<p>I'm an admitted student considering applying for Yale's Directed Studies program. Currently, I don't know much about it, so I was hoping to get some input from current students about the level of rigor/time requirement/nature of the program. What kind of students generally participate or get accepted? Does it take a significant amount of time? Is the work load overwhelming for a freshman adjusting to college life? Is it worth taking if I have no idea in what direction I want my studies to go?</p>
<p>Any and all advice is much appreciated! Thanks.</p>
<p>A helpful thread from several months ago:</p>
<p><a href=“Directed Studies - Yale University - College Confidential Forums”>Directed Studies - Yale University - College Confidential Forums;
<p>Responding to your questions:</p>
<p>What kind of students generally participate or get accepted?
About 120 students total. Lots of students interested in social sciences and humanities. Some science majors. Those accepted tend to have strong backgrounds in English, languages, or social sciences, and write good application essays. About 50 students are offered pre-admittance.</p>
<p>Does it take a significant amount of time?
Yes, but so do most rigorous classes at Yale. The advantage is that the workload is especially well-distributed among the three courses.</p>
<p>Is the work load overwhelming for a freshman adjusting to college life?
No. Most DSers have plenty of time to explore the other parts of college life. The Yale Daily News, Yale Political Union, and many other organizations are laden with current and former DSers. DSers dance, play sports, sing, etc. While varsity athletes rarely enroll in DS, I suspect that the reasons are more complicated than just workload. In general, the most significant difference is that DSers tend to shut themselves in libraries on Thursday nights (essays are due on Fridays), and that it’s impossible to arrange your schedule to give yourself a weekday without classes.</p>
<p>Is it worth taking if I have no idea in what direction I want my studies to go?
If the idea of DS interests you, absolutely.</p>
<p>Thank you! That was really helpful.</p>