Hi everyone!
I’m an SCEA admit and I was wondering if there were any current students or anyone with recent experience who could talk about what the social aspect of the colleges are like? I’m a Jonathan Edwards legacy and I am going to request JE, so if anyone could talk specifically about that college I would really appreciate it! I know a lot about the residential college system thanks to my mom, but I am curious about what it’s like now, as opposed to when she went there!
Thanks so much!
Well for starters, you could read this: http://je.yalecollege.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/2018%20Handbook_3.pdf
Haha thanks believe me I’ve read that thing cover to cover
Hi there. I graduated in 1982 from JE and my D is a freshman there now. Congrats and welcome to the family. You’ll love it. The Master and Dean are great. This year’s freshmen are really a tight knit group. Things haven’t changed much. Still the very best residential college and I’m sure your mom will agree.
Another proud JE alum here.
http://collegiateway.org/pdf/ryan-2001.pdf
This is “A Collegiate Way of Living: RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES AND A YALE EDUCATION” by Dean Mark B. Ryan.
Dean Mark was the dean of Jonathan Edwards College when I was there. His book has several essays that describe the Residential College system. In particular, read p. 17, p. 93, p. 129 and p.143 if you’re so inclined. Just download it to your reader and have at it. I graduated a few years before the Dalai Lama visited. Rats!
This is recommended reading for all admitted Yalies – I send this link to all students in my ASC who get admitted.
thanks so much @Tperry1982, @T26E4, and @gibby!
Another JE alum, with a daughter who is a junior there now. The colleges don’t really have a strong personality over time–it changes based on the random assignment of students. The college that is known as the “artsy” one for a few years can morph into the athletic college. JE has a great central location, and the facilities are quite nice.
Wow. @gibby didn’t say so on this thread, but appears to have been JE. @Hunt, @Tperry1982, and @T26E4 are JE. I hope I’m not missing anyone, but these are 4 of the most prolific and respected posters on CC, especially regarding Ivy schools. Can this possibly be a coincidence?
Hey! My son’s in Trumbull… the BEST residential college!!! 
(But the folks you mentioned are helpful, kind, and have great insight.)
@IxnayBob: I didn’t go to Yale. My son is a senior in Saybrook, the BEST residential college (but aren’t they all).
Saybrook is almost as good as Pierson (my son’s) or Berkeley (many of his friends) 
My son roomed at JE during Yale Young Global Scholars, and his suite was wonderful. His room at L-Dub is not as nice, but it’s not high on his list of concerns.
what @Prep15 can learn from this friendly banter is that whatever residential college you are in turns out to be the “best”. But, since her parent was in JE, I am all for her requesting it. My D didn’t know what the big deal was beforehand, but she is so happy to be in my college now. She loves JE on it own right, but it makes it more special to know that her mom was there too.
Definitely not a coincidence @IxnayBob!!!
Another vote here for Trumbull–the best!
But the only one this person can CHOOSE is JE since they are a legacy. If they do not choose JE, they will be randomly put into one of the other 11 like the rest of the admitted students.
@Tperry1982 I’m pretty dead-set on JE!
I’d like to speak in favor (in general) of choosing your parent’s residential college if you are a legacy. Truthfully, it won’t make much different for you–if you are randomly assigned, you will immediately come to realize that your college is the best. But if you go to your parent’s residential college, your time at college will be more fun for your parent, because of the opportunity to visit the old college while visiting you. It also encourages familial bonding.
Best decision ever (after applying to Yale, that is). You’ll have to meet my daughter. I’ll send you her name by PM. Are you going up for Bulldog Days? Maybe you can hang with them then.
@Tperry1982 , yes I am!
Ok. I’ll speak to her then PM you her information.