Yale University - Need Based, Need Blind

After SPM in 2002, I decided to do A Levels in a local private college. I started in January 2003. I did the A Levels partly because it was in English, and also partly because the January intake finished in June. If I had done other preuniversity programs (STPM, SAM or AUSMAT), I would have finished in November- leaving a eight-month break between Pre-U and university (as most US and UK universities start in September). For this same reason, I turned down the ASEAN scholarship.

When SPM results came out, like the other 12 000 applicants, I applied for a number of scholarships - Petronas and JPA. But, thanks to my B4 in Malay Language, I knew that my chances of getting a scholarship were slim, so I started looking at other options.

I had always been very interested in studying in US universities because the choice of classes isn't as limited. For example, I'm a second-year and majoring in Geology, but take a look at my classes: The Birth of Europe, Mineral Deposits, Introduction to Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Daily Themes, Introduction to Macroeconomics. When I found out that US universities offered financial aid upon admission, I was instantly interested, and did more research on the application process for US universities.

The application process is incredibly confusing -- even for US applicants! It was initially confusing to find out that I was applying for the Class of 2008, not 2004. 2008 stands for the date of graduation, not the entering date. Also, the terms 'college' and 'university' are used interchangably.

In May 2003, I sat for the SATs. My other friends studied for the SATs by memorizing wordlists, but I was lazy (and had other things to do than to memorize 3000 words!), so my only preparation was doing the 10 Real SATs (very important! must do!) which can be found in most bookstores.

I went to each college's website and requested a prospectus from them (usually by filling up a form online). I got a better sense of what the colleges were like, and what I wanted out of my undergraduate education: A school that has relatively small classes and not too technical -- though I would majoring in Geology, I love taking a lot of classes in English.

I started asking teachers for teacher recommendations (you need two teacher recommendations). For teacher recommendations, I gave the teachers a list of any related accomplishments -- emphasizing aspects that would show character, dedication and interest. For example, instead of bringing up my results in the National Physics Olympiad (that is offered by most national schools), I brought up my interest in English, mentioning that I was the only candidate in my school for SPM Literature in English, as well as the trip I had organized to the Star newspaper headquarters and my role in the class newspaper for NIE etc etc etc (you yourself know what you are best in).

I also gotten ready my School Report and any transcripts, as well as preparing translations myself (and got it certified by the director of A Levels).

For the application essays, I did a lot of soul searching. What was I good in? What was my niche, my 'hook'? What could I offer the school? What can the school offer me? All these questions played in my mind as I wrote my application essays. For my main application essay (I sent this to all the schools), I wrote about something that I really cared about (and spent 10 hours a week on) -- running (To read my application essay, get this book: Livin' It found in all MPH bookstores for RM 19.90).

Though not required, I also sent in a resume and cover letter to each school, to make my application more complete, and to emphasize my involvement in running (which I felt that the standard application form didn't give me enough space to write about). To admission officers, it's the achievements in running that are important, but rather, the time and the effort that I had put into it. People have asked me whether I sent in extra stuff, like certificates and all that. Most schools do NOT encourage you to send in certificates, so don't. Unless it's incredibly exceptional.

In October 2003, I sat for SAT IIs. (I also did the TOEFL, but only one of my schools really required it - so I regretted paying RM 400 to do the TOEFL since it wasn't really that necessary)

I also had to complete my financial aid application, which was due at the same time as college applications.

I only applied to need-based schools. ALL need-based schools will definitely offer you financial aid if you are admitted: these include liberal art colleges (LACs) and several universities. The amount of financial aid that you recieve depends on your parents' income and assets; you can get anywhere from FULL financial aid (tuition, room, board, everything) to nothing. Recently, Yale revamped their financial aid policy: barring special circumstances, if your parents earn less than $45 000 per year (or RM 14,250 per month), you are eligible for a full financial aid package. Harvard has a similar (but slightly less generous) policy.

Financial aid is made up of a combination of loans, campus-work and scholarship (which doesn't have to be paid back, and is not bond-based). Yale requires their students to have $4200 of loans and work, and the rest is scholarship. Schools differ in financial aid policies - so check with individual schools.

In most need-based schools however, your chances of admission might be jeopardized if you apply for financial aid. But there are some need-based schools that state that a financial aid applicant is considered on the same grounds as a non-financial-aid applicant. These schools are called need-blind schools. There are only six need-blind schools for international students: among them Yale, Harvard, Princeton and MIT (Some schools are need-blind, but, if you read the fine print, they are need blind only for US citizens and permanent residents, not for international students).

In all, I applied to nine schools. I sent in my applications online and by mail (admission officers are used to getting all the parts of your applications at different times, in different envelopes) by January 1st of that year.

Somewhere in February, I was contacted for interviews by the alumni (everyone who applies gets an interview; you aren't shortlisted for it). I think that I was probably the worst interviewee in history (my Harvard interview only lasted 20 minutes because I was tongue-tied, scared and frightened), so I won't attempt to give any tips. But you should read this Yale newsletter for alumni interviewers for an inside look on how your interview is evaluated.

I was informed of their admission decisions on April 1st. I was accepted to several colleges, and I'm now attending Yale!

After reading this, if you have any other questions, email me at lyzzie at gmail dot com! Also, read inkyhands.

by Elizabeth Wong
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Elizabeth is a sophomore at Yale University. She is originally from KL and studied in SMK Damansara Utama. She is majoring in Geology and Geophysics, is very interested in English and writing and runs. She is going to Puerto Rico with Joyce for spring break.

Relevant Links
http://tinkosong.blogspot.com/2005/11/spm-stpm-us-its-not-end.html

Interviews: Interview Tip 2

2. Other First Impressions

There's one thing that interviewers usually look out for and that's your handshake. By shaking your hand, the interviewer can make a decent guess about your character. A firm handshake, with a good grip, denotes confidence while a weak handshake denotes the opposite (of course). But, I'd advise not to overdo it. Firm handshake, but no longer than about 2-3 seconds. If not, you might seem a bit overzealous. So, yeah, handshakes do count and are a pretty good indicator of your confidence level.

Another thing that most people tend to overlook is your walking style. Do you timidly trotter into the room (check out the alliteration - haha), march military style into the room or stride into the room? A good walk, positive, head up and facing the world is usually a good sign. Slouching, dragging your feet, and a very slow walk won't be much good. The cliche term "Keep your head up" is a really useful term though. So, stride into the room, all guns blazing, head up and give your interviewer a firm handshake. Show him or her that you mean business.

Interviews: Interview Tip #1

This will be the first of a series of 10 Interview Tips, in light of the upcoming interviews for scholarships and application for universities.

1. Dress well

Clothes give the most important “first impression” that you present; therefore, it is all-important to look smart and presentable. And by that, I don’t mean dress as if you were to go clubbing. These interviewers will usually work in an office environment, and they will be used to being surrounded by people dressed in smart blouses or dress shirts. You will not make a good impression if you show up in your faded and torn, super-super-low Levi’s. For girls, knee-length skirts or dark trousers with covered-toe shoes and a loosely fitting button down shirt would be the best bet. Baju kurung would also be a good option, as most offices in Malaysia encourage their employees to wear the traditional Malay garb; however, don’t go all out and wear your special, once-a-year-only baju kurung kerawang with gold trimming. Simple clothes work best. For guys, it’s relatively easy. A nice dress shirt with trousers and black shoes, and a tie if you’re feeling particularly spiffy. Also be conscious of your entire appearance. Too-long, unkempt hair or too many facial piercings may be distracting to an interviewer.