I’m from Brazil and I came to the US to improve my English and finally get the chance to do the SAT and apply for Yale, but there are several reasons I worry about to can’t get an opportunity.
I am 23 years old and I am afraid that age can get in the way, because I have heard from several people that the older, the more difficult is to be accept. Because maybe they don't want someone who is 24/25yo living in the same bedroom as a young person
I have ADHD, but I only found out after I finished high school. My grades were bad and I thought I was dumb, even with studying all day until dawn.
Do you think if I get a very high score on the SAT and make a good essay, Do I have a chance to get into Yale?
I’m dyslexic (BADLY numerically, which affected my SAT scores) and I got waitlisted for Yale when I applied as an undergraduate. I talked about the pain of being dyslexic, and learning differently from others in my essay, and I’m pretty sure that got me more strongly considered. I ended up going elsewhere for my Bachelor’s, but if Yale is your “dream school” then I’m sure you will find a way to get in. I re-applied to Yale for graduate school and did get in as a grad student when I was your age: 24-25. but I don’t think there’s ANY kind of “age limit” on when you start your college education. They can’t discriminate based on that.
You can certainly bring up your ADHD in the “Special Circumstances” or “Additional Information” section(s) of the Common App, and even write a short essay about it there. However, I would use your personal statement to write about something else. Keep in mind: your goal is to present yourself as a multi-faceted individual with interests that go beyond just academics. So IMHO, I would not waste that opportunity by writing about something you can do elsewhere in the application.
The problem is when grades are low, it can seem you haven’t learned at the level others have. And as Yale is a highly competitive college, this can set you behind in chances. The college needs to know any applicant is as prepared as others.
Then there’ll be the question of what you’ve been doing since high school: biding your time, taking English classes, or something challenging and of value? What you’ve done will speak to your drives, as well as accomplishments.
I don’t think you understand yet what Yale looks for and how holistic admissions works. Every piece of your application matters and they look for certain qualities, not just who has the dream. Your direct competition will be other kids from Brazil who present the full package the college wants.
So no, the ADHD isn’t going to lead them to overlook the grades.
I have to agree with @lookingforward The acceptance rate at Yale was 6.7% in 2018 (I expect it was even lower for international students). There are not enough spots for all of the extremely well qualified candidates. I find it unlikely that Yale would take an international student with “bad” HS grades regardless of the late ADHD diagnosis, high standardized test scores, and a good essay. While admissions are holistic, strong academics (including GPA, course rigor, and standardized tests) are critical. Admissions wants to feel comfortable that accepted students have the academic tools and background needed to succeed at the very high level that Yale requires. If you want to apply by all means go ahead, but understand the odds are against you.
I suggest you research college programs that target non-traditional students.