2015-2016 Yale University Application Thread

[ggarbiso]

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Take the shuttle, don't walk. Take the long white shuttle with a small yellowish sign on it. Takes you directly to the medical school. If the driver asks for an ID, just say you're going to interview at the school.

Daytime is fine to walk if you want. There's a really high quality shuttle app for your phone that shows live movement of the shuttles along with routes and whatnot. You can find info for it on the Yale website somewhere.

Also, they shouldn't ask for an ID, I'm pretty sure it's an open community shuttle system.

Best,
G

 

[a_borgia]

.

 

[ohnotornadooo]

II!

Congrats! Complete date, if ya don't mind?

 

[DoctorInVivo]

Daytime is fine to walk if you want. There's a really high quality shuttle app for your phone that shows live movement of the shuttles along with routes and whatnot. You can find info for it on the Yale website somewhere.

Also, they shouldn't ask for an ID, I'm pretty sure it's an open community shuttle system.

Best,
G

They've started to ask recently.

 

[whimsyroo]

Could anyone who has already interviewed comment on the timing of the interview day ?
I have a flight from Bradley at 7:30 so I was wondering if the day really went until 5:30 so I could plan my travel to the airport afterwards.
More broadly, does anyone have advice about how to get to Yale from the airport? Thanks!

 

[prettypinkbookworm]

II! Came as I was walking into a microbiology final...definitely made that a little better. Complete 9/2

 

[boolaboola2014]

Could anyone who has already interviewed comment on the timing of the interview day ?
I have a flight from Bradley at 7:30 so I was wondering if the day really went until 5:30 so I could plan my travel to the airport afterwards.
More broadly, does anyone have advice about how to get to Yale from the airport? Thanks!

Hey, so it truly depends on your individual interview schedule (which you will be given in the morning by Director Silverman). My interview day truly did not end until 5:30 pm (my last interview was late/ran quite late). As someone who has flown out of/into Bradley quite a few times, that situation would be cutting it very very close. Bradley is about 50 minutes away from New Haven, but rush hour can definitely increase that time.

From Bradley, your options are 1) Amtrak, 2) CT Limo, 3) Hy's Limo (CRAZY EXPENSIVE!), and 4) Taxi/Uber.

1) If you take Amtrak, you'll want to take it from Windsor Locks. You'll have to take a cab to the Windsor Locks station from the airport, but it shouldn't be very expensive/long (maybe 10 bucks). You can take it from Windsor Locks straight to New Haven, and then shuttle or cab to wherever you're staying (don't walk from the State St. station -- it will be an inexpensive uber/cab and it's not worth the frustration/potential of getting lost/cold/potential safety issue).

2) CT Limo is notoriously horrible but sometimes is the best option depending on the timing. Just make sure that you confirm your reservation with them the day before. If you get dropped off/picked up at Phelp's gate (which is on Old Campus where the undergrads live), I believe you can get a small discount.

3) Don't do this. It's often very, very expensive. If, however, you can wrangle a few people to share the cost, it might be worth it.

4) If you can avoid it, don't do this -- it might run you up to 80 bucks.

Also, @DoctorInVivo is correct -- they have recently changed policies and they now can ask for ID when getting on the shuttle. However, I imagine if you say you're interviewing it would likely be ok. That's not a guarantee though.

 

[padfootmd]

2) CT Limo is notoriously horrible but sometimes is the best option depending on the timing. Just make sure that you confirm your reservation with them the day before. If you get dropped off/picked up at Phelp's gate (which is on Old Campus where the undergrads live), I believe you can get a small discount.

3) Don't do this. It's often very, very expensive. If, however, you can wrangle a few people to share the cost, it might be worth it.

I've been looking on Yale's travel section, and it says Hy's airport shuttle could actually be cheaper than CT limo - isn't it like 120 RT for NYC for Hy's and 132 for CT Limo?

 

[mpandah]

II today, complete in late August

 

[a_borgia]

.

 

[NotAnotherPreMed]

Does YSM had committee meetings for admissions only late Jan onwards? I wanted to submit an update letter post-interview and was wondering whether I should do it rn or wait till the second week of Jan b/c of something that might strengthen the letter that's coming up then (not too much, I could do without it too)

 

[whimsyroo]

@boolaboola2014 Thanks so much for the thorough response! I really appreciate it. I filled out the travel information form on their website and notified them about my flight time so hopefully it all works out. Fortunately, I may be able to get a friend there to drive me back to Bradley. 🙂

 

[Almighty Saguaro]

Soo, assuming one is accepted to Yale in March, does anyone know if getting 70% on a course this semester will cause them to reconsider your offer, or is 70 high enough to not raise eyebrows?

