“What are the chances?” “Me? To Yale?”
“One of the most prestigious universities in the world?” “It doesn’t hurt to try.”
“But why waste my time if I know it won’t work out?” “But imagine if it does?”
“What if I get accepted? How awesome would that be!”
“But how will I be able to keep up with the world’s most outstanding students?” “I won’t get it anyway…”
“I do not even have the money to attend.”
These were some of the questions and thoughts I had when considering applying to YYGS as an international student. And if you are an international student wondering if you should or should not apply, GO FOR IT! I am not saying this because I got accepted, but because applying by itself was such an insightful experience. It was a glimpse into what applying to US colleges and universities was like. But even more importantly, it was a self-exploration and expression journey. So if you apply, you have nothing to lose!
During the application process, I was not even thinking about being accepted. So I was not worried about impressing the admission team. I took risks and genuinely wrote about who I am and what I like. Lucky for me, that was what they were looking for. Therefore, my advice for you while writing your essays is to be honest and not be afraid to show your quirky side. In addition, Yale Young Global Scholars provides over $3 Million USD in need-based financial aid to all applicants and meets a fully demonstrated need, therefore all my needs were covered. This aid removed a huge financial burden from my family.
When I got the decision letter, I was not sure if what I was looking at was an acceptance letter, even though it clearly said “We would like to offer you admission.” I had to forward the letter to one of my close friends to make sure I was, indeed, going to be a Yale Young Global Scholar. ”
The experience after arrival was none like others. Students from literally everywhere were put together. Everyone was curiously intelligent, but not intimidating. My favorite part of the program was learning about their backgrounds, upbringings, habits, and how to properly pronounce their names. I made friends from Bangladesh, Mexico, Germany, Kazakhstan, China, Nigeria, France, and different parts of the US. I also enjoyed the unique and engaging seminars that always elicited heated discussions, including my favorite one, Thought Crimes, a seminar about whether or not thoughts about doing something illegal should be criminalized. The overall experience was a reflection of how small but at the same time big the world is , and your chance to have it is only an application away. ”
Efrata, YYGS 2024, Ethiopia