Hello everyone! I am a rising senior that has in recent months developed a strong desire to attend Yale. I plan to apply early as of now. However, I am worried that I am in love with the idea of going to Yale without having done enough research into how it compares to other universities that I am applying to. I know that being accepted is an extremely tough task and I would be extremely grateful to get into any of the top schools I apply to. Could you help me any or all of these questions?
Is the liberal-leaning nature of the student body a large influence over social interactions? In other words, are libertarians who are respectful yet not liberal on most issues accepted among others?
Can you draw any comparisons between the poli sci or econ program at Yale and other universities other than ranking? What is it like to study those subjects at Yale?
How well do most students balance fun and academics?
Lastly, could anyone give me arguments or reasons why Yale may be a better or worse choice than top institutions like Princeton and Harvard or great state schools like Umich or UF.
I would be really sure that you were truly respectful. I think that if that's the case, un-liberal views are tolerated, and you will be accepted, but you will be challenged.
No idea.
It seems to me that most kids balance fun and academics well. Exceptions might be some Directed Studies and STEM kids on the one side, and some "underwater basket weaving" majors on the other side. Most seem to enjoy their 4 years and still work hard.
That's a matter of fit. DS, for example, applied simultaneously to UMich and Yale. Harvard wasn't even on the table, because of kids he knew who attended H. UF wasn't on the table because he got into Yale (and UMich) early.
@IxnayBob Thank you for your help! As far as politics go, I agree that I will likely be challenged which is something I will enjoy. I am very socially conscious so on social issues or protests I will likely side with the majority of the student body if I am fortunate enough to end up at Yale. It is on economic and certain other issues that I am libertarian. I am also glad to hear that most kids balance fun and school well. Thanks!
“I am worried that I am in love with the idea of going to Yale without having done enough research into how it compares to other universities” 'nuff said.
@wchatar2 I mean everything I have looked into has made me want to go to Yale. That comment meant that I want to keep exploring all the options so that should I be lucky enough to get in, I make the right choice. Do you not like Yale?? Is there something about other top schools that you think stands out as better?
I dont go to Yale, my son does. What I have noticed is that Yale is almost like a lottery ticket to some people. They dream about it and think that it will somehow make them whole. Thats what I reacted to, the idea of being “in love with the idea”. Just from my experience, that can be a toxic formulation, it can also motivate. My son loves Yale and the opportunities that he has been afforded as a student are really mind blowing. Having said that, I think it all boils down to "feel’. I dont think at this level of schools that one is objectively better than another, even within disciplines. Good luck. Just get into one of these places and if you get into more than one you cant go wrong. The football is better at a state school, so thats something to consider:)
One of the things that distinguishes Yale from, say, Harvard, is that the dynamic @wchatar2 describes is even stronger there than at Yale. And at most other colleges, it’s significantly weaker, although to some extent it exists at all colleges that accept only a small percentage of applicants.
If you are looking at comprehensive private research universities with 4,000-7,000 undergraduates and high selectivity, the similarities among them will far, far, far outweigh the comparatively minor differences people obsess about endlessly, including everything you are asking about. The only time it makes sense to worry about those minor differences is when you actually have to choose between two (or more) of them. And even then, the minor differences pale next to things like “is there something specific I want to study they don’t offer?,” “how easy is the transportation to and from home?,” “in what region do I want to live?,” and “city, suburb, or country?”
I’m an incoming freshman, not a current student, but nevertheless I feel like I can offer a few answers (to be taken with several grains of salt):
Yale has a thriving, though niche, conservative scene, with a host of groups and publications on campus. You can definitely find your people if you want. As for the liberal masses — my intuition is that respect begets respect. It also seems like discussions on social issues (systemic racism, anti-LGBTQ sentiment, misogyny) generate more heat than abstract economic ideology, so libertarianism shouldn't be too inflammatory.
I'm not too sure, but Yale does have the Yale Political Union which is a cool way to supplement your poly sci coursework.
