2015-2016 Yale University Application Thread

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can someone help clarify about the "Yale system"? Is it so loose in structure that students don't know what to do? It's the only thing that concerns me about this program.
There is plenty of structure for those who want it. Some people never go to anything on the schedule (some clinical skills courses are mandatory once or twice per week though) and some go to everything. The beauty is you choose how you want to learn based on the premise that you are an adult and will do the work one way or another. Yale would not be a good place for someone who needs extrinsic motivation to learn medicine. The idea is that by removing the constraints of a traditional hand-holding curriculum there becomes space to pursue what you are really passionate within medicine (or interdisciplinary for that matter) from day one. Guidance and resources are here in abundance, you just have the option as to how much you want to use them. (e.g. no memorizing research minutia in an area you aren't interested in for a test)
 
Does anyone know if Yale lets you know if they put you in pre-interview hold?
 
Does anyone know if Yale lets you know if they put you in pre-interview hold?
They do not. They interview until end of February so you just realize they're out of spots
 
New to SDN and last-minute US applicant. Just working on this secondary now. 33/3.96. I'd love to hear some opinions on whether or not there is any point in submitting at this point especially considering below average MCAT.
 
New to SDN and last-minute US applicant. Just working on this secondary now. 33/3.96. I'd love to hear some opinions on whether or not there is any point in submitting at this point especially considering below average MCAT.

This school is non-rolling. You're more than just stats. Apply.
 
This school is non-rolling. You're more than just stats. Apply.
Encouraging, thank you : ). Relatedly, I'm not yet familiar with how heavy of an influence rolling admissions can have - i.e., if I have to choose between a rolling school in which I am close to its avg stats, vs a non-rolling school with an avg mcat of say 37, would it be in my interested to go with the non-rolling? I know this is a super specific question and that things aren't so straightforward but any tips would be much appreciated!
 
Encouraging, thank you : ). Relatedly, I'm not yet familiar with how heavy of an influence rolling admissions can have - i.e., if I have to choose between a rolling school in which I am close to its avg stats, vs a non-rolling school with an avg mcat of say 37, would it be in my interested to go with the non-rolling? I know this is a super specific question and that things aren't so straightforward but any tips would be much appreciated!
The non-rolling schools have not given out acceptances yet; that is the only difference. As far as IIs go, both types of schools hand them out all along the way throughout the year. That being said, you should pick the schools that you like the most/are the best fit. Because either way, you're very late in joining the queue at this point.
 
The non-rolling schools have not given out acceptances yet; that is the only difference. As far as IIs go, both types of schools hand them out all along the way throughout the year. That being said, you should pick the schools that you like the most/are the best fit. Because either way, you're very late in joining the queue at this point.
Ok that's what I wasn't clear on. So even with non-rolling, IIs are much harder to get at this point. Need to be realistic about this cycle. Thanks for the info!
 
The last II posted on here was a month ago. Does anyone know if they have sent any since?
 
Anyone know if Yale has historically been lenient with their prerequisites? I'm missing one course and I'm wondering if they might waive it since it's the only outstanding prerequisite...
 
Anyone know if Yale has historically been lenient with their prerequisites? I'm missing one course and I'm wondering if they might waive it since it's the only outstanding prerequisite...

Best way is to call and ask. If I remember correctly, I think that someone might've called last year, and they told her that she should take the class. You'd have to look through last year's thread for that information, though.
 
Anyone know if Yale has historically been lenient with their prerequisites? I'm missing one course and I'm wondering if they might waive it since it's the only outstanding prerequisite...
Yes, they are historically lenient, but that doesn't mean you're necessarily safe, so I agree it might be best to call.
 
Anyone completed back in July still waiting to hear back? I have heard nothing from them. No Reject, No II, Nada.
 
Anyone know if Yale has historically been lenient with their prerequisites? I'm missing one course and I'm wondering if they might waive it since it's the only outstanding prerequisite...
There is very little reason to be lenient, to quote one of the ad coms "in the end we really end up with more students with perfect profiles than the spots available so we have to look very hard to find reasons to reject people."
But, Yale is definitely more flexible and sensible when it comes to admission. The admission is less focused on differentiate between a 36 and a 39, less likely to play along with the cookie cutters. There are definitely in Yale's style to overlook something trivial and treasure someone for their thoughtfulness or depth. If you have a good reason for missing the course, then call and explain. If not, then I suggest that you let them know you have a plan to take it before matriculation.
 
Agree with FriendlyFH, but to those who haven't heard anything take heart! I applied early in my cycle and didn't get an invite until mid december. As hard as it sounds just be patient and try to focus on other things.

