<p>I was preadmitted into DS (without ever having heard of it) and am still trying to decide if I want to do it. I talked to the booth and Jane Levin during Bulldog Days, talked to people who were doing it, and even sat in on a lecture up there. It seems really interesting and an amazing opportunity to learn in a way that I was never able to before, but I'm still kinda hesitant to clicking submit on the Directed Studies Reply form on my laptop.
First of all, I saw the reading list and it was crazy. Two weeks for War and Peace along with the other books you have to read?! I am not really a speed reader, and literature as dense as the stuff we'll be reading just exacerbates that I guess.
Also, unlike some of you others I have little interest in the sciences and am leaning towards international studies and political science. In many ways DS is ideal for this, but it seems like taking DS will take up space and not allow me to take other interesting courses related to these fields. All I would have space for is lang. requirements and QR (I think DS covers WR).
If I go ahead and accept the invitation now (since it is due on the 8th) can I go back on it during the shopping period? I know these are a lot of questions, and any type of answer to any of them would be appreciated.</p>
<p>DS actually covers three requirements: WR, humanities, and social science. If you add in some science, math, or a foreign language (especially a science or math, since that will keep you from going into a reading-overdose), that’s over half of your reqs done freshman year. Some people even manage to fill pre-med requirements doing DS. In a word: you will still be able to take science courses.
[But yes, I am 90% sure you can retract your acceptance during shopping period. I honestly doubt they’re going to force you to do it if you decide you don’t want to.]</p>
<p>The fact that you were preadmitted means that someone at Yale is firmly convinced that you can handle (and would be a great asset to) DS. I really urge you to consider it. I’m uber-excited for it. :)</p>
<p>Also, re: being a slow reader: check out this website (and others like it): [How</a> to Read in College](<a href=“http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/tburke1/reading.html]How”>How to Read in College)</p>
<p>i was in your boat a year ago, and ultimately decided to accept; i just finished DS about a month ago. you are 100% allowed to drop it during shopping period, just make sure you shop other classes in addition to your DS sections, because if you decide to drop you don’t want to have to catch up with two weeks’ worth of assignments in 4 classes.</p>
<p>that said, keeping DS was one of the best decisions i’ve ever made, and i’m really happy i did it. you may have a different reaction, but you’ll probably realize it right away if it’s not for you. also, don’t be discouraged by the reading–very few kids do all of every book in every class. war & peace was where i really slacked off; i still feel bad, but i just didn’t have time. that said, if you’re willing to not be distracted and devote time to just sitting down and reading for hours, it’s really not too much.</p>
<p>good luck!</p>