Yale University

“Only focus on the essayJun 19 2015Political Science
Only focus on the essay. That's it. A compelling essay beats a 4.0 honors, 2400 SAT every day of the week. Half the student body are below 3.7, 2200, but they fabricated some crazy story to get in. Start a non-profit, live in a war zone, or overcome crippling disease and you're in. Otherwise write some eloquent and uncompromisingly open-minded dissertation on race relations, idealism, religion, or some meta society topic. Dont just tell a story about yourself, write some social critique or epiphany reached when your experience made your eyes open up to some lofty non-tangible societal issue
SAT: 1520 Female

“I had pretty good grades andMay 11 2013English
I had pretty good grades and scores, I wrote two very good essays, I had an exceptional recommendation from a teacher, my interview went very well, and I really poured my heart and soul into my application.
ACT: 34 SAT: 1590 Female

“There is no secret formulaApr 16 2011Biology
There is no secret formula. Of course you must be smart with great test scores, but make sure to stand out. Highlight what makes you different from the thousands of other smart applicants.
Male

“How do you get in? One key word- specializationApr 12 2011Biology
How do you get in? One key word- specialization. Be REALLY REALLY good at something, but find some balance in life. When I say REALLY good, I mean nationals or internationals. Show passion in your extracurricular. Depth over breadth. However, try to do well in other activities as well, and take as many leadership roles as your high school schedule can handle. Admissions officers will see your passion, your hard work, and your leadership skills.

Have a good SAT/ACT score. Sure, defendants of mediocre scores will bleat that schools only use the score to CONSIDER a candidate. True, but an uber SAT/ACT means they'll consider you BETTER.

Be cool! Make sure your voice permeates the essays, and make sure you TALK with your interviewee. I cannot stress enough how, whenever I interview a student, important confidence is. Anytime I interview the stereotypical quiet Asian scholar, I shake my head and count off points.

Be cool with your counselor! Be a great student for at least several teachers! Recommendations count as well.
ACT: 36 SAT: 2270 Male

“Take the hardest classes possible, get perfect grades, getSep 29 2010Biology
Take the hardest classes possible, get perfect grades, get perfect SAT scores, have a great personality and pray.
SAT: 2400 Female