The Essays that Got Me Into Yale As An INTERNATIONAL Student from Singapore

[@victorialim]

See my SUPPLEMENT + I answer all the questions I’ve gotten about applying as an international IN THIS VID HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSpgZ95h6mrjNk 🌿 TIMESTAMPS 0:59 My Common App Essay YALE SUPPLEMENTS: 5:55 Why Yale 6:54 4 Short Answer Questions 8:45 Short Essay #1 10:32 Short Essay #2 12:00 Quick tips

[@theojoziah4598]

instaBlaster

[@nabihah2674]

I felt like I was listening to an audio book, your voice is truly amazing.

[@victorialim]

How sweet, thank you Nabihah!

[@amani1709]

same!!

[@mizukihuang]

Seeing your essay skills, oh gosh my hopes went 😶↘️↘️↘️ coz i can't even write like that-

[@ehanfayaaz5573]

Same!

[@nahomdesta1237]

same🥲

[@Studymade1234]

😮😮😮😮

[@likhithborela1517]

I'm applying to yale as an international student early action. Boy do I hope I get in.

[@rsncrllvea]

Good luck!

[@seharchowdhry1663]

HEAR BACK YET?

[@likhithborela1517]

@@seharchowdhry1663 not yet. Decisions come out next Monday 7 PM Eastern time lol.

[@audryssayuanwie6107]

@@likhithborela1517 wish you all the best!!

[@seharchowdhry1663]

likhith borela you’ll get in dw

[@kinjalnandy7535]

Hey Victoria, your common app essay is just amazing. It makes a connection to heart. You just portrayed your life in a wonderful way.

[@binghsieh2234]

Love your essay so much. I'm currently a high school junior. Yale is way too out of reach for me, but your essay really touched me in many ways. There aren't many international students sharing their experience, so yours was very helpful. I'm also inspired by your enthusiasm of living life to the most. thank you

[@alexsi-gm2233]

aww when you said “i’m getting emotional” :(( it was a BEAUTIFUL essay, you should be proud of it. I hope mine will be even half of what yours is!

[@victorialim]

Thank you so much Alex! I'm sure you did / will do your best for your essay as well, just focus on your own story and I'm sure it'll be fine :)

[@erpollock]

She is so appealing! Her division into two personalities is so perfect. The dreamer and the practical girl. She writes well and naturally. Yale is choosing students who have a special personality.

[@victorialim]

thank you for your kind words! :')

[@sobhsaeed462]

This sparked so many ideas for my own essay! Thank you so much

[@victorialim]

All the best! Glad it helped!

[@yashthetrash]

I absolutely loved your Common App Essay, it was so well written! It's great that I'm seeing other Singaporeans getting into incredible universities like Yale because I'm applying to the US this fall from Singapore!

[@victorialim]

All the best! 🙌🏼🇸🇬

[@yashthetrash]

@@victorialim Thank you!

[@scarletttaor6640]

Your essays are insane- they ooze authenticity and creativity and it’s not hard to see why a school such as Yale would want you. Thanks so much for sharing! I’m applying to Yale this year I think and this was really helpful. :)

[@larageiger5187]

Thank you so much for this! I used to live in Singapore which is why I automatically clicked on your tagline, but I stayed because I absolutely adore your personality ( and I am so glad I did ). I have been looking for authenticity in the process and you definitely delivered!!

[@victorialim]

Aww how sweet Lara, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment x

[@jeffpape6519]

You tell super compelling stories. Thank you for sharing and best of luck going forward!

[@craftyporky5584]

I just wanted to say thank you! I watched your video back when I was applying for colleges and you gave me the inspiration to completely revamp my essays. I got into a number of top schools and a lot of it is definitely through your video:))

[@victorialim]

Happy to hear!! 😊 glad it helped and things worked out for you x

[@ThoughtworthyCo]

We can totally see why you got in, Victoria! 😉 Keep it up 💪

[@josefinareyes5904]

Thank you so much for this video!! My deam school is yale and I'm also an international student, so this was really helpful. The message at the end is especially encouraging :D

[@victorialim]

So glad this helped Josefina! All the best with your application!