I'll try to stop by periodically and answer any lingering questions. Best of luck to everyone!
 
You give me hope 🙂

Agree with FriendlyFH, but to those who haven't heard anything take heart! I applied early in my cycle and didn't get an invite until mid december. As hard as it sounds just be patient and try to focus on other things.

I'll try to stop by periodically and answer any lingering questions. Best of luck to everyone!
 
II invite last week!
Completed close to the deadline, LizzM >75

For those who've already interviewed (not just at yale), do you recommend staying with the student hosts?
Thanks!
 
II invite last week!
Completed close to the deadline, LizzM >75

For those who've already interviewed, do you recommend staying with the student hosts?
Thanks!
sure, saves money. it's really host-dependent. mine was too busy to talk to me so the only thing I got out of it was a free place to stay.
 
Just had my interview, they told us they will let everyone know if we are accepted on March 10th. I know it's a non-rolling admission process, but I've heard of other schools letting applicants know your status ahead of time if you call/email and ask.

To prior matriculants that might read this, is this possible with Yale or will they stick to their word about the March 10th release date? Because that is a long time to wait...

Also, just to give people in similar positions some hope, I was granted an interview despite having a VERY subpar GPA. Just make sure the rest of your application is top notch and that you had valid reason for your low grades.
 
Just had my interview, they told us they will let everyone know if we are accepted on March 10th. I know it's a non-rolling admission process, but I've heard of other schools letting applicants know your status ahead of time if you call/email and ask.

To prior matriculants that might read this, is this possible with Yale or will they stick to their word about the March 10th release date? Because that is a long time to wait...

I haven't heard of anybody hearing early before. Perhaps it's possible, but, in my opinion, I wouldn't expect it to happen.
 
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Just had my interview, they told us they will let everyone know if we are accepted on March 10th. I know it's a non-rolling admission process, but I've heard of other schools letting applicants know your status ahead of time if you call/email and ask.

To prior matriculants that might read this, is this possible with Yale or will they stick to their word about the March 10th release date? Because that is a long time to wait...

Also, just to give people in similar positions some hope, I was granted an interview despite having a VERY subpar GPA. Just make sure the rest of your application is top notch and that you had valid reason for your low grades.
Some schools like Pitt actually have it written in their policy that individuals are forbidden to give out decisions before the date, not sure if it's the case at Yale. It was definitely a painful wait (for me at least), but I would not call/email/ask about decisions in advance.
 
Some schools like Pitt actually have it written in their policy that individuals are forbidden to give out decisions before the date, not sure if it's the case at Yale. It was definitely a painful wait (for me at least), but I would not call/email/ask about decisions in advance.

Yeah I definitely don't wanna be that guy and annoy them with questions like that but losing deposit money to other schools is really hard for me right now so I figured I'd ask here.
 
Yeah I definitely don't wanna be that guy and annoy them with questions like that but losing deposit money to other schools is really hard for me right now so I figured I'd ask here.
Have you checked to see if some of those deposits are refundable? most of the schools I talked to said theirs' were.
 
Have you checked to see if some of those deposits are refundable? most of the schools I talked to said theirs' were.

I did not know that. If true, that would be sweet. But what's the purpose of the deposit then?
 
I did not know that. If true, that would be sweet. But what's the purpose of the deposit then?
Deposit prior to April 30th are all refundable probably with very few exceptions among the MD schools--frankly I have only heard that it was nonrefundable in certain DO schools. Some schools don't really require any until April 30th (like Michigan) while others have the link for you to pay but don't really check if you did until that date. I would assume that the retained deposit after the decision day helps the school to invest extra effort in filling out the spots by students on the WL. But it's good that you are on top of things as far as deposit is concerned. Last year someone I know forgot to pay for the deposit for the only school that he didn't withdrew from after April 30th. He lost the spot from that school and was without a seat for a while until other school offered his seat back.
 
Thanks for the info on the deposit ya'll. I feel way less concerned about the March 10th date now.

But:

But it's good that you are on top of things as far as deposit is concerned. Last year someone I know forgot to pay for the deposit for the only school that he didn't withdrew from after April 30th. He lost the spot from that school and was without a seat for a while until other school offered his seat back.

Wow. I feel sorry for that guy but I can't believe someone would make such a huge mistake. Why would you even prioritize withdrawing from all other schools before you take care of the matriculation details with your top choice? I'm glad a school was kind enough to let him back in.
 
Thanks for the info on the deposit ya'll. I feel way less concerned about the March 10th date now.

