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…

Rachel. Your father will be so proud.” Will he? The question almost left my mouth. Instead I said, “It’s a big job.” There was a pause, then the careful rearranging tone I knew too well. “Jennifer’s daughter is sixteen now,” she said. “Amanda. Such a bright girl. Loves reading. Maybe now that you’re both in academia…” She let the idea hang there, continue reading …