[@josefinareyes5904]

@@victorialim I'm from Chile, thank you! :D

[@victorialim]

I have a friend at Yale from Chile! Buena suerte, todo es posible si crees x

[@josefinareyes5904]

@@victorialim You know Spanish?!?!! That's so cool! I loved your reply. Let's hope I can meet your Chilean friend next year on campus. 😀😀

[@povnayeli]

Your essays are so good 🥺

[@victorialim]

How sweet, thank you!

[@yiyiluan5959]

The essays and answers are so impressive! Thank you for making this video. I am interested in how you become "jaded" about the idea of changing the world though, would you share your thoughts and experiences in future?

[@victorialim]

Thank you so much, I worked really hard on them, and thank you for actually listening to my rambles in the video :) I will def be sharing how my Yale experience has changed me or taught me things about life, so stay tuned for that!

[@farahmahmoud5523]

I loved your essays, yale definitely made the right choice to accept you. Thank you for inspiring me to write mine!

[@KronicNitron]

Im applying as a first year, this was truly informative and helpful. I wrote my common app, and 250 words essays in 3 days. Whilst short I think my passion and love flow through it, Im not certain id get accepted, same as you I think my essays will carry me. but you never know, hopefully beat the odds against 6%.

[@yuhenrei]

how did it go

[@celaine_]

I don’t know why but the 1st essay almost made me cry. It was amazing, you can truly hear exactly the impact your voice will make at yale

[@chothebest1895]

Her essays make everyone feel connected.❤

[@diyaralzuhairi6699]

" Every true leader should have an infectious desire to contribute to a cause greater than themselves. "

[@trouserslandman]

Thank you so much, Victoria! Your videos have been extremely helpful and I finally submitted my Yale application today :)

[@victorialim]

So glad they helped and whew now just sit back and relax! Great job, the hardest part is over :)

[@mirabilismuralis]

Woah you're so early!

[@paulasalazar8935]

Victoria your common app essay was beautiful. I really felt a connection with ypu finding a lot of similarities between our personalities even though we have different interests. Such ain insightful and useful video. I also find worth mentioning that My dream schoolis Yale NUS, yes Yale but in Singapore. What are the odds? I'm an international student too and you've given me a sense of peace amongst the chaos around (i'm a rising senior in highschool and I have NO idea what will happen to my class and our applications and school year :/ ). Anyway thank you

[@victorialim]

How sweet Paula, thank you for watching, and what a coincidence - there’s a good chance I’ll be at Yale NUS this coming fall semester because of the COVID situation! Singapore is a great place and I’ve heard amazing things about ync so I really hope you get to experience it ☺️✨ always remember to stay grounded in the stress of senior year! Will help you, I promise x

[@rethibna]

Hi! Your essays are amazing but especially the way you express yourself influenced me. I felt like I've just met with a lovely book character that I would want to read more. Nowadays I am trying to begin writing my essays but the steps I take are so tiny. This video really helped and inspired me to show truly who I am. Thanks a lot! Oh, also I am an international applicant. Yaay:)

[@victorialim]

Thank you so much for listening! I think that’s the point of the essays - they’re supposed to show the admission team who you are :) good job for starting to write your essays! All the best x

[@lamasminary3811]

Here goes my chance in getting into yale out of the window 🙂

[@victorialim]

Don’t say that!!! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Go for it!

[@lamasminary3811]

Awwwwh thank you💜💜 you are definitely right

[@Albania0202]

Students pay money for their essays to be reviewed by professionals.

[@yasminabdulrazak7958]

thanks so much for posting this! i’m applying in a few days :))

[@victorialim]

All the best!

[@iu479]

what a choice of words! I am speechless. Gotta learn your essay by heart maybe my english will go↗↗↗

[@garimasah7408]

It's been helpful. You have a wonderful smile!

[@amani1709]

such a helpful video especially as there is not many directed to international students. i truly appreciate your effort and help ♡

[@victorialim]

Of course, thank you for being here! :)

[@huhucat12]

vic u r my inspiration

[@victorialim]

[@НагимаМаймакова-я2т]

They are amazing and so inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing and pieces of advice!

