<p>^^^southeast, I typically find your comments enlightening, but I think that was pretty uncalled for. Although this person may not be expressing his/her reservations as eloquently as others, they are the same issues that everyone else is dealing with, probably yourself included. Everyone is dealing with the fact that they think they aren’t good enough for Yale. Some people post chance threads, hoping for validation from people who don’t know a thing about the admissions process besides what they have read and where their friends and family have gotten into for the most part. Some people boast an aura of self-confidence, and don’t bother using boards like these for the amazing support they offer. And yet others, like the OP, like me, even lose a bit of faith in themselves, creating a facade of insecurity and excuses to prevent themselves from feeling the pain that a rejection might offer. I posted a similar thread to this one a few weeks ago, albeit with a facetious tone, and recieved a number of positive responses that encouraged me to continue believing in myself and to finish my application. The OP may not have sounded very intellegent, but that doesn’t mean he/she is “dumb” or unworthy to go to Yale. I think that it’s really important to be extra sensitive during this time…in essence, our futures are being decided right now, and we should only be trying to help one another, not knock others down on the trail to success. </p>
<p>Anyway…Hey President Dunn! Welcome the Yale board (not that I’m some sort Yale board mistress, but I’m a regular along with a bunch of other people). There are quite a few of us applying SCEA, and I hope that you will find this group of individuals really helpful because I think they’re a fantastic bunch. I hope that I can provide a unique perspective on some of your questions, because they are questions I’ve asked myself many times.</p>
<p>1. Telling people I am applying to Yale. The general shock involved and the “Wow! You’re so Smart!”</p>
<p>Haha, I’m always worried about telling people about my reach schools too. After a while, I’ve come to the conclusion that 1)you DONT have to tell everyone where you’re applying, and 2)you really shouldn’t care what others think too much. Honestly, if you think you can apply to Yale, you probably ARE intellegent. There’s nothing wrong with offering a sheepish smile and silently revelling in your brilliance. :)</p>
<p>2. (Eventually) telling people that I attend Yale.</p>
<p>Honestly, if you get into Yale, you’ll probably be so excited that you’ll want to tell people where you’re going! Hint: It’s a fantastic school!</p>
<p>3. I have a fear that I will be labeled some sort of elitist for the rest of my life if I attend.</p>
<p>Elitist people often attend schools like Yale, but attending Yale doesn’t make you elitist- if anything, people will immediately give you the sort of credit that you would have to work for if you had only attended, say, your state school. </p>
<p>4. It’s too cold in CT.</p>
<p>Um, have you ever been to the Northeast? It’s super cold only about 2 months, and cold-ish for 2 more months…that’s 8 months of beauty and warmth. I’d take winter anyday if it meant getting to experience the changing leaves, blooming flowers, SNOW, baby bunnies and summer rainstorms!</p>
<p>Edit…you’re a marylander? you should be ashamed for asking this…</p>
<p>5. Competitiveness. I hear it’s one of the least competitive of the Ivies, but I just want to know for sure. Like competitiveness once there, not to get in.</p>
<p>It’s really up to you to decide how competition affects you. My school has a lot of competitive people, but I am friends with many of them, and I find myself laughing at them stresssing out while they are often jealous of my lackadaisical attitude towards life. Honestly, just do what you do. I think you need to focus more upon yourself, and worry about what you have to do to succeed at Yale, sans the influence of others. If you continue to worry about what others are thinking and saying about you, you will always fail because you’re basing your perspective of yourself on your perceptions of others’ thoughts.</p>
<p>6. I’m a Republican. Enough said.</p>
<p>Again, who cares. I would just suggest having a strong basis for your ideals and being prepared for many arguments! No one will judge you if you can stand up for what you believe in. Pretty much any real liberal will tell you the sam ething.</p>
<p>7. I’m still undecided on either majoring in Poly Sci or Comp Sci. Are both of these programs amazing at Yale where when I eventually shift my focus to just one, it is a great program. Or is it too hard to double major if I continue to love both as much as I do now?</p>
<p>Everyone knows that Yale’s Political Science program is one of the most pretigious and best in the country. That’s all I can really tell you…</p>
I’m a lib myself, but I’m sure there’s a conservative presence at Yale (see Bush, George W.), and just about any uni you go to (short of Abilene Christian University or Brigham Young) is going to lean liberal, since campuses are just that way. There will be a Young Republicans wherever you go, rest assured. </p>
- All D’s schools are in the NE. She is getting coats, boots, etc this Xmas.