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…

all the bureaucracy: not merely that I would be biased in her favor, but that old wounds might tempt me toward some disguised cruelty. “Take her to committee,” I said. “Do not mention the family connection unless procedure requires it. Let them read her as themselves. If questions come up afterward, we’ll handle them.” Marcus stood, gathering the file.continue reading …