[@emilyleong5591]

thank you so much for all the tips! incredibly helpful as I finish up the essays I procrastinated :'))

[@parmiduh]

I wonder if you realize how brilliant you are !! congrats on ur admission

[@μελέτη1]

Your essays are amazing.

[@anoymoususer4356]

Hey ur essay are beautiful. After watching ur video I realized that my essay is similar to yours in idea (parents almost naming me something else). I’m scared that my essay may seem plagiarized.

[@victorialim]

Hey don't worry about it, I wrote my essay nearly 3 years ago and the admissions officers read 1000s of essays every year, so I'm sure they won't remember mine. Also the officer who read my essay is likely going to be the different from the one who'll read yours! As long as you genuinely didn't plagarize I'm sure it'll all be fine :)

[@gloriadai400]

i was impressed by ur essay, amazing!

[@azakapro]

These essays really helpfull. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@victorialim]

Glad they helped :)

[@futurefightgaming6890]

10:39 This is literally me XD! idk but this instinctively raised my hope of getting in. lol . I would really love to be at Yale tho :)

[@adeyemoifemade7832]

I'm planning on applying to yale you make me feel more confident

[@blessingetinosa437]

my favorite youtuber :)

[@zacharyreshovsky8279]

You're awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@arushiarora4220]

Hey Vic, did you get an alumni interview for Yale? If yes, how's it go and how did you prepare for it. You could totally make a video on this topic!!

[@nurhusna1407]

Yes! Please do so!

[@chetanyapandey5409]

I just rlly rlly wanna meet you if i ever get to Yale..soo proud to lknow your a vegan..so proud of our community..lots of love from India

[@heather2773]

You make me really want to be your friend. You seem very genuine :)

[@rimshaaiman3098]

You are such a queen. Hope you know that.

[@robertcholmondeley113]

Great video. None of the babbling bs unlike other college vids on KZbin. Purely great content.

[@victorialim]

Greatly appreciated!! 😄

[@aayaasa323]

I feel so sick Iam an international student and it's my senior year and I have no hope for gotten in lvy colleges I don't know why

[@angelinavezet]

Just found this video, I identified with some of your essays lmaoooo. I may apply after having a second Gap year (because of covid) and Yale could be a decision because of this video. This really motivated me!!

[@victorialim]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@svnvoo]

U HAVE SUCH A WAY WITH WORDS WTH

[@svnvoo]

HOW? TIPS ON WRITING PLSSSS UR GOATED

[@RookieCookieWookie]

Those essays are some of the best I've read (heard more like)!!!

[@hayahashem8948]

heyy , im in my sophomore year and already thinking about college. I would killl to get into an ivy league school , either Harvard or Yale . I looked at the common app website and all the supplement questions and im totally lost . I don't know what to write my essay about or how to write it . Im currently struggling with an identity crisis therefore writing a personal essay about something meaningful is a bit difficult for me. I feel like my life is not really that instructing or im not really that interesting enough . Can you please reply because i need advice ?

[@thewindgamer2607]

"I also love strategizing: if any idea needs fleshing out, I´m your person" Omg wish I was your roommate😂

[@nancyli4416]

you did gave me inspirations!

[@pureheroinelux]

I can hear this all day long!!

[@whatis.afairy]

Your essay is beautiful.

[@victorialim]

Thank you!

[@sy1r4hhhhh._]

im sec 3 in 2022 ! and i've been dreaming to get into an ivy league ! i know i do have a long way to go , but i'm gonna do my best to achieve my dreams ! i will study hard and will make my way there ! thanks for the vids !

[@skyissoblue]

Cuteeee videooo 🤗♡♡♡

[@Top10.globall]

Watching you read your essay made me smile. 💕💕 Although I do have a question. Did you get scholarship?

[@victorialim]

Yup!

