<p>Monkey,</p>
<p>I wanted a chance to respond to some of your thoughts. I want to make it clear that I am writing this not to defend my ego or the program’s honor, but rather to respectfully navigate some of these accusations for the benefit of future applicants.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough (and yes, luck is a HUGE factor), with seven other students this year, to be admitted to this program. Over the last month and a half we have prepared our move to New Haven, met each other, and a couple days ago, started classes. Though I have very minor criticisms of the program thus far (small logistical challenges, etc), for the most part my experience has been diametrically opposed to your speculations. </p>
<p>This forum was incredibly valuable to me and at least one other admitted student in this program. I believe it to be a vital resource to deal with the stress that comes along with any competitive application process. I believe it even more necessary for a program like this one because of its small size and the relative lack of information available. Before I continue further, I pledge that not only will I continue to stop by this thread myself to answer questions, but I will encourage my fellow students in the Eli Whitney Program to do the same. </p>
<p>Your first claim, Monkey, was that Yale “is not really interested in having a truly non-traditional program.” I think I understand what you meant to say by that. Though if you meant to say that Yale is not interested in having a continuing education program, I agree with you. In fact, one of the Dean’s admitted that sentiment at the orientation. I, for one, was ecstatic by that admission. My experience with continuing education programs at elite schools is limited to HES. Though at least one other admitted student came from one of these continuing education programs at a top school and he has echoed the following sentiments. These “adult schools” are in too many ways separate and not really a part of the undergraduate social community and/or academic tradition. That sense of separation manifests itself in a lack of financial aid, a different set of professors, and in most cases, a different degree altogether. So yes, Yale is not interested in this kind of continuing education. Yale’s answer to this set of problems, therefore, was to develop on its existing program to create (relatively recently) this version of the Eli Whitney Program. At this point, I even hesitate to use the word “program” because that is not really accurate. It is more a venue for admission, like transfer, or freshman admission, rather than a separate program per se. But I must get back to my original point. Though it is not a “non-traditional program,” I would contend, it presents the best model for non-traditional students. It’s a model that I have come to believe in so much that I hope, for the non-traditional student community, it is someday adopted to some degree at other top universities. </p>
<p>So to your original statement, Monkey, I would say that Yale is, of any top institution currently, the most interested in having a place for non-traditional students. Non-traditional students are not only allowed to integrate but encouraged to do so. From my residential college dean to my admissions interviewer, there is an excitement in having us here to not just take an experience, but to give a part of our own as well. Yale sees a value in these “real-world” experiences like no other elite school. So, yes, they don’t want a non-traditional program, but they have made clear in ways beyond just rhetoric, their dedication to non-traditional students. </p>
<p>As to this myth that this venue of admission does not admit community college students - let us dispose with that quickly as well. There were eight admitted students this year, four of them are here now, and at least two of those were at some point community college students and one transferred straight from a community college. I would give information on the other four only I have not met them yet and don’t know their “story.” </p>
<p>I also want to also deal with your comments regarding the interview and the application process in general. You complained that the application wasn’t “long enough to get a good sense of their applicants.” I actually had a similar concern as a freshman applying to various schools. This was even though the american admission process is less “numbers-heavy” than other international systems. That being said, I was thrilled that the Eli Whitney application in that they included more criteria than even the freshman process. They asked for at least one professional recommendation, and, if you were chosen, an interview with an admissions officer in person or over the phone. As a side note, I did mine in person, but I know one of the four students admitted this year did theirs over the phone. So being there in person, though I would recommend it, is by no means necessary. Back to the original point - having an interview with an admissions officer at any top school is a tremendous opportunity. Most top schools have alumni interviews but they don’t count for much at all. I felt that given the number of applicants, the application process was more than through. Any more and I would have found it excessive and even too much work given all the other things most Eli Whitney applicants would have going on. If I had any complaint with the process it would be only that we get our notifications late relative to other students and have less time to prepare for the move causing both bureaucratic hassles and more difficulty in securing the best housing (all the good stuff is usually taken).</p>
<p>As to your issues with the interview - I am truly sorry to hear that you found it intrusive and uncomfortable. Again, my experience was completely the opposite and all four students admitted this year would concur. First off, it is not some kind of test, but rather a relaxed and at times even fun conversation. The interviewer basically asks questions to clarify and delve deeper into the topics written about in the personal statement. For future applicants, if your essay topic is tangential to something in your life that you wouldn’t feel comfortable talking about, then I would recommend against that topic as it will be the focus of your interview. For me at least, this was a welcome surprise given that I had probably given the most thought to my essay than any other random topic that the interviewer could have brought up. </p>
<p>There is no point where you are further off than on the issue of financial aid. This is not necessarily because your other points are that much closer to the mark but rather that this one is so far off it. Frankly, I was shocked at my aid package. One of the greatest things that the existing Eli Whitney student population did a couple years back was not only save the program, but complete the level of integration by pushing for full financial aid. Yale will consider almost all applicants as independents so your parents income, even though it might be asked for, has no resonance on the decision. As a relatively younger student, this was a huge deal. </p>
<p>Though I know the levels of aid my fellow admitted students are receiving I feel uncomfortable letting it out in such a public forum. Suffice it to say that we are all receiving significant levels of aid. I, myself, am not paying to be here. I say this to help future applicants understand that the sticker price should not detract you from applying. If one gets in, they have the means to come, simple as that. Also, I promise you that needing aid did not, and will not, affect a student’s chances of getting in.</p>
<p>The final issue I want to address is that of Yale’s student culture and the issue of diversity that you raised. First off, both of us came to Yale for our interviews during the summertime. The only students who were on campus were graduate students, some students for summer session and research, and the assortment of high school students. This was by no means a fair representation of the student body as I see it today when the academic year is in full flair. I, myself, am a minority and have not yet (nor do I expect to) felt the least bit uncomfortable. Moreover, people here are tremendously friendly. I thought being a new or older student might affect our reception - but people here are genuinely interested in our stories and are in general deeply kind and respectful. This stereotype of snobbishness at top schools, and especially at places like Yale, should be dispatched. I don’t know if it is different when students are away from campus and dealing with non-Yale students - but here, whatever fears I had have quickly dissipated. Also, the other Eli Whitney students are incredible as well and will quickly become your immediate community even though they are by no means the limit to the social and academic immersion that this admissions venue offers. </p>
<p>I have only been in classes for a few days, and in New Haven for a little over two weeks. It’s such a beautiful place with wonderful people that I must admit it has been overwhelming. Among my fellow Eli Whitney students, I can’t think of a single major critique any have levied. If anything, their praise of this place is even more effusive than mine. </p>
<p>I hope that this post has been helpful in response to your accusations, but mostly to those who are thinking about applying. If anyone has any questions, I remain committed to this forum and, as I said earlier, will reply myself and continue to encourage my fellow whitney students to reply as well.</p>