This is really Yale's forté, relative to its peer institutions. The res colleges foster a sense of community from day one and the university's attention to undergraduate experience results in all kinds of "fun stuff," to speak eloquently, like butteries and in-house movie theaters and whatnot. Yale often ranks as the happiest of the Ivies, so the balance is perhaps better than what you'd find at many otherwise comparable places.
I chose Yale over both of the two private schools you mentioned, and IMO Yale is sort of like the optimal combination of Harvard and Princeton. It has more of an undergraduate focus and educational emphasis than Harvard, but less of the academic rigidity that marks Princeton (as evidenced by more constrictive Gen Eds, the absence of the double major, the relative difficulty of getting into grad classes, etc). I think it strikes a good balance between intellectual attention and intellectual freedom —nurturing without limiting. Plus, for the hedonist among us, there's everything I mentioned in point 3 :)
My advice is that you need to visit the schools if possible and get a feel for them. They will all give you a stellar education, but are very different. Not knowing you, none of us can really tell you how you will fit in to any of these schools. If at all possible, take a trip to the east coast and try to visit them. Of, if you apply and get in, visit BEFORE you make a decision. My kid loves Yale, she has best buds that go to Harvard, Princeton and UPENN and she would not want their experience, not because of something specific, but just because Yale is right for her. I am sure there are kids at those schools that feel the same way about Yale.
Rising sophomore here I tend to agree with the earlier posters, but will add some of my own thoughts.
While it is true that most Yalies lean left, there's definitely still a conservative presence (and also many who lean left socially but right economically). As long as you are respectful and articulate your reasoning clearly, you will find that many students enjoy an engaging discussion/debate.
I am personally not a poli sci or econ major, so my insight may be limited here. From what I gather some of it's main advantages include the accessibility of many leading professors. My roommate was able to take a seminar (class with 12 people) with a prominent poli sci professor in freshman year and frequently met up with him at office hours.
Most students balance fun and academics very well. There's a great sense of community within the residential college communities and in broader extracurricular life as well. A plethora of clubs and organizations cover a wide range of areas, and if there isn't one that you like, you can start it. In particular, I think Yale's arts scene stands out among many of its peer institutions. There are also many special events, from class dances to college-organized ski trips.
It really comes down to fit in my opinion. I definitely think you should visit if possible. The culture/feel of a smaller university like Yale is quite different from that of a larger state school (e.g. sports likely play a much greater role in the latter; it's easier to find a close-knit community in the former). Even among HYP, the vibe of each school is slightly different. In my (biased) opinion, Yale promotes community-building throughout the student body (e.g. upperclassmen help freshmen move into dorms, many big sib/little sib programs, freshmen counseling groups, and a general vibe of being taken care of as a freshman to help you find your place) while Harvard encourages a more independent attitude of having you figure out more things on your own and Princeton tends to have a more "old money" feel. I have found that generally, Yale has a more open/accessible social scene compared to Harvard and Princeton.
Academically, there are also some differences. For example, Yale offers double majors but not minors (this can be a downside since double-majors must complete two senior projects) while Princeton and Harvard allow minors (aka certificates/secondary concentrations) but not double majors. It is easier to take grad courses at Harvard and Yale. If professional school is in your future, the tougher grading at Princeton may also be a factor.
Finally, Princeton is located in a small town, while Yale is in a small city and Harvard is in a bigger city. This obviously has impacts on campus social life, and it comes down to personal preference. There may also be greater off-campus opportunities in a bigger city. Although it may seem inconsequential, it is also much easier/cheaper to travel to Harvard than Yale or Princeton where you have to take a shuttle from the airport to the school itself.
@OrchidBloom - as an alumni and the parent of a rising junior, I am so proud of your insightful response. Hearing it from a student who just finished freshman year is so much better than hearing it from an old biddie like me. I think you hit so much of the experience on the head and your answer could have been written by my child. Good luck with sophomore year!!
@Tperry1982 I’m glad to hear that you found my response helpful and that my experience seems to have echoed both yours and your child’s! And thank you, I am very excited for the year to begin
I tend to agree with the earlier posters, but will add some of my own thoughts.