Tutor Q&A: How Extracurricular Activities Helped Robyn Gain Admission to Yale

Currently, Robyn is studying a B.A. in Psychology at Yale University. Her application to Yale not only stood out because of her excellence in academics but also because of her involvement in extracurricular achievements - including having a science research paper presented at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and implemented at Newark Liberty International Airport!

We spoke to Robyn about why she became a tutor with Crimson and about her experiences at Yale University.

When you were in high school, did you ever think you would be studying at Yale University? If so, when did you thinking about your higher education?

I started thinking about attending Yale after I visited the college in my junior year of high school.

Was there a meaningful moment that made you feel you could attend a top ranked university?

After I became salutatorian of my private school that ended in 9th grade, I began to look more seriously into taking steps to prepare for attending an Ivy League university.

How did you choose Yale? What questions did you ask yourself?

I went on several college tours and spoke with admissions officers and students to learn more about the campus culture and academics. I always wanted to learn about the extracurricular opportunities available and what types of careers alumni have pursued.

What was the application process for your university? How did you find the process?

I applied to Yale through the Common Application, which was relatively straightforward and streamlined.

What academic strengths or extracurricular activities do you feel helped you to secure an offer to attend Yale?

I pursued an independent science research project to identify invasive species moving across borders that involved working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. After presenting my results at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, my research was implemented at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Are you involved in any initiatives/clubs/organisations at your university?

Design at Yale, Yale Alpine Ski Team, Yale International Relations Association and Yale Pop-Up.

Why do you think it’s important for other students to step outside their comfort zone and attend a top ranked university?

You learn the most when you're outside your comfort zone. It pushes you to always keep your eyes open and be more willing to find new and exciting opportunities.

What do you love most about studying at Yale?

The amount of freedom and resources students receive from the administration to pursue their extracurricular or academic interests.

How has studying at your university provided you with unique opportunities?

I've been able to dedicate so much of my time to interests beyond the classroom, and I've worked with incredibly talented and dedicated students along the way who have all inspired me to work harder.

What made you want to become a tutor/mentor with Crimson?

I'm so thankful for all the help and mentorship I received when I was applying to colleges, and I wanted to find an opportunity that would allow me to give back.

What do you love most about tutoring/mentoring students?

It's so incredibly fulfilling to see students work hard and achieve their goals. Their progress is always inspiring, and it reminds me constantly of how rewarding hard work can be.

What advice do you have for current high school students considering their future study options?

Don't stress about trying to find a school that perfectly fits your future academic career plans. Since most students change their majors at least once throughout college, I would encourage students to instead try and find the university that best fits the culture and extracurricular interests they are looking for.

What would you like to do once you finish university?

After graduation, I'll be working as an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company in New York.

What achievements are you most proud of?

Founding a student-run coffee shop my freshman year on campus, securing an internship at a 2 Michelin starred restaurant while studying abroad, finding a full-time job at Bain & Company.

Do you have any role models? If so how do they inspire you?

Sheryl Sandberg: I'm incredibly inspired by her ‘Lean In’ philosophy.

What do you do for fun?

Cooking, skiing and photography.

What impact would you like to leave on the world?

I'd like to inspire and empower the future generation of women to break barriers in the business world.

Want to find out what you need to do to gain admission into Yale? Contact Crimson today!