 

[boolaboola2014]

I've been looking on Yale's travel section, and it says Hy's airport shuttle could actually be cheaper than CT limo - isn't it like 120 RT for NYC for Hy's and 132 for CT Limo?

Hey, so if that's the rate that you're seeing on the Hy's website then that's great! When I've considered using Hy's in the past, the rates have been upwards of 120 for one way. That, however, could have been totally dependent on my flight schedules.

If you're flying out of JFK or LGA, I highly recommend using QConn. They have been far more reliable than CT Limo in my experience, and they also will pick you up at your specific location (rather than a meeting spot which can sometimes be inconvenient).

 

[boolaboola2014]

Does YSM had committee meetings for admissions only late Jan onwards? I wanted to submit an update letter post-interview and was wondering whether I should do it rn or wait till the second week of Jan b/c of something that might strengthen the letter that's coming up then (not too much, I could do without it too)

I believe that after interview there are actually multiple committee steps you still need to get through, so this is really your call--whether you'd like it to potentially help you in an earlier committee (which will happen relatively soon after your interview) or a later committee (towards the end of the cycle).

 

[NotAnotherPreMed]

I believe that after interview there are actually multiple committee steps you still need to get through, so this is really your call--whether you'd like it to potentially help you in an earlier committee (which will happen relatively soon after your interview) or a later committee (towards the end of the cycle).

Thanks! The thought of multiple committees discussing my application gives me anxiety lol. Just love me Yale. Plis. I guess I'll wait till the end of this year at least.

 

[padfootmd]

Hey, so if that's the rate that you're seeing on the Hy's website then that's great! When I've considered using Hy's in the past, the rates have been upwards of 120 for one way. That, however, could have been totally dependent on my flight schedules.

If you're flying out of JFK or LGA, I highly recommend using QConn. They have been far more reliable than CT Limo in my experience, and they also will pick you up at your specific location (rather than a meeting spot which can sometimes be inconvenient).

Yeah, I called and confirmed as well. I think the trick is to ask specifically for an airport shuttle because that's the low rate. When you don't ask, they quote a higher price. I'll definitely check out QConn as well.

Also, does ayone know if it's a long walk from the med school to Phelps Gate?

 

[padfootmd]

Hey, so if that's the rate that you're seeing on the Hy's website then that's great! When I've considered using Hy's in the past, the rates have been upwards of 120 for one way. That, however, could have been totally dependent on my flight schedules.

If you're flying out of JFK or LGA, I highly recommend using QConn. They have been far more reliable than CT Limo in my experience, and they also will pick you up at your specific location (rather than a meeting spot which can sometimes be inconvenient).

Also, just looked up Q conn on Yale's travel website, it said it's not longer a preferred Yale service, any ideas why?

 

[sunshine02]

I believe that after interview there are actually multiple committee steps you still need to get through, so this is really your call--whether you'd like it to potentially help you in an earlier committee (which will happen relatively soon after your interview) or a later committee (towards the end of the cycle).

That's interesting..where did you hear that there is an earlier committee that meets relatively soon after your interview?

 

[boolaboola2014]

Yeah, I called and confirmed as well. I think the trick is to ask specifically for an airport shuttle because that's the low rate. When you don't ask, they quote a higher price. I'll definitely check out QConn as well.

Also, does ayone know if it's a long walk from the med school to Phelps Gate?

Depends on how long your legs are, but it generally takes around 10-15 minutes.

 

[boolaboola2014]

Also, just looked up Q conn on Yale's travel website, it said it's not longer a preferred Yale service, any ideas why?

I'm honestly not sure. I won't say that it's an amazing company (they have their problems too and will sometimes switch your driver last minute, which is inconvenient), but I've had fewer problems with them than I have with CT Limo (they've been up to 40 minutes late and have cancelled the shuttle without notification before).

 

[MissKitty2868]

That's interesting..where did you hear that there is an earlier committee that meets relatively soon after your interview?

The Dir. of Admissions told our entire interview group that every Monday, the committee meets to discuss the applicants from the week prior to the meeting. They were very transparent about the entire process.

 

[sunshine02]

The Dir. of Admissions told our entire interview group that every Monday, the committee meets to discuss the applicants from the week prior to the meeting. They were very transparent about the entire process.

