When I Dropped Out At 20, My Sister Told Everyone: “She’s The One Who Didn’t Finish.” Twelve Years Later, I’m Yale’s Dean Of Admissions. One Essay Read: “My Family Moved Past My Aunt’s Setback.” The Name? Amanda Chen. My Niece. I Picked Up My Red Pen And…

college decisions wound seventeen-year-olds, but admission would rip something open in the family that had spent years constructing a story around me. Either way, nothing would remain tidy. Marcus found me an hour later. He was smiling. “She’s in,” he said. “Unanimous.” I let out a breath so deep it almost embarrassed me. “Good,” I said, and then, continue reading …