Should I put this in my essay?

Colleges & Universities Yale University
1

<p>I am half Jewish and half Afghani, which I plan to weave into my essays subtly somehow.</p>

<p>On my Afghan side, my family tree leads directly to several historic heads of state in the early 20th century, including one who won Afghan independence from Britain and one who established the actual state. Also I am related to several prominent state officials from the Afghan Republics that existed shortly before the Russians invaded. Is this a bonus at all if I can somehow meaningfully work it into my profile? Will Yale not care? I’ve heard that Ivies give special treatment to movie stars and other famous people so I thought I’d ask your opinions.</p>

<p>If I included it, it would be genuinely meaningful. My family tree means a lot to me and it has definitely shaped who I am and what I want to do with my life.</p>

2

<p>No, Yale will not care about the famous people in your family tree, but WILL care how you tell how it influenced you. They want to know about YOU, why they should accept you. Focus your essay about you more than your family tree. Hope this helps.</p>

3

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<p>Yes, an essay developing that could be great. But the popularity of the actual members in your family tree will not be what matters.</p>

4

<p>Afghanistan never gained independence from Britain because it was never part of the British Empire. As for the establishment of an Afghan state, it was my understanding that Afghanistan is not a state in any real sense of the word but a collection of tribes.</p>

5

<p>^^ See Wikipedia.</p>

6

<p>No I don’t need to.</p>