Thanks! Did he say if our interviewers have to be present or if they just discuss the applicants based on what the interviewers wrote?

 

[SheBlindedMeWithScience]

II !!!

 

[Keepsmiling7]

For those who have stayed at hotels, what were your experiences with Premiere Hotel & Suites and New Haven Hotel. I read that someone had a bit of an unpleasant experience at Premiere?
Thanks! ^_^

 

[panda16]

For those who have stayed at hotels, what were your experiences with Premiere Hotel & Suites and New Haven Hotel. I read that someone had a bit of an unpleasant experience at Premiere?
Thanks! ^_^

New Haven Hotel was awesome, very very close to the Med School and the undergrad campus!

 

[padfootmd]

Do a lot of people stay in the hotels or are student hosts relatively available?

 

[medicalCPA]

Do a lot of people stay in the hotels or are student hosts relatively available?

You can request a student host, but you'll have to email several in order to find one to host you. From the link on the interview website, you'll be taken to a spreadsheet that gives you three randomly drawn names that you can contact for hosting. I stayed at an Airbnb lodging while I was in New Haven. Much cheaper than the hotel options, and very close to the medical school.

 

[WesternBlot]

Could anyone who has already interviewed comment on the timing of the interview day ?
I have a flight from Bradley at 7:30 so I was wondering if the day really went until 5:30 so I could plan my travel to the airport afterwards.
More broadly, does anyone have advice about how to get to Yale from the airport? Thanks!

You might be able to ask the Admissions Office to schedule earlier interviews if you absolutely need to leave earlier. If you can get a later flight, then I would do that to be safe. Some people's days take the entire time.

Thanks! Did he say if our interviewers have to be present or if they just discuss the applicants based on what the interviewers wrote?

From what I've heard, the interviewers are present in the meeting. The meeting times are constant as are the interview times, so I believe the faculty members just block off those times for the entire year.

Do a lot of people stay in the hotels or are student hosts relatively available?

We had students sign up for hosting at the beginning of the year. When you request a host, three names will be selected and given to you to contact. Students are extremely receptive to hosting applications since we've all been through the process. From thinking about the surrounding area, there aren't a ton of hospitals that are particularly close to the hospital (<10 minute walk).

 

[FFH]

Do a lot of people stay in the hotels or are student hosts relatively available?

Airbnb is pretty sweet. That's my go-to option if student host is not readily available.
The availability depends on what's going on at school. In late Nov, due to exams, Hunger and Homelessness Auction, holidays, a lot of students can't easily commit to properly host someone--usually I feel like people would only commit if they can have the time to show people around, take them out to dinner etc. Xmas and New Year is harder simply because not a lot of people is around.
I would say from now on till the end of interview season it shouldn't be hard. If anyone ran into problem, just contact one of the organizer listed on the website or contact the admission office. As long as one of them ask around on our FB group about hosting people, we always can find someone to do it. I have never said no to anyone who asked and I can totfally host more often.

 

[padfootmd]

Airbnb is pretty sweet. That's my go-to option if student host is not readily available.
The availability depends on what's going on at school. In late Nov, due to exams, Hunger and Homelessness Auction, holidays, a lot of students can't easily commit to properly host someone--usually I feel like people would only commit if they can have the time to show people around, take them out to dinner etc. Xmas and New Year is harder simply because not a lot of people is around.
I would say from now on till the end of interview season it shouldn't be hard. If anyone ran into problem, just contact one of the organizer listed on the website or contact the admission office. As long as one of them ask around on our FB group about hosting people, we always can find someone to do it. I have never said no to anyone who asked and I can totfally host more often.

Thank you! I really want to stay with a host (even if it's just a place to sleep with nothing outside of that) because I want to get a real feel for the school. Yale is such a dream, just want to get to know it more!

 

[Long Way to Go]

Can someone talk about what the interview day is like? Based on what I can deduce from the email, it seems like there are:

2 interviews (30-45min each) = 1.5 hours
Chat with Director Silverman = 1 hour
Financial aid = 0.5 hours
Sr. faculty meet and greet at lunch = 1 hour
Tour = 1 hour

Leftover free time by implication = 4 hours? I know some students at YSOM and I was hoping to see what their day is like when I interview. Would someone mind posting an example schedule?