But:



Wow. I feel sorry for that guy but I can't believe someone would make such a huge mistake. Why would you even prioritize withdrawing from all other schools before you take care of the matriculation details with your top choice? I'm glad a school was kind enough to let him back in.
you used the word y'all.... I like it. I hope you come here. lol
 
Deposit prior to April 30th are all refundable probably with very few exceptions among the MD schools--frankly I have only heard that it was nonrefundable in certain DO schools. Some schools don't really require any until April 30th (like Michigan) while others have the link for you to pay but don't really check if you did until that date. I would assume that the retained deposit after the decision day helps the school to invest extra effort in filling out the spots by students on the WL. But it's good that you are on top of things as far as deposit is concerned. Last year someone I know forgot to pay for the deposit for the only school that he didn't withdrew from after April 30th. He lost the spot from that school and was without a seat for a while until other school offered his seat back.

Agreed with @FriendlyFH, according to the AAMC Traffic Rules regarding how to fill classes, they state:

Each school's pre-enrollment deposit should not exceed $100 and (except for EDP applicants) be refundable until April 30. If the applicant enrolls at the school, the school should credit the deposit toward tuition. All schools should not to require additional deposits or matriculation fees prior to matriculation.

In other words, your deposits should be refunded from other schools if you withdraw by the appropriate date (since you can only hold one seat after April 30).
 
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Anyone know the easiest way to get to Yale? I'm thinking of flying into Bradley since it's more direct and the taking either CT Limo or Hy's, does anyone have any recommendations on those two? Saw CT Limo's reviews were pretty bad and Hy's is a tad cheaper according to Yale's website on travel info. Or would flying to LaGuardia/JFK be easier?
 
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Anyone know the easiest way to get to Yale? I'm thinking of flying into Bradley since it's more direct and the taking either CT Limo or Hy's, does anyone have any recommendations on those two? Saw CT Limo's reviews were pretty bad and Hy's is a tad cheaper according to Yale's website on travel info. Or would flying to LaGuardia/JFK be easier?

Hey @padfootmd!

If you can't get a flight into Tweed, I've found that flying into NYC (Laguardia>JFK) is much, much easier, albeit a bit longer. You can catch the Metro North - New Haven for less than $30 round trip to get to New Haven from NYC. It takes about 2 hours but it's very comfortable (but no wifi).

Feel free to contact me and I can give you super detailed instructions!

Best,
G
 
Anyone know the easiest way to get to Yale? I'm thinking of flying into Bradley since it's more direct and the taking either CT Limo or Hy's, does anyone have any recommendations on those two? Saw CT Limo's reviews were pretty bad and Hy's is a tad cheaper according to Yale's website on travel info. Or would flying to LaGuardia/JFK be easier?
I flew to Hartford (I think that's Bradley), then took the Amtrak to NHV station, which is within walking distance of the medical school.
I had no issues along the way.
I prefer AMTRAK to flying; it's super comfortable and has WiFi!
 
I flew to Hartford (I think that's Bradley), then took the Amtrak to NHV station, which is within walking distance of the medical school.
I had no issues along the way.
I prefer AMTRAK to flying; it's super comfortable and has WiFi!
so Amtrack got you close to the med school then? and was it easy getting from Bradley to the amtrak station?
 
so Amtrack got you close to the med school then? and was it easy getting from Bradley to the amtrak station?
If memory serves, it's a 10-, max 15-, minute walk from The school to the NHV Amtrak station. I thought it was a reasonable and safe walk.

I took a taxi from the airport to the Hartford Amtrak station because I was pressed for time. I reckon there are cheaper options, but you would have to look into it.
 
If memory serves, it's a 10-, max 15-, minute walk from The school to the NHV Amtrak station. I thought it was a reasonable and safe walk.

I took a taxi from the airport to the Hartford Amtrak station because I was pressed for time. I reckon there are cheaper options, but you would have to look into it.
Cool, thanks a million!
 
If memory serves, it's a 10-, max 15-, minute walk from The school to the NHV Amtrak station. I thought it was a reasonable and safe walk.

I took a taxi from the airport to the Hartford Amtrak station because I was pressed for time. I reckon there are cheaper options, but you would have to look into it.

The walk is short, but it goes right through some projects, so it's not always safe. However, the Yale shuttle system is quite good and runs between the train station and the medical school if needed.

Best,
G
 
The walk is short, but it goes right through some projects, so it's not always safe. However, the Yale shuttle system is quite good and runs between the train station and the medical school if needed.

Best,
G

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.
 
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