[@Austin-rf6gm]

Literally me throughout the whole video 👁️👄👁️

[@ckypkkk3223]

Hi there, may I ask a few questions? Do you apply to Yale after sitting for O level or A level? I’m from Malaysia and I’m not sure if SPM(equivalent to O level) is qualify enough to Yale/ any other colleges. That would be a great help, thank you btw I really like your essays❤️❤️

[@victorialim]

After A levels! :) I did IB though, but it's the same as after A levels.

[@cherylchoong1709]

Victoria Lim omg you did the IB :00 same here ahah IB second year and struggling :))) I’m not even applying to the US but I stumbled upon your video and felt compelled by your story and what you had to say and ended up listening to it till the end. Congratulations on everything and for inspiring others through your drive and motivation, it’s really inspiring to watch! :)) good luck with everything

[@victorialim]

Thank you!

[@vaishnavijanmeja2708]

Thank you so much it really helpful.......thanks a lot for sharing those essays 🫶🫶🫶

[@krait05]

Omg !!! You are like me 😀i also want to take environmental science major for university and i also love dancing💜

[@julianajanot4280]

Awesome, thank you so much! You didn't have to write the Why Major (environmental studies) essay? I would like to read that if it's possible! :)

[@victorialim]

You should be able to see my answer to that here at the bottom! docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1OZC5f2uhlCoVdLyx2rdfPbnYkqayINdSE2jIO849BbE/mobilebasic

[@julianajanot4280]

@@victorialim Great, thank youu sm!

[@memo6032]

It took me a long time to write mine too. I felt I was lazy and guilt gnawed at me for taking that long. I'm sure it doesn't take everyone that long but I'm just happy I'm not alone 🤣💔

[@selbiernepesova4132]

Victoria, I am an international student, so your video is really helpful for me. Thanks! Also did you get in with financial aid?

[@victorialim]

Hi Che, yes but not from Yale!

[@PepeTostado]

How do you synthesize your essay, mine is 2k words

[@sophiakasim683]

Your essays made me so emotional and it seems to me you were able to be so vulnerable! I really struggle with being vulnerable in my essays because most of the time I become “too vulnerable.” Do you have any tips to write a touching essay without crossing that boundary?

[@victorialim]

Hi Sophie! I’m not so sure what you mean by “too vulnerable”, but based on my own interpretation of your words, I do agree that it’s important to be vulnerable whilst not coming across as “whiny” or “cliched”, which can be a challenging balance to strike. My tips: 1. Pick an essay topic that genuinely means something to you / shows your story, instead of trying to do something you think that the application team would like to hear. Your voice will probably come across a lot more authentically. It’s really about how you write, as opposed to what you write about - you can write about something ordinary in an extraordinary away. 2. Write a TON of drafts; give yourself enough time to write these. My first dozen drafts just all sounded wrong and tacky and suddenly one day the topic / writing style worked! This essay came after months of thinking and working on it. 3. Get feedback on your essays, not only from people you know but also people who might know you as well. This way, you can ask them how much they learnt from you just reading your essay. You want to make sure your personality shines through, as opposed to just recounting "what you learnt" or "what happened during the event". (But be careful not to ask too many people -> too many voices = too much feedback) I know those are very ordinary tips but can't think of anything else for now! If you have any questions about my responses lmk :) all the best!

[@sophiakasim683]

Victoria Lim First off, thank you so much for responding - I didn’t expect it at all :) I really needed these tips because I am preparing to write my own college essays... eeek! Anyway, I know it’s important to be vulnerable/ open up in your essays so that the admissions officer knows more about you; but, what’s some are some things you think one shouldn’t write about? A lot of people recommend not writing about religion because it’s an iffy topic but, it’s played a big part of my life. If I were to write about it, I would mention that being the only Muslim in my school was extremely difficult. People would call me names and my best friend in the fifth grade was told not to be friends with me because of my religion. I began to question - is it worth being Muslim if people hate me this much? I used to feel isolated and alone. No one to connect with... in other words I didn’t find my community. I felt that other Muslims in a similar situation to mine probably felt the same way and desired to be apart of their own community. So, when I entered highschool, I started my own company that worked to bring Muslim owner business (restaurants, dentist, doctors etc) together and build a community with all Muslims . I’m not sure how the rest of my essay would go but, I know I definitely want to mention something about my business or my religion but I am unsure if this is the right thing to do. Do you have any advice or tips?

