<p>I was accepted to Yale through the Eli Whitney Students Program. It is untrue that GEDs are common amongst EW students at Yale; I know of both traditional and EW students at Yale College that had GEDs, though its very rare. Almost every school accepts GEDs, and that goes for Yale, though it might be harder to contextualize your academic record that route. </p>
<p>How old are you? If you’re 21+ and have been out of school for more than 3 years then you would be the perfect EW candidate. Your stats and accomplishments look outstanding, two key criteria for the EW program (especially the latter; the EWSP program assesses more carefully what it is that you have been doing while away from school). The other MAJOR factor is your personal essay, which must identify and cogently explain a very “compelling reason” for being a nontraditional student and wanting to study at Yale. </p>
<p>I myself experienced financial problems that forced me to work and take care of my family instead of going straight to college after high school. I made the most of it and traveled/learned/read when I wasn’t working. On that note, you will also want gushing recs from academics preferably. In your case, it will be important to furnish recs from employers, organizations, etc. that can corroborate your backstory and testify to both your skill and character in the face of adversity. </p>
<p>One other strong suggestion: enroll in a cheap, no-name, local university, take a few (4-6) upper-level or graduate courses across the board: hard science to social science to humanities to languages (pick a challenging one) and kick ass in them. Take a couple upper-level seminars and make as many intelligent comments closely related to the required reading as possible without looking like a show-off. Ask for recs only in the classes where you were the top student or among the top students and where you really left a notable impression of your scholastic abilities. That’s what I did since my high school record was mediocre.</p>
<p>With your background and ability, I’m sure you will be a stand-out student at any local college. It seems to me that you will also be an awesome and highly competitive applicant to Yale through the EWSP. Good luck!</p>