can they really hold that against me? J

I am only taking 5 AP’s and I’m not in the top 10 percent. Will this hurt me? But at least I’m excelling at these AP courses right? Above 95’s in five is better than 80’s in 20? Lol…And will the SAT thing hurt me? Honest opinions!

EXTRA CURRICULARS!

Summer Camp Counselor
Model United Nations - Honorable mention twice
President of Human Rights Club - planned a Dance for Darfur that raised $8000 for the nation, launched a World Hunger Event that involved the community and raised $20,000 for Cambodia
President of Youth Against Racism - Selected to attend New Paltz University’s 11th Annual Racism Conference
Vice President of SADD
Youth Leadership - participated in the most successful Junior Achievement Company ever.
Varsity field hockey captain
National Honor Society
Honor Roll since 2007
Selected for Summer Scholars 09: Exploration of American Diplomacy at Vassar College

I am confident about my EC’s but wondering if they’re strong enough. Do I have enough leadership positions? Do I stand out? Hmm…

TRANSCRIPT!

Very strong with the exception of a two C’s freshman year but who really cares? I’ve maintained honor roll ever since then with A’s in EVERYTHING! And excelled in more and more honors classes and AP’s each year so my transcript greatly reflections my academic progression.
*I am not worried about this section.

ESSAYS/RECOMMENDATIONS!
I’m confident about my essay strengths and tentative topics.
I have teachers/advisors who really know me that I plan to have write my recommendations.
*I am not worried about this section.

INTENDED MAJOR!
International Relations/Political Science

Thanks guys =)