<p>I'm a rising senior who is trying to gather things about Yale that distinguish it from other top schools.</p>
<p>So far some of the things I can think of are:</p>
<p>Residential system
36 credits rather than 32
shopping period
second-largest library</p>
<p>Add to the list.</p>
<p>hey, Yale just spent a whole bunch of money on new science equipment and such. I'm interested in their science program and they had nice stuff anyway and a great program, but now some of it is new.</p>
<p>The res system overshadows the rest by a wide margin, IMHO. However, I'd add that Y has a very friendly schedule. Fall semester goes like this: shopping period, a long stretch until the Friday before Thnxgiving (followed by the Yale-Harvard weekend). Then ten days off for Thnxgiving, come back to campus for about 1.5 weeks more of class, then about 6-7 days of reading period (no classes, turn in assignments, ready self for exams). Then exams lasting at most until Dec 22nd. Winter holiday then school starts again ~Jan 14. Long stretch until March then ten days Spring Break. come back for 1-2 more weeks, then reading period then exams. You're done by early May. Get some time to relax before summer activities.</p>
<p>^^ actually, spring break lasts 17 days now, and you're done by mid May.</p>
<p>Location. New Haven is enough of a city that you won't feel stifled and can find clubs/good restaurants/other stuff to do, but it's not so large that the social life is based around the city (cf. NYU, e.g.). Consequently, there are always lots of fun events and parties going on right on campus. You'll never be bored (unless you're trying really, really hard).</p>
<p>To echo T64E, exams before the Christmas break is a positive in my book.</p>
<p>Yale has a unique feel, based on several factors. The college system is part of it. Also, the location in New Haven means that the campus is more inward-looking in terms of arts and activities, as opposed to schools in larger cities.</p>
<p>I've heard of something called the Yale System, but not sure what is is. :(</p>
<p>I've never heard of this applied to the undergraduate college, although it is a term used by the medical school: "Yale</a> System" of Education</p>
<p>Wow, the "Yale System" looks really cool. I'm not planning on applying for undergrad, but Yale wasn't even on my radar for possible med schools until now. Thank you for linking that!</p>
<p>Hahaha I don't even know what this "yale system" thing is and I'm a current student...</p>
<p>Anyway, Yale has incredibly happy students</p>
<p>Yeah, I think Yale's students are generally really happy, motivated and exciting to be around. </p>
<p>And the professors, even those who are at the very top of their field, are really focused on undergrads. More so than at any other Ivy.</p>
<p>I haven't even taken a single class at Yale and I can already vouch for the friendly professors. The director of undergraduate studies for the molecular biophysics and biochemistry department (that was the prospective major I listed on my app) called me a few weeks after I was admitted to talk to me about science at Yale and why I should come. He even told me that if I showed up to his lab during Bulldog Days, then he would give me a personal tour of not only his lab, but also his colleague's and the rest of the building he was in. He was a very real person, yet a very accomplished scientist, as I would later find out.</p>
<p>Also, Bulldog Days were incredible. It seems Yale puts much more emphasis on loving their students. I went to Harvard's admit weekend and hated it. The admissions people didn't put any emphasis at all on that weekend.</p>
<p>I think a general spirit of optimism characterizes yale. People here are much more likely to observe the positive things about their college than complain about it. It makes being at Yale much more enjoyable. Not every college is like that.</p>
<p>I don't know about other colleges but Yale seems like they care about the students. Like they sent an email and they were like if you have any questions send a message, I did and they responded like the next day.</p>
<p>I have never seen a fight on campus or most of whatever Rosh is talking about. New Haven IS much like any other city, but the campus itself is like an oasis.</p>
<p>I did a search on Rosh and apparently he posts a lot on the Harvard forum (and was admitted as well). I assume he's trolling.</p>
<p><em>rolls eyes</em></p>
<p>Be careful, they might fall out. :)</p>
<p>Naah, Yale is THE best in my eyes ;)</p>
<p>Funny, Rosh, you've posted all over the boards that you're going to H. Have you ever even been on the Yale campus? So much for H students not feeling the need to bash Yale.</p>
<p>Rosh, you are pathetic.</p>
<p>"Funny, Rosh, you've posted all over the boards that you're going to H. Have you ever even been on the Yale campus? So much for H students not feeling the need to bash Yale."</p>