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…

good bread, decent wine, and neutral territory. My parents arrived first and looked slightly overwhelmed by the city, which softened me in spite of myself. Jennifer came next with Amanda, both of them visibly nervous, Jennifer in a simple black dress instead of her usual armor of obvious success. For the first ten minutes conversation skittered. Weather.continue reading …