[@victorialim]

@@sophiakasim683 Hi Sophie, I don't think there's any "wrong" essay topic to write - rather, there are large topics like religion and community that are applicable to a ton of people, and sometimes applicants can make the mistake of talking about it too "generally"/broadly and not tying it to your own experience well enough, that application officers don't get a good understanding of who YOU are as a person. But as for your essay idea, I actually think it sounds fantastic (if you do it well)! You're making these big themes very personal, which is good, and then tying how you felt to something that you did, which highlights certain character traits about yourself. I would advise you to focus not too much on the negative (definitely talk about feeling isolated in an authentic way, but not in a self-deprecating, "sob story" kind of way), and really emphasize the motivations / emotions behind your company, what you learnt / how you grew, how the experience changed you as a person - more those internal things VS what you physically did when you started your company (which you can talk about in the activities section)! Hope this helps and good luck. Sounds like a great idea!

[@sophiakasim683]

Victoria Lim Okay cool thank you so much for your insight you don’t know how much I appreciate it!!

[@8bulinda]

Hi....what did you get in your SAT

[@Shantarayamajhi7943]

I want to go to Yale for my Ph.D. but, I think k have zero chances of getting it. Alas! hope is a thing with feather

[@elenapaz6261]

Hi! Do you still give some college advice? I really need some quick tips right now!

[@sip2us]

When she’s your cousin :🤩🥰 By the Way it’s Claire here

[@victorialim]

😘🥰

[@sadiemoore5836]

Hi! I'm an American but I attend an international school in Singapore; do you know if I would be considered an international applicant?

[@victorialim]

I think so!

[@sadiemoore5836]

@@victorialim Also one more question; for Singaporean students, do they usually finish their O-levels and then apply to American colleges or finish their A-levels/IB/Polytechnic and then go? Also since you finish in Dec, do you wait for 6 months and then start University?

[@brmeychan1727]

Hi may i ask how much time did they give to you for writing the essay

[@juliareis1655]

Hello, i have a question and i would love your help. Did you take Gap Year?

[@victorialim]

Nope I didn’t!

[@priyalpradhan2777]

Wowww

[@yasmindiniz1308]

Thanks for this amazing video! I’m Brazilian and one of my dreams is to get into an Ivy League college, you really inspire me! p.s.: did u get a scholarships for yygs?

[@victorialim]

I didn’t do yygs!

[@kamilakavallini6305]

Omg, I have the idea to compare two versions of myself like you did but not actually like you I want to write connection between me and two fictional characters who have been the closest to internal me all my life Is it a good idea?

[@kavitaagarwal8436]

Did u get any scholarships? How did u get them?

[@popcorncat123454321]

Wow, I loved your essays! It was clear you had an emotional connection with them and I'm glad they took you far :DD! It's ok if you say no because this might be a lot to ask, but would you be willing to read my common app essay and let me know how it portrays me as a person? I find it difficult to estrange myself and read it from a different perspective. I would be sososo grateful!!! -A struggling senior

[@Katutowavicle]

Would ıt be enough ıf I only take IELTS, SAT and three subject test?

[@thebeautiful868]

How can i take this exams

[@nazariocampos8231]

Hola mexico te espera de nuevo.

[@canddy3325]

I'm kinda like confused about how many essays are required for the whole process, so I need someone to contact with, to help me with my questions. I'm new to all of this and I'm an international student who speaks also Arabic

[@victorialim]

You gotta make an account on common app and the questions will be there! Details here: admissions.yale.edu/common-application

[@canddy3325]

@@victorialim so the essays will be in the common app and there isn't any other ?

