Yale University Top Questions

The best thing about Yale is definitely its students -- everyone is incredibly smart, talented, passioante about whatever they do, and ambitious. At the same time, Yalies know how to have a good time, and Yalies are very fun, friendly, and down-to-earth. Overall, it is fantastic to be surrounded by all of these unique and interesting people. The residential college system is also terrific -- you spend four years with a microcosm of Yale, living and eating with people that you may not have crossed paths with at another school. The college system brings a great sense of community and continuity to Yale, and allows you to befriend and interact with people from all walks of life.

Yale is a wonderful place to go to school- I honestly could not be happier. There is definitely a lot of pressure and a lot of work, but it is also incredibly fun. The people are the best thing about the school- I never stop meeting fascinating people who have accomplished amazing things and yet are very down-to-earth. New Haven gets a bad reputation, but personally, I love it (I'm actually staying here over the summer). The clothing stores are mostly expensive, but there are tons of great restaurants, coffee shops, clubs, galleries, theater, etc. It is a city with a lot of history and character. Yalies are all basically in love with their school- it's just a very happy place to be. I would describe it as a "work hard, play hard" kind of place:" people are driven and devoted to their schoolwork (obviously...we all got into Yale after all), but there is also a huge party scene and for those not into that, tons of other fun things to do on weekends. Sports may not be as big as at state schools, but most people go out to support the football team and we are very proud of our bulldogs. The residential college system is one of the most unique and special things about Yale. It provides the perfect balance- you get all the resources of a huge university, but also get the familial feel of a smaller community. I am constantly amazed by the opportunities available at Yale, in everything from speakers coming here to visit to professors I can study with to summer programs/internships.

it is very hard academically but the effort it takes to do all the academic work and to partake in a varsity sport is worth the large amount it takes

The thing I love about Yale is how it covered all the bases: academically, socially, extracurricularly, and even institutionally, I would change almost nothing about the school, except the weather. The Yale administration, in sharp contrast with most other schools, acts and is perceived by the students to be genuinely interested in student happiness and well-being. The administrators (President, Dean of college, other deans, etc.) are all well-regarded by students, and because of this the student body and administration work pretty well together at finding consensus solutions for problems as they crop up.

Yale is the perfect size, thanks to the residential college system. Within the campus of 5,000 or so students, there are small communities- each dorm. This is a great way to meet people and to form great friendships.

Yale is an unparalleled institution. For the first time in my life, I feel as if school administrators are actually on my side and trying to make all of our lives better. The school is willing to help you accomplish almost anything you can dream of. They will back you on almost any issue. It is really amazing to see the things that students create at Yale. The mindset on campus is one of sheer possibility. Although there is a tendency for Yalies to overload themselves, it is part of the fun. As soon as I get on campus, I can feel the energy of the place. It is not just a place for learning in classrooms; it is a place where you are constantly learning.

The people. Generally really chill. All amazing. Actually, the best thing are the opportunities and resources that are available. If you want to do something cool, ANYTHING, Yale will probably let you do it and FUND it for you. You just need to pay attention to the things that are offered, the projects other students are doing, and make a little effort to get whatever you want started. Seriously any random cool projects are very possible. There are ALWAYS things to do. In fact, there are so many things to do, it's overwhelming. It is such an accepting school--on many levels. New Haven is really not bad. I love it actually. Lots of different kinds of restaurants. Just don't go out too late alone or else you might get mugged. You know, common sense. I'd say there is a good amount of school pride. Yale itself is unusual. Unsually fantastic. And the people who go there are mind-blowingly unusual in the best way possible.

Yale has no real campus but there is a Yale bubble within New Haven so if you only like the idea of a gated community, the campus is not for you. There is a lot of school pride against Harvard and among the sports people, but other than that there is more residential college pride that is merely light hearted fun. This is not a school full of spirit like the other very large athletic schools. There are no real advisors during the first year which makes the experience difficult, especially as a freshman faces his or her first "shopping period." Although all of the food is sustainable and Yale tries to offer vegetarian options at every meal, the students certainly do get tired of the food and the only option is to go to one of New Haven's many fine restaurants that cost an arm and a leg. The school is a university focused school so if you do not plan to go into a profession in which research is important, Yale may not be the place for you.

never in your life will you be in a place where you will have the opportunity to meet so many cool people on one campus. so much diversity, so many opportunities, and way too many resources in every aspect to possibly take advantage of them all in 4 years here.

Yale was a lot of fun. It's just the right size, and the surrounding town is big enough that there are stores and bars when you need them, but they don't distract you from the overall experience of being at college (ie if my school was in Boston, NYC or another big city, I'd just spend my time in the city and barely at school). When I tell people I went to Yale, they sometimes get taken aback and feel the need to prove that they are smart too, which can be awkward because everyone is awesome in my book, no matter where you went. There were lots of fun people to talk to. Everyone has a secret talent. We are all nerds, so you generally don't need to hold back because even if you were at the top of your school in high school, people at Yale are generally better students than you, so get ready to compete again instead of just coasting effortlessly.