 

[deleted393595]

Can someone talk about what the interview day is like? Based on what I can deduce from the email, it seems like there are:

2 interviews (30-45min each) = 1.5 hours
Chat with Director Silverman = 1 hour
Financial aid = 0.5 hours
Sr. faculty meet and greet at lunch = 1 hour
Tour = 1 hour

Leftover free time by implication = 4 hours? I know some students at YSOM and I was hoping to see what their day is like when I interview. Would someone mind posting an example schedule?

Interviews went on for an hour each

 

[WesternBlot]

Can someone talk about what the interview day is like? Based on what I can deduce from the email, it seems like there are:

2 interviews (30-45min each) = 1.5 hours
Chat with Director Silverman = 1 hour
Financial aid = 0.5 hours
Sr. faculty meet and greet at lunch = 1 hour
Tour = 1 hour

Leftover free time by implication = 4 hours? I know some students at YSOM and I was hoping to see what their day is like when I interview. Would someone mind posting an example schedule?

Disclaimer: This is what I think the schedule is based on when I give tours and what my interview day was like.

There is a lot of time allotted for your interviews. Once everyone gets there (I forget what the start time is), you'll talk with Director Silverman. I think that Fin Aid is right before lunch, so it would be 11-11:30. 11:30-12:30 is the faculty lunch, and the tour is 12:30-1:30. After the tour drops you back off at admissions, there are upperclass students to talk to you while you wait for your interviews. Some people have interviews right at 2 and some people are much later.

TL;DR I think the schedule is like:
Start: Director Silverman Chat
Interview Time
11-11:30: Financial Aid Talk
11:30-12:30: Lunch with Professor
12:30-1:30: Tour
1:30-End: Chat with Upperclassmen and finish interviews

Someone who has interviewed recently and remembers can certainly chime in. I don't want to give out false information.

 

[Long Way to Go]

Disclaimer: This is what I think the schedule is based on when I give tours and what my interview day was like.

There is a lot of time allotted for your interviews. Once everyone gets there (I forget what the start time is), you'll talk with Director Silverman. I think that Fin Aid is right before lunch, so it would be 11-11:30. 11:30-12:30 is the faculty lunch, and the tour is 12:30-1:30. After the tour drops you back off at admissions, there are upperclass students to talk to you while you wait for your interviews. Some people have interviews right at 2 and some people are much later.

TL;DR I think the schedule is like:
Start: Director Silverman Chat
Interview Time
11-11:30: Financial Aid Talk
11:30-12:30: Lunch with Professor
12:30-1:30: Tour
1:30-End: Chat with Upperclassmen and finish interviews

Someone who has interviewed recently and remembers can certainly chime in. I don't want to give out false information.

Thanks! Start time is 8:30 as per the emails that they have sent.

 

[medicalCPA]

Can someone talk about what the interview day is like? Based on what I can deduce from the email, it seems like there are:

2 interviews (30-45min each) = 1.5 hours
Chat with Director Silverman = 1 hour
Financial aid = 0.5 hours
Sr. faculty meet and greet at lunch = 1 hour
Tour = 1 hour

Leftover free time by implication = 4 hours? I know some students at YSOM and I was hoping to see what their day is like when I interview. Would someone mind posting an example schedule?

I interviewed at Yale on December 16, and these are the details of my interview day schedule:

0830am-0900am: Arrival and orientation with Richard Silverman
0900am-0930am: Personalized interview directions
0930am-1030am: Interview slot
1030am-1130am: Interview slot
1130am-Noon: Financial aid information session (with lunch)
Noon-1230pm: Faculty Meet & Greet (with lunch)
1230pm-0130pm: Campus tour
0130pm-0215pm: Student meet & greet
0230pm-0330pm: Interview slot
0330pm-0430pm: Interview slot
0430pm-0530pm: Interview slot

Your interviews will occur during the designated interview slots, and you will find out the exact times from your interview packets, which Dean Silverman will hand out during the orientation. Yale seemed open to working around people's travel schedules, but you have to tell them about your travel plans and whether or not you will have to leave early. I told them I did not have to leave early, and thus, both my interviews were for 3:30 and 4:30.

Hope you find this useful.

Edit: Forgot to say that I was able to sit in on a class during the morning interview slots, since I had free time then.

