how i got into yale with a 1430 SAT

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In this inspiring interview, Michael Nguyen, a first-gen student from Oregon attending the largest public high school in the state, shares exactly how he got into Yale University as a Physics & Math major — with a 1430 SAT, just 2 APs, and no Ivy connections. 🚀📚

Michael’s story is a must-watch for students who think they don’t have “enough” — not enough test scores, prestige, or resources — to apply to the Ivy League. From self-studying AP Physics and Calculus BC to conducting real asteroid research at the Summer Science Program (SSP), Michael shows that authenticity and intellectual curiosity matter more than perfect stats.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

How Michael got into Yale with a 1430 SAT
What it’s like applying from an under-resourced public high school
How he used weightlifting and a rare genetic condition to tell a powerful story in his essays
Why authenticity is better than perfection in Ivy League admissions
His advice on being funny, real, and memorable in short take essays
How Yale evaluates standardized test scores in context
What makes a teacher rec letter truly stand out

📊 Michael’s Yale Application Stats:

✅ Unweighted GPA: 4.0 (no weighted GPA offered)
✅ SAT: 1430 (800 Math, 690 Reading)
🧪 APs Taken: Only 2 submitted at application time (AP Human Geo & Physics I)
🧠 Self-Studied: Physics C: Mechanics & E&M, Calculus BC
🏫 High School: David Douglas High School (Oregon’s largest public school)
🎓 Valedictorian (1 of 19 with 4.0 at unweighted GPA school)
💼 Notable Extracurriculars:
🔭 Summer Science Program (SSP) — conducted asteroid orbit research using Python & linear algebra
🧠 Started Robotics Club senior year
📚 Co-founded a self-study Calculus BC cohort
📈 Taught AP Physics to classmates and supported teacher in his first year teaching
🎵 Wind Ensemble & Pianist – connected solo music experience to community growth
💬 Young Leaders Summit Scholar & Mentor – selected from nationwide pool

📝 Essay Breakdown:
Common App Essay:
Metaphor of weightlifting and a genetic bone disorder (MHE) to reflect on strength, resilience, and empathy.
→ “I turned a 1st percentile in height into a 1st percentile in strength.”
Yale Supplemental #1:
Compared solving physics problems to solving a jigsaw puzzle, starting from Newtonian mechanics at the edges and working inward to quantum mysteries.
Yale Supplemental #2:
Shared his transition from solo pianist to wind ensemble team player, emphasizing interdisciplinary growth.
Short Takes (Favorite Answer):
“I’m a savvy shopper — the kids' section. Cheap prices, leg room. Being short has its perks.”
💡 Tip from Michael: Inject personality and humor where you can — “Show you’re not a robot.”

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Michael: Yale 2029, Physics & Math
00:14 – His Reaction to Getting In
00:51 – High School Background & Limited Resources
01:46 – Summer Science Program (SSP) Asteroid Research
03:16 – When Yale Entered His Mind
03:58 – GPA, SAT, APs, & Self-Studying Physics
05:44 – Is 1430 a “Low” Score for Yale?
07:00 – Key Extracurricular: Self-Taught Physics & Teaching Others
08:45 – Impact & Essays: How He Showed Value Without Flashiness
10:10 – Common App Essay: Weightlifting, MHE & Resilience
13:28 – Yale Supplementals + Short Takes Strategy
16:36 – Humor, Authenticity & Personality in Apps
17:58 – Final Advice: Interdisciplinary Curiosity & Just Be Real

🔗 Watch Next:
🔴 How I Got Into Dartmouth with a 36 ACT → https://youtu.be/[DARTMOUTH_VIDEO_LINK]
🔴 How I Got Into Harvard (1470 SAT, Public School) →    • how i got into stanford | stats+ecs+essays  

📢 Whether you’re applying with a “low” SAT, few APs, or come from a school with limited opportunities — Michael’s journey shows that being genuinely you is more than enough.

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