Read about the Academy Experience
08/02/2011: Preparing for Selective Admissions at Yale
Posted by Administrator on July 14, 2011 at 5:19 PM EDT
Gunning for that #1 Spot
College admissions have become increasingly competitive. The number of students who apply is growing annually. In addition, colleges and universities actively seek strong matches for the limited openings in their student populations. This is especially true for top tier schools like Yale University.
Yale has tremendous resources at a global level, and students are encouraged to explore the breadth of their academic curiosities in the college.
Here are some of the statistics to keep in mind about this Ivy League institution:
» The overall student population is 11,000.
» The undergraduate population is 5,200.
» The entire faculty teaches at Yale.
» 80% of the classes have under 20 students.
» 30% of the classes have under 10 students.
As far as admissions are concerned, here are some of the myths. Yale doesn't exclude any application because of one "flaw". Yale looks at the application and reads it holistically. GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and the application essays are all considered, and the areas of the greatest strength are typically considered to be the most valuable aspects of the application to the admissions committee.
Yale would much rather see a student push themselves as far as they can in a subject they are passionate about rather than see a student overburden herself with studies she thinks that Yale would want to see. The most important thing to the selection committee is to see that the student will be able to excel in their student life at Yale.
The advisor adds, "Don't chase a name. Don't chase a reputation. Consider where you think you will be the happiest, a place that you will absolutely love. Make your decision about college based on that."
