https://open.spotify.com/show/4rZtfCyIZEfAVkg7aHzhzC

  • A podcast about the US college application process by Yale
  • For the transparency of the process:
    • People share various things because they don’t want to be seen as hiding anything
    • It’s nice to see things clearly (blu3mo)

1,2

  • There are regional representatives who carefully review the applications

  • Then, in a group meeting, they discuss each applicant for about 5-10 minutes

    • The representatives explain the overall structure, connections, and story of the submitted materials
  • After that, there is a (anonymous in the case of Yale) vote

  • Listening to the discussions, it gives the impression that decisions are often made on a whim… haha (blu3mo)

    • Well, it’s a qualitative evaluation, so it can’t be helped
  • Recommendation Letters

  • Essay

  • Supplemental Materials

  • Common misconceptions about studying abroad

Dealing with decisions

  • If you get rejected:
    • It’s important to have the mentality of “It’s their loss for not choosing me”
    • Getting rejected doesn’t mean your high school life was a failure
      • The competition is tough, and College Fit matters too
  • If you get accepted:
    • Gratitude is important
    • Getting in shouldn’t be seen as the ultimate goal in life
    • It’s just a milestone
  • Waitlist:
    • Instead of having hope for the waitlist, it’s better to forget about it and consider other options
      • If by any chance the waitlist results turn out to be good, you’ll be extremely happy, and if not, the disappointment will be minimal
      • I feel like I already have this mentality (blu3mo)
  • In any case:
    • What you do at the college you get into is more important than which college you get into

Choices Game

  • Adding awards in the additional section:
    • It’s not very good, and having too many might be overwhelming
  • Recommendation letters from research mentors:
    • This is an exception and it’s good to include them
  • Humor:
    • If you tend to say funny things and it comes naturally to you, it’s good to let your voice show
    • Also, if the context is clear (so it doesn’t require excessive explanation)
  • When you find a typo, resubmit:
    • It’s not necessary
  • Poem:
    • While I want to read reflections, it might just consume the word count unnecessarily
    • If it allows you to express your creativity, then it’s good, but it’s not a good means to stand out
  • Braggy:
    • It’s okay, but instead of just saying how amazing you are, make it reflective
    • Humblebragging is not reflection
      • It’s not about avoiding sounding boastful, but rather making it reflective
  • Drama:
    • There’s no need to make the story so dramatic that it deviates from the main point
    • Also, an interesting dramatic story may not be ideal for a college essay
      • Reflection is the most important aspect
  • Including links:
    • It’s okay to include them, but it doesn’t guarantee that they will be viewed
    • It might become redundant
      • If there’s something important, it’s better to write it in the essay or other parts
    • However, if there are things that can’t be expressed through videos or essays, it’s okay to include links
    • Avoid including links to lists of awards, etc.
    • More is not always better!
  • Additional spaces:
    • For example, using them to summarize the changes in location due to frequent relocations or to explain the reasons for not being able to take specific classes is a good use