By Ashley Anthony
After months of college applications, the verdict is in! As of September, I’ll be joining the Yale class of 2022. A lot of people have wished me congratulations, and quite a few have come with numerous questions. Although I’m no expert, I’ll try my best to answer the most commonly asked questions, but keep in mind this is only one perspective!
Are you the first Guyanese to go to Yale?
I’m not actually sure about the answer to this one. A few years ago, a Guyanese born young woman, Kelly Hyles made headlines for getting into all of the Ivy League schools. Although born in Guyana, Hyles moved to the United States at the age of 11, and completed her high school education there. However, Hyles ultimately decided to head to Harvard. I’ve been reading as much as I can online, trying to spot some Guyanese alumni, but so far I have come up blank. However, I will definitely make it a mission of mine to get involved with the international community at Yale, so that I can perhaps check through the records.
Keep in mind though, the records will be reflective of the people who got accepted to Yale and then proceeded to attend the school, and would exclude those who were accepted but ultimately decided to attend another university.
What was the application process like?
Although in previous articles I’ve spoken a bit about the process, I don’t think I’ve gone into much detail. Personally, I used the common application platform, which allows you to apply up to 20 schools. Most schools require that you submit several essays; the first is the general essay, which is part of the common application, and the rest are school specific so that the school can better understand the type of person you are. Each school will have different requirements; for example, Yale had three mandatory short essays in addition to the common app essay, whilst Harvard had one optional long essay in addition to the common app essay.
Other than you speaking about yourself, you also have to get other people to speak about you! Nearly every college will require a recommendation from at least two teachers. I believe that the essays and recommendations are the places where you can really distinguish yourself from other candidates. Essays and recommendations shouldn’t simply list your achievements; they should tell a story. They should share a bit of your personality, be unique, and I think above all, be an honest assessment. Colleges receive thousands of applications that it’s nearly impossible to read each in detail, so you really have to stand out to make an impression. Most students, after submitting the application will attempt to schedule an interview. Interviews or visits to the campus indicate your dedication and sincere interest in the University. Sometimes, though, these may be impossible due to cost. I wouldn’t place too much emphasis on doing an interview, as I only interviewed for one place (virtually), and I wasn’t accepted.
I don’t feel as though I’m good enough, should I even bother applying?
Yes. You definitely should. Although Ivy League schools will have a certain academic standard if you are within their general accepted range, I’d say go for it. But be prepared to deal with rejection. Despite getting into Yale, there are many schools I didn’t get into, even a few that aren’t highly ranked! Each college is looking for a different kind of student. The admissions officers are seeking to build a class of people with particular traits, and what might seem attractive to one group of admissions officers might not be to another. You never know what will happen. When I applied to Yale I thought, “An acceptance rate of six per cent? I have to be better than 94 people out of 100”. Yet I was accepted there, but denied at places with acceptance rates of 15 per cent and 33 per cent. The point is, more than likely, the college that does accept you will be one that believes you will mix well with their community, and that’s not a bad thing. A great academic education is wonderful, but it means nothing if you’re getting it in a place that makes you uncomfortable, anxious and depressed.
All of this being said, I’m incredibly excited to be attending Yale, and I hope to be able to give an inside perspective of what an Ivy League school is actually like.
