5
Colleges
5
Q&As
3
AP/IBs
8
Essays
3
Awards
7
Activities
Maura Siciensky
FGLI student who got into Yale early action, currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies
Essays, volunteer hours, and my grades in my classes were the 3 strongest areas of my application (especially essays! — I can’t stress this enough). I only applied to maybe 5 or 6 colleges — mostly in state for better financial aid. I intended to apply to more colleges if rejected/waitlisted from Yale early action, but was accepted so decided not to submit any other apps
Acceptances
Waitlists
Withdrawn
Maura Siciensky
FGLI student who got into Yale early action, currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies
5
Colleges
5
Q&As
3
AP/IBs
8
Essays
3
Awards
7
Activities
Acceptances
Waitlists
Withdrawn
Background
Race
White
Gender
Female
School Type
Public
Legacy
No
Low income
Yes
First generation
Yes
International
No
Recruited Athlete
No
Academics
GPA (W)
4.9
GPA Scale
4
SAT
1480
ACT
33
# AP/IB Exams
3
8 Essays
essay
Personal Statement
essays
Yale University
3 AP / IB Scores
3 Awards
7 Activities
Additional Info
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Do you have any additional info to share?
My common app essay was definitely very personal and the first time I’d written about something like that. I know most advice on admissions say to avoid topics like death and divorce because they’re o
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5 Q&As
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What was the strongest or most important piece of your application?
Essays are the most important part of your application — after I was admitted to Yale, I received a personal letter from the woman who reviewed my application saying she really enjoyed reading my essa
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How did you build your college list?
As an FGLI student, I knew in state schools were likely my best option. My guidance counselor told me to pick one ivy league to apply to because I had really strong stats and I chose Yale (and I’m so
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Were you accepted anywhere without an interview, or with a poor interview?
I only had an interview with Yale. Super informal in a local Starbucks and honestly I didn’t it went that well — it was just alright. I didn’t mind because interviews are really low on Yale’s priority
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Who should read over your essays?
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Additional Advice
It can be helpful to have your application display really strong demonstrated interest in one particular area (though very well rounded applicants who are strong in a bunch of areas are also fine!). I
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