In my experience everyone I know has been extremely positive! I’m usually the realist that brings everyone back down to earth. A few of my friends and family have been telling me “Yale or bust” lol
Yale is truly a black box when it comes to admissions. Usually one needs really high stats but their review process is so different from other schools you never really know what will happen.
Like everyone said, January. There are some schools where applying late matters less (I think Yale is one), but I would consider staying out a cycle. You may have better options with more scholarship money down the road.
I was amused by his comments about getting into Yale Law School without any connections despite his having attended a prestigious prep school in D.C and being raised by a Judge and Attorney.