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…

not dropped. When she finally spoke, her voice had changed. “Rachel? Is something wrong?” “No,” I said. “Nothing’s wrong. I need to talk to you about Amanda.” The shift in her breathing was audible. Sharp. Protective. Frightened. “What about Amanda?” she asked. “She applied to Yale,” I said. “I know,” Jennifer answered. “She applied to nine schools.continue reading …