 

[Long Way to Go]

I interviewed at Yale on December 16, and these are the details of my interview day schedule:

0830am-0900am: Arrival and orientation with Richard Silverman
0900am-0930am: Personalized interview directions
0930am-1030am: Interview slot
1030am-1130am: Interview slot
1130am-Noon: Financial aid information session (with lunch)
Noon-1230pm: Faculty Meet & Greet (with lunch)
1230pm-0130pm: Campus tour
0130pm-0215pm: Student meet & greet
0230pm-0330pm: Interview slot
0330pm-0430pm: Interview slot
0430pm-0530pm: Interview slot

Your interviews will occur during the designated interview slots, and you will find out the exact times from your interview packets, which Dean Silverman will hand out during the orientation. Yale seemed open to working around people's travel schedules, but you have to tell them about your travel plans and whether or not you will have to leave early. I told them I did not have to leave early, and thus, both my interviews were for 3:30 and 4:30.

Hope you find this useful.

Edit: Forgot to say that I was able to sit in on a class during the morning interview slots, since I had free time then.

Thank you so much!

Edit: Your MD Apps is very interesting to read. Thanks for the write-up!

 

[Ilovemango3737]

Happy New Year Y'all 🙂
I have my Yale interview soon and was wondering if some of you could shed light on the interview process.
- Is each interview only 30min or an hour long?
- I heard Yale interviews are pretty relaxing, as in they're more conversational than interrogational (challenging ethical questions or on ACA).
Is this true for the most part, or different depending on which interviewer you get?

Thanks - any insight would be much appreciated!

 

[avgn]

The answer to both of your questions is that it depends. As it always does

 

[deleted393595]

Any idea how many IIs Yale hands out?

 

[soswim]

Any idea how many IIs Yale hands out?

according to MSAR, 745 total (34 IS, 657 OOS, and 54 international). I believe they also interview all their undergrads who apply (someone correct me if I'm wrong), just something to keep in mind.

 

[avgn]

according to MSAR, 745 total (34 IS, 657 OOS, and 54 international). I believe they also interview all their undergrads who apply (someone correct me if I'm wrong), just something to keep in mind.

lol wut. They definitely do not interview all Yalies who apply. Got many friends there past and present who never saw the light of day from YSM.

 

[panda16]

according to MSAR, 745 total (34 IS, 657 OOS, and 54 international). I believe they also interview all their undergrads who apply (someone correct me if I'm wrong), just something to keep in mind.

Are you thinking of washU? That's the only school that comes to mind that supposedly has that practice, even though that's in dispute anyhow.

 

[a_borgia]

Are you thinking of washU? That's the only school that comes to mind that supposedly has that practice, even though that's in dispute anyhow.

WashU also does not do this. Unfounded rumors to explain high/low number of interviews, that's all.

 

[panda16]

WashU also does not do this. Unfounded rumors to explain high/low number of interviews, that's all.

Hah the rumors run quite deep then--during my interview day, a fellow interviewee from WashU undergrad told me they do it. I am more inclined to agree with you though--that it is probably just a very, very high number.

 

[med-motivated]

For those who have attended interviews, how much walking outside is involved on the day? e.g. during tour, to get to interviewers’ offices.
Just trying to decide the best footwear for the winter season!

 

[panda16]

For those who have attended interviews, how much walking outside is involved on the day? e.g. during tour, to get to interviewers’ offices.
Just trying to decide the best footwear for the winter season!

I had to actually walk a decent amount outside in October, approximately a 10 minute walk outside to get to my interviewers office.

 

[Ilovemango3737]

The answer to both of your questions is that it depends. As it always does

So, if your interviewer is interested in you, the interview goes on longer?
I know some schools are pretty strict with the length of each interview...

 

[Almighty Saguaro]

So, if your interview is interested in you, the interview goes on longer?
I know some schools are pretty strict with the length of each interview...

I will agree with the sentiments expressed in the post you quoted... It really depends.

There are just too many variables that make it impossible to accurately predict what the interviewer is thinking based on length or any other aspect of the interview. I've been accepted at a school after a very short and interrogatory interview and waitlisted at another school where my interviewer and I went on forever and seemed to really hit it off.
Just try to have a nice conversation with your interviewers and try not to analyze anything too much; you'll drive yourself mad.

Congrats and all the best on your interview!

 

[Ilovemango3737]

I will agree with the sentiments expressed in the post you quoted... It really depends.

There are just too many variables that make it impossible to accurately predict what the interviewer is thinking based on length or any other aspect of the interview. I've been accepted at a school after a very short and interrogatory interview and waitlisted at another school where my interviewer and I went on forever and seemed to really hit it off.
Just try to have a nice conversation with your interviewers and try not to analyze anything too much; you'll drive yourself mad.

Congrats and all the best on your interview!

^Thank you, and congrats on your acceptance 🙂