In 2010, a remarkable feat was achieved by four siblings from Danbury, Connecticut. Kenny, Martina, Ray and Carol Crouch became the first set of quadruplets ever accepted to Yale University, one of the most prestigious and selective institutions in the world.
The Crouch quads, as they are affectionately known, were born on January 8, 1992, to Raymond and Vicky Crouch, both immigrants from Guyana. They grew up in a modest home with their older sister Kathy, who also attended Yale. They attended Danbury High School, where they excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities, such as music, sports, debate and community service.
The Crouch quads applied to Yale early action, meaning they would receive their admission decisions by December 15, 2009. They also applied to other Ivy League schools and top colleges, such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and MIT. They were confident in their abilities, but also realistic about their chances.
“We knew it was a long shot,” Kenny said. “We didn’t expect to get into all of them.”
But on December 15, they received the news that changed their lives: they were all accepted to Yale.
“It was surreal,” Martina said. “We were jumping up and down and screaming.”
The Crouch quads made national headlines as the first quadruplets to gain admission to Yale. They also received congratulatory messages from President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. They were featured in The New York Times, CBS News and other media outlets.
The Crouch quads decided to attend Yale together, despite having different interests and personalities. They said they wanted to share the experience with each other and support each other along the way.
“We’re very close,” Ray said. “We’ve always been there for each other.”
At Yale, the Crouch quads pursued different majors and minors, ranging from economics to engineering to music. They also joined different clubs and activities, such as the Yale Symphony Orchestra, the Yale Daily News and the Yale Black Men’s Union. They lived in different residential colleges, but often visited each other and ate meals together.
The Crouch quads graduated from Yale in May 2014, with honors and distinction. They also received various awards and scholarships for their academic achievements and leadership. They are now pursuing their careers and further education in different fields and locations.
Kenny is working as a software engineer at Google in California. Martina is studying law at Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. Ray is working as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in New York. Carol is studying medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Maryland.
The Crouch quads are an inspiration to many students and families who aspire to achieve their dreams through education. They are also a testament to the diversity and excellence of Yale University.
According to Yale’s website, “Yale is committed to enrolling the best students from all backgrounds — regardless of their ability to pay.” The university offers generous financial aid packages that cover tuition, room and board for students whose families earn less than $65,000 a year. The university also provides academic support and mentoring programs for students from underrepresented groups.
The Crouch quads are grateful for the opportunity that Yale gave them and the education that they received.
“Yale has been amazing,” Carol said. “It has opened so many doors for us.”
Meet the inspiring Wade quadruplets: Aaron, Nick, Zach, and Nigel. These remarkable brothers, also known as “The Quads,” have made history by graduating together from Yale University at the age of 22. Hailing from Liberty Township, Ohio, they have been inseparable since birth, entering the world mere minutes apart.
Their academic prowess earned them acceptance into an astounding 59 universities, including prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Duke. Ultimately, they decided to embark on their journey together at Yale University, where they were fortunate to receive financial aid.
Despite their shared experiences, the Wade quadruplets chose to forge their own paths and separate ways within Yale’s diverse residential colleges. This allowed them to pursue their individual passions and carve out unique identities.
Aaron pursued a double major in computer science and psychology, while also serving as the musical director of an a cappella group. Nick, with a deep commitment to aiding refugees and immigrants, pursued a degree in political science with a minor in Arabic. Zach’s academic pursuits led him to double major in chemical engineering and economics, and he assumed the role of president of the National Society of Black Engineers at Yale. Nigel, aspiring to become a medical doctor, majored in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Click here to keep reading about the Wade’s here.
