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 to other people.” She was quiet. Then she said, “No one ever talks about it like that.” “Most institutions reward continuity,” I told her. “Most families do too. They mistake recognizability for safety. But a recognizable life can still betray you.” We talked for nearly an hour. After I hung up, I sat on a bench and thought about the strange lineage continue reading …