Why I’ve Decided To Pass On A Higher Ranked School & Go To Yale
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The past few days have witnessed a resounding upswelling of enthusiasm from readers. First of all, thank you! I have also received emails from other prospectives lost in the Vortex of Decisions, asking: “BUT WHY!?”
While my decision is unambiguously clear to me, I realize I have fully elucidated why, at the end of the day, Yale not only won me over, but skyrocketed to the top of my list, leaving no doubt in my mind that I had made the right decision. So fellow admits, waitlisters, and rejects, please let me know if I have explained my reasons well enough after this post. I am happy to continue to expound and extol. If you’re here, I assume you like that side of me. So onwards and upwards!
It’s funny because I don’t see my decision as abrupt at all. It was all very natural. But since you all aren’t mind readers (or are you?), I will happily explain the factors that led me to this point:
- Yale is the MOST social-impact focused of any school in the world. They also have the resources to prove it (loan forgiveness and specialized career services) and a culture that stands by it (huge percentage of non-profit people and education and Net Impact clubs). These factors compelled me to apply to Yale, and now they are among the many reasons I will be matriculating.
- Yale visits and events have been incredible. From the prospective student event in October, featuring 20 smart, articulate, and accomplished alums, to my interview on campus and recent San Francisco admit events, I have been impressed by the ease with which I have connected with current and future students. My interview at Yale felt really natural; I pranced about campus giddily despite the brisk, wintry wind; and I have loved the highly engaging conversations with students.
- The campus is beautiful. (I know, how superficial can you get?) But if I’m going to spend 12 hours a day locked inside, I’d rather it was in Evans P. Hall. I walked around and could so easily imagine myself there. Additionally, New Haven has great restaurants and easy access to New York City.
- Yale is the gayest school ever. Really, it is. Even though you hets probably had no idea (yes, we really use that word to mean straight people), Yale is indeed the gay ivy. Not coincidentally, it’s well known for offering amazing benefits for LGBT students and staff. See, even the alumni magazine noticed. I’m enamored with Yale’s evolution and positive impact in gay circles. Plus, living in San Francisco the past few years, I’m going to be frightened and overwhelmed by the preponderance of straight people. This is a gross exaggeration (notice I said exaggeration not lie, I am a little bit nervous about it…ha!). That said, in case you couldn’t tell, I’m the MOST hyperbolic person you’ll ever meet. Ever.
- The people at Yale are doing the things I want to do. The career center and admissions people have connected me with fabulous alums and career students who have enthusiastically supported my ideas and given my more food for thought in the past weeks than I’ve had in 5 years!
All these points have greatly contributed to my decision, but really at the end of the day it was about the people. I fit in with the Yalies and already count some of them as friends. My visits there primed the pumps and recent events have sealed the deal. Also, they have an ice hockey team. I mean, duh!
So there you have it. Go bulldogs!
Sassafras is a 30-year-old MBA applicant who works for a San Francisco-based non-profit organization with a primary focus on youth development and education. With a 730 GMAT and a 3.4 grade point average from a highly ranked liberal arts college, he currently blogs at MBA: My Break Away? His previous posts include:
An Acceptance From Kellogg Leads To Some Soul Searching
Weighing Kellogg vs. Yale: Which School Would You Choose?
Now Into The Next Stage Of His B-School Path: The Network
