<p>Hey, does anyone know how selective the Yale Directed Studies program is? Also, how difficult is the application? Thanks.</p>
<p>I can't help you with directed studies, but the application is pretty easy. Common app, and then a supplemental essay (optional) asking is there anything else you would like Yale to know about you. That's it. Pretty much, you can write anything.</p>
<p>I know Directed Studies has a cap on 125 freshmen each year, but the website doesn't say how many usually apply. It also says that some students get admitted based simply on their college application... does anyone know anything about that?</p>
<p>my officer said that sometimes, when theyre reading an application, they think to themselves, this kid would really like ds--for whatever combination of factors they might present--and then mark them down for it.</p>
<p>yea that's what my officer said about Perspectives on Science too, the science counterpart to Directed Studies</p>
<p>I'm really interested in Directed Studies -- it sounds perfect. But I'm not really allowing myself to think about that yet. One thing at a time, yeah? First they've got to let me in...</p>
<p>I don't have the exact figures for people who applied, because usually people who don't get in don't tell people about it (imagine, landing yourself at Yale and not being able to get everything you want! how traumatic!). But if you're really interested, apply. There is a waiting list, and a lot of people do apply for DS not knowing what it's really about. That being said, a lot of people drop out of the program for various reasons. My pre-frosh last year was admitted early into the program, and after careful consideration she decided not to do it. They say that if you really want to be in it and are willing to harass Jane Levin if you don't get in in August, you'll get in somehow by the end of September. Just remember that our code name for it on campus is "Directed Suicide."</p>