Yale Class of 2016 Calling all applicants!

I used 150 words last year and this year.

Did anyone notice that Yale has one prompt for both the re app and the optional essay (200 word limit)? I have a very important optional information to share. Also, my Duke's re app essay is 1300 words. How in the world will I cut it to 200 words.

Thanks. Maybe what I read from last year was actually just incorrect information.

I didn't notice that with Yale (first time applying there), but I did see that with I believe Wharton (where I am a reapp, but I don't use the optional essay). My suggestion is that if you provided the information in the optional essay to Yale last year, they'll have it. If not, unless you can somehow smoothly mix it into the reapp essay, you likely just can't do an optional since the reapp is required.

Last year's was 150 words. No character funny business that I distinctly remember.

I submitted the application..so nervous

Arien, just PMd you buddy! Almost done with the essays and the app...just need to meet with the recommenders to make sure they're gonna make the deadline. How are the rest of you guys doing? Anyone that's already submitted get a chance to attempt the video questions?

Most likely submitting tonight or tomorrow. Freakin out!!

plan on submitting on Friday. That re app essay's word limit was a challenge. So much to share in 200 words

When you submitted, did it give you any notice about timing for the video questions? I'm hoping to submit later this week, after one more revision and a Yale event in NYC on Wednesday, but with Wharton and Chicago both due the week after I don't want to submit too early and jam myself up with having to get those video questions in during that week as well.

I remember reading somewhere that the video questions we will be required to send in the video essays within a week...not sure if that's a week after you've submitted your app or the deadline. I plan on submitting mine on the weekend or next Monday, so I guess you'll find out around the same time as me.

Anyone knows what to wear for a campus visit?
Not for an interview. just a visit.
A full formal suit? business casual?

You visitors are all over campus now! Welcome!

I've seen people in a range from full suit to business casual. I would wear whatever you're most comfortable in within reason (obviously leave your t-shirt and ripped jeans at home).

Some people come in full suits, but if you just want to wear a jacket and slacks (no tie) that's perfectly fine. Some people bring the jacket as a back-up: put it on if you feel like everyone else erred on the formal side; take it off if not.

For ladies, similar business casual to suit applies. Wear heels if you feel comfortable in them; wear flats if that works better for you. Honestly, some people wore flats for the interview, so don't stress too much about that. SOM also has a good number of stairs so make sure you can go up and down steps without slipping, falling, or otherwise embarrassing yourself.

Do take advantage while you're here to speak with as many students and faculty as you can. This is YOUR time to figure out if SOM is the right place for you to apply to and attend. Ask questions. Explore. Have fun. And for the sake of your fellow/future applicants, do post about your experiences afterwards too!

Can anybody please help me arrange the recommendation questions ?

I visited in May and wore chinos and a button down, which is what I wear to work. I'd say business casual is fine. Save the suit for if you're interviewing.

I am in the same situation about the video questions ( I submitted last week) and this is the reply from the Adcom upon my asking: "You will be receiving the video question within 48 hours of the application deadline of September 25th."

It appears Yale is rejecting both high and low-scoring GMAT scores...their range is a very narrow 690-740. They are rejecting mid-600s as well as mid-700s too. Could they be trying to raise the yield rate?

Yield, sure, but overall student quality - and rankings - are what's behind this just as much. We wrote about the changes at Yale a few weeks ago on the EssaySnark blahg (yeah, sorry, we know it's lame to link to a post behind the paywall...).

Yale has had one of the lower yield rates of Top 15 schools so yes, that's likely a focus, however their class size increased last year concurrent with the tightening band on GMAT and on GPA too which indicated that they didn't have trouble converting their offers. They're making changes behind the scenes, is what all this points to.

Question: If I have submitted the application, but am still awaiting my last recommendation, will my recommender have trouble submitting it online?