<p>My aunt attended Yale…for graduate school. I’m wondering if that will have any effect whatsoever on my chances of getting in?</p>
<p>Also, would a recommendation from a person who went to Yale music school help? He’s currently the conductor at a rather large symphony orchestra…one of the best in the country sans the major orchestras (new York, Chicago, LA, Detroit, any of those)</p>
<p>And finally, will Yale see weigh dedication in music more than other schools? It seems like it. A combination of premed/music at Yale would help…right? Relatively, of course.</p>
<ol>
<li>The aunt probably won’t help very much. It will do no harm to list it where Yale asks for info about family connections.</li>
<li>This kind of recommendation only helps if this person knows something impressive about YOU. If you were in the orchestra, or if you were his student, etc. If he’s just a family friend, it won’t help.</li>
<li>There’s a great music scene at Yale, and being very, very good at music may well help. While dedication is great, you will need significant achievement for it to make a real difference in admissions.</li>
</ol>
<p>thanks for the reply! sorry, yeah, i’m in an orchestra he conducts. He really likes me, and i think that he recognizes me as a leader in orchestra, because he always makes me do things and help other people…plus we both play clarinet :D</p>
<p>and do you think that being recognized as an outstanding soloist in the state is enough? and i made principal clarinet in allstate orchestra… or do i have to win national comps too?</p>
<p>It’s good - certainly helpful. Will not get you in by itself. Many will have similar music credentials… As for the rec - also, very helpful. As for the aunt - very little/no help.</p>