Classics at Yale?

<p>Is it true that the Classics department at Yale is not up to par with all of Yale's other incredible programs? Are there any Yale Classics/prospective Classics majors here? What can you tell me about it? Thanks.</p>

<p>I heard it was awesome, but I don't know. I'm interested in majoring in classics, too, but my parents, on the other hand... :)</p>

<p>So does anyone have any input on Yale's classics dpt?</p>

<p>The undergraduate program is top notch.</p>

<p>It's quite wonderful, actually. The department was tops for a long time, but when B. Knox and some others left it went into disarray. A few years ago S. Braund left for Stanford and tragically a professor died. The department has very successfully picked up the pieces. There were 4 new hires this year. </p>

<p>The department is strongest in:</p>

<p>Roman History
Greek History
Classical Art & Archaeology
Latin Literature: Especially Livy and the historians, Horace and the Satirists
Homer
Greek Linguistics</p>

<p>Weakest in (in my judgment):</p>

<p>Athens. If it weren't for Bers we wouldn't have anyone really working on classical Athens!</p>

<p>I am interested in majoring in classics as well. I have won first place at National Junior Classical League Convention in Greek History, Classical Art, Greek Literature, and Latin Literature, and am wondering if their "consideration" for potential classics majors will be strong.</p>

<p>Wondering the same thing (also wondering whether a Classics major stands a better chance applying to Harvard than Yale), so bump.</p>

<p>anyone? any current yale classics majors?</p>

<p>I can tell you of a fellow who wanted to study classics at Yale (SCEA, all that jazz), but also applied to Harvard - he was rejected from Yale, but waitlisted at Harvard. That's one single anecdote, of course.</p>

<p>If you actually want to go to Yale, above Harvard or any other school, then I can't recommend enough that you go for it. Harvard has done a wonderful thing by eliminating it's SCEA and I hope Yale will follow, but by trying to play some sort of an admissions calculus, you could end up at a place you don't really want to be. I know of a girl who applied to Harvard SCEA because her mom was a legacy and she thought it was her best chance of getting in, even though both she and her mom wanted her to go to Yale in the end. She got into Harvard early, but then was rejected at Yale. And, while I don't think any of our hearts bleed for people who are forced to go to Harvard, I do think it's important to recognize what is your first choice, and then go for it.</p>

<p>All the best,
DMW</p>

<p>anyone else before i put this post to rest?</p>

<p>i just wanted to mention that i also am looking at majoring (or double majoring) in classics. just sharing. i love latin :) go Wisconsin JCL</p>

<p>haha, you guys had some serious spirit at nationals...but Florida JCL still rules...haha, one of my friends (Justin Byrd) got overall first in the national...and then he wins decatholon...lol</p>

<p>ahahaha i would have to say that the wjcl rocks the house, sorry. we should have won spirit but the judges couldn't see us in our back corner. i, unfortunately, did not win any firsts at this years nationals (actually it was my first one and i loved it) but it was a great experience and i hope to go back again next summer with my fellow wjcl officers!!!!!</p>

<p>lol...watch out for me in overall academics, im going to win decatholon (well hopefully :))</p>

<p>hahahha good luck with that</p>