[@victorialim]

Yes! Because common app is basically like the application form

[@canddy3325]

@@victorialim I believe that all the documents that I need are my SAT score TOEFL test score and complete my common app requirements. I need some help because I got a lot of questions and someone with experience and GOT to yale and I will be the first member of my family to go to college, so I'm a girl if want here is my Whatsapp [phone] or my IG: que.eeno

[@canddy3325]

@@victorialim and questions like, how to send my documents and where, how to apply for a full scholarship, is there gonna be an interview before and after, how to apply for a visa.....etc

[@weltexmy8452]

What was your GPA, act and sat score

[@aathirajoshii]

hi! just asking, do you like the culture there in america? and will you be coming back or are you planning to stay there? i want to study in america but not sure its worth leaving everything in sg and if its worth spending the money as well. do let me kno, thanks!

[@nilsapriem3641]

America doesnt have culture

[@nightsky7547]

Hello Victoria! Greetings! I know I'm supposed to be contacting these essay review services out there, but as an international applicant, it's quite expensive for me. Could you take 5 minutes to just give my essay a read? I and Grammarly have worked on this essay for months and your feedback would definitely help elevate the essay. Thanks for reading this!

[@prabinshrestha5379]

Do we need to mention why this university in common app essay?

[@victorialim]

nope! just respond to the prompt

[@mohannadislaieh3009]

How many pages?!!??

[@dhruvanaidu9738]

did you ever take an AMC test?

[@victorialim]

Nope don’t know what that is!

[@yukiw3951]

Hi there. Congrats！ Did you go to a international school in sg??

[@victorialim]

SJI International! :)

[@yukiw3951]

@@victorialim Thank you :>>

[@prravitbhattia1329]

Hey!Are there any scholarships in yale?

[@iqbalfatih6909]

Hey Vic, I've these questions, how can I reach u for answers?? :(

[@victorialim]

Ask me here, I’ll def respond ☺️

[@iqbalfatih6909]

@@victorialim is yale the only ivy league did u apply to??

[@victorialim]

Yes! Applied early action and got in so didn’t apply to anywhere else.

[@iqbalfatih6909]

hey vic, how r u? Can I still ask u questions? :"

[@victorialim]

Hi yes, sflr! I started an Instagram @vic.torialim you can DM me there

[@michaelgui8341]

Wow! What primary school were you in?

[@victorialim]

CHIJ !

[@michaelgui8341]

@@victorialim Nice! I'm from St. Hilda's Primary and aim to go to Harvard, I know it's going to be a long journey but I will strive. BTW they changed the PSLE scoring system for this year so AL1 is like 90+, AL2 is 86-90, AL3 is 81-85 and so on. So basically you need all subjects 90+ to meet the AL4 requirement for RI and Hwa Chong. Luckily I got DSA lol

[@victorialim]

@@michaelgui8341 Wow, it's amazing you're so driven at such a young age! However, remember that you have a really long way ahead of you Michael, so don't be wedded to Harvard! It's good to have a goal but life changes you along the way so be open to possibilities of your preferences changing & don't attach yourself too much to the idea of going to Harvard for your sake as well :) all the best!

[@michaelgui8341]

@@victorialim Thanks!

[@nuelle2361]

Indecisive and Intersted in Environmental Studies? Are we the same person?

[@rociovita3798]

The vegan sticker🌱💕💕💕💕

[@victorialim]

haha actually that sticker is for a club I founded at Yale called GREEN, but I am also vegan!

[@rociovita3798]

@@victorialim my daughter just got into Yale in December....the advice I gave her for her writing was based on your beautiful and inspirational video. We’re also vegan 🌱 for the animals and our planet. Thank you for all you do!

[@victorialim]

Thank you for watching and sharing with your daughter!! I’m so glad she got in ☺️ I’m sure she’ll have a blast - and if the dining halls open up soon, she’ll have a great array of options ;)

[@raquelsilva5999]

im so bad at writing lol i wont get in any uni lol

[@thegreenerland9618]

Who else is cleaning teardrops pls

[@bffchannel9860]

I’m shocked they didn’t like ur essay

[@victorialim]

Only one of them! Haha and I don’t think he didn’t like it, rather thought it was corny or something

[@upperxmoon9833]

1:20