<p>Alright, so here’s the deal. I’m your typical Asian Applicant- Valedictorian, 2100 SAT, and some kick ass internships. However, I don’t know if this is unique, but I’ve collected a few video game world records in the last two years. I’ve recorded the videos and took a snapshot of my world record ranking, so I have proof; but, I don’t know if this is “unique” enough for Yale.
Yeah it isn’t humanitarian or whatever, but it’s something interesting that I’ve really enjoyed doing.
Now, my question is, do I have a shot for Yale SCEA? My SAT scores are not at Yale’s standard, but would my interesting extracurricular save me? Should I raise my SAT and apply regular decision?</p>
<p>Yes, raise your SAT. And are you saying you spend so much time on on-line video games that you have some world records in video games? Hmmm… to be honest, I am not sor sure I’d consider that a good thing.</p>
<p>Exactly lol, but regardless I’ve been able to balance my life pretty well. I only play during the weekends (because of school) and I’m still able to fit in some major extracurricular activities in my daily life (Cross Country, publishing research, shadowing etc.)</p>
<p>Spending a lot of time on video games is a huge red flag – I wouldn’t call attention to it. If you read the Parents Forum regularly, you will see many students (and their parents) trying to figure out how to turn their lives around after some kind of academic disaster. And when those students are boys, 90% of the time one of the big factors in their downfall is video gaming. And almost all of those boys had been able to balance their lives pretty well in high school.</p>
<p>Apart from its effect on admissions, you really ought to try to wean yourself in preparation for college. The disasters people report aren’t that they didn’t get into Yale. Games make it difficult to handle their lives no matter where they are, and a lot of kids find themselves making mistakes that they can’t undo.</p>
<p>JHS - I have substantially reduced the amount of time I’ve been playing video games. If anything, I just play a few hours on the weekends. Honestly, most of the world records I hit were during my summer of 2010. Since then, I haven’t been playing enough to be able to defend them. In fact, not one of my world record stands now lol. I’ve been really dedicated to my academic life ever since I’ve stopped playing for countless hours; within a year, I’ve been able to improve my 10th PSAT of 144 to an eventual SAT score of 2100 . Not to mention, I’ve also claimed the number one rank in my grade. </p>
<p>Anyways, if I shouldn’t mention my former world records would my credentials alone get me into Yale SCEA? Like I said earlier, I have some really good extracurricular activities (Internship at NIH, All state percussionist, 1000 hours of medical related community service), top of my class with a 2100 SAT. Or, would it be of my best interest to apply regular decision and improve my scores. I’m also taking my Subject Tests this October and retaking the SAT in November. I technically could submit all of my test scores for SCEA, but I don’t know if I should wait and see what I get on my SAT retake before applying.</p>
<p>Your SAT score may not even be good enough for Cornell.</p>
<p>I might not be the best source of info since I didn’t get into Yale haha. But, I think most at Yale have the great extracurriculars you do and so the world records could help you stand out. Of course, you’d have to reflect on how they shaped you in a positive way but I’d say, improve the SAT score in either case. Apply regular decision and imo, dont be afraid to emphasize your gaming achievements cause they do make you unique.</p>
<p>As the mother of a “video game player”, I feel compelled to add my 2 cents. My son, who will be graduating from one of the Ivys this year, was (and technically, still is) the #1 ranked player in the US of an online strategy game. In addition to playing his game, he also created an online business, in which he offered game lessons, tutoring, etc.</p>
<p>When it came time for college applications, he included his gaming background on his applications. Not only was he accepted at all of his top choices, but the professors in his dept. remembered him as the “video game kid” when he arrived on campus.</p>
<p>My son competed in international tournaments (China, Korea, Germany, etc) and won thousands of dollars, all of which is being used to supplement his college expenses. From my experience, his “gaming” background was anything but a “red flag”. In addition to his grades, SAT scores, ECs, etc., it showed his dedication, ability to master strategies and excel. And yes, it made him stand out.</p>
<p>As a side-note, when he first started playing his game, I did find myself ranting about the amount of time he spent on the game, etc…but as he climbed the ranks and became the #1 player, I then found myself complaining that he wasn’t practicing enough and was spending too much time with his girlfriend prior to tournaments!</p>
<p>So kunalkunal2, my advice to you is include your world record rankings! As long as you have the other qualifications (grades, SATs, ECs)…your gaming achievements will NOT be a red flag!</p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>
<p>From OP - My SAT scores are not at Yale’s standard, but would my interesting extracurricular save me? Should I raise my SAT and apply regular decision? </p>
<p>1) NO, and 2) YES but it’s your call.</p>
<p>No single factor, no matter how unbelievably good it is (or you’d think it is, as the other person suggested), could/would do it. You need a very solid and well-rounded whole package for getting into Y or any other top schools. Especially, you may even not be looked seriously without a much better SAT (as an Asian, as you’ve self identified). Sorry, but it’s a reality. Statistics shouted loud and clear, again and again. </p>
<p>Game playing, though, by itself could be a tricky thing - It might be OK if you are not addicted and if it does not affect your other activities/performances negatively. It may make you look a little more “normal” or “rounded” or “interesting” in some cases. My S did mention somewhere in his application that he liked playing tennis, piano and video games, etc. I don’t know what he was thinking, but he got in everywhere he applied to and has been doing very well so far. </p>
<p>However, your 2100 SAT seems a (not very good) sign that you’ve played too much and studied less than necessary. That’s what you really need to worry about. Have you ever seen or heard about a study, done by respectable Princeton researchers, indicating that an Asian would need at least 104 more than a white or up to 240 more than URMs (in an old 1600 scale) to have an equal chance for admission to a top college, provided everything else in the application should be similar??? Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks Laguit, for that insightful comment. </p>
<p>Sent from my iPhone 4 using CC app</p>