<p>Is here maybe someone who took part in the Grand Strategy Program or who applied to it? It looks like an extremely interesting program to me and it has so many great things to offer, I'd love to take part in it! Unfortunately, it seems to be ultra-competitive, only 20 people are admitted. So can maybe someone tell me how hard it is to get in and if there is a realistic chance that one has a chance to join? Is it an advantage to have a specific major? I'm happy for any advice/information you can give me. </p>
<p>For those of you how don't know about it, that's the link:
International</a> Security Studies</p>
<p>lol don't bank on getting into GS. 20 undergrad + grad students are admitted -- this means that there are only around 10 undergrads each year. Several hundred yalies apply for the program -- in short, you would be competing with the best of the best, of the best of the best. Basically, no one can count on getting in. I don't want to sound super-discouraging, but it's true. Lots of people with 4.0s get rejected. And the people I know who did it have lots of different majors. </p>
<p>If you're a prospective student, don't let GS weigh on your decision. The odds of getting in are so tiny, it in and of itself is not a reason to come to Yale! There are zillions of OTHER reasons, though :-)</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply, mochamaven. Unfortunately, that doesn't sound too good. However, I have a follow-up question :) Is it possible to apply for each year? Then, technically, everyone has four shots, even though I don't assume that there are (m)any freshman admitted to the program.</p>
<p>Also: Does maybe someone know of a similar, perhaps less competitive program at the other Ivies?</p>
<p>I believe that Grand Strategy is a senior seminar therefore it is restricted to seniors. I'm sure there have been juniors who have applied but considering how competitive the course is I'm sure that few are accepted. I'm unsure whether this class exists at other schools but it doesn't hurt to ask. You could always start a similar course at another school under the guise of an independent study. I'm not sure it will be as good considering you wouldn't be under the guidance of Professor Kennedy, Hill, and hmm I can't remember the third professor's name but he's also famous.</p>
<p>Basically all undergrads who are accepted apply at the end of 1st semester junior year. They participate in the program 2d semester junior year and 1st semester senior year. A freshman would not get in. I've heard of 1 sophomore getting accepted, but that's really, really, really rare. It's a great program, so apply if you want! But you have to understand that the chances are itty-bitty for anyone!</p>
<p>the other guy's name is john lewis gaddis, i think.
basically, all the GS professors are huge deals in their fields.
but that also makes the chances for NOT getting into GS correspondingly huge. :(</p>
<p>If you DO get in, do you get a special report card or anything? Also, is it a big advantage for job applications etc.?</p>
<p>GS is a big advantage for ruling the planet. I don't know about it being an advantage for job applications. It might actually be a disadvantage, because employers fear that you are overqualified for anything less than the former.</p>
<p>Thats what I figured too. Who's gonna hire a 24 year old with a formation dealing with multinational contracts and billion dollar assets? Positions that require that knowledge also require an equally well-rounded experience and are usually given to people within a company after decades of proving themselves.</p>
<p>Lol we don't really have "report cards" in college...the classes you take will be listed on your transcript, and you can put GS on your CV. But I would only do GS (and any other major/program, for that matter) primarily because I was interested, not because I wanted to boost my resume.</p>