<p>As admissions anxiety sets in (just kidding), I was wondering if we could point out admits from previous years who weren’t absolutely perfect in terms of stats–grades + scores + ECs (including awards). Can miracles happen? Can essays pull someone through? Actually, I’m REALLY curious about people who didn’t have amazing ECs/awards because I see that as my potential downfall, sadly. :(</p>
<p>(There’s a thread with the exact same topic on this board, but that discussion quickly steered into a debate about affirmative action. For the sake of THIS thread, let’s assume–whether it’s the truth or not–that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged by race in college admissions. If you would like to talk about AA, you won’t have trouble finding another part of CC for that.)</p>
<p>There is no one without amazing ECs/Awards, depending on your definition of amazing. To clarify, test scores and an amazing essay will not get you in unless you can prove that you’ve used those skills in other areas. </p>
<p>There are no “worst students accepted.” Just as there are no best student accepted. Yale accepts students are are unique and/or excel in an area or a variety of areas. It would be impossible to quantitatively (unless you go solely by test scores) or qualitatively order them.</p>
<p>TO answer your question directly. Can miracles happen? Yes. In the Yale admissions process? No.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply! (It’s really helpful to hear a reality check like that; I just want to know what to expect.) I thought I was the only person awake this late at night/early in the morning (unless, of course, you live outside of the continental US).</p>
<p>The short answer is that there are no people at Yale like that. EVERY person who goes to Yale did something impressive or they wouldn’t be at Yale. Which is quite entertaining when you find out that the drunk kid passed out at a party was val of his class or an amazing jazz player or something like that.</p>
<p>^ This is all too true. I had a screaming, drunk argument with this kid about Aristotle (or Plato?). And you would NEVER EVER in a million years think this guy read Plato and Aristotle.</p>
<p>Everyone at Yale has some weakness somewhere and a strength elsewhere. That’s what makes the student body so amazing and well rounded.</p>
<p>That said though, your strengths don’t necessarily have to lie in your ECs, I don’t think. If you have good ECs (not amaaazing, like, I rescue third world orphans or anything like that) and have FANTASTIC recs/essays that really express who you are as a person, then yes - I think Yale could accept you.</p>
(It’s really helpful to hear a reality check like that; I just want to know what to expect.) I thought I was the only person awake this late at night/early in the morning (unless, of course, you live outside of the continental US).</p>