Yale University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Jessica

Perhaps the most stunning realization I made during my first semester at Yale was that there are so many factors that go into a college, it is impossible for there to be only one "right" school for each person. My advice to those looking for a college would be to rank these factors which mean the most and then make sure to visit the schools that are under consideration in order to determine which one is not only the best on paper, but feels right. With respect to making the most of a college experience, it is important to figure out early on how to balance academics, social life, and extra-curriculars. The way to do this is to take reasonable classes during the first semester in order to see what the new academic expectations are, in this completely new environment. Then, join limited extra-curriculars that are really important and engaging, and expand if time and energy/passion allow. Make sure to make the most of classmates -- I have learned so much from mine inside and outside of classtime. Spend time at meals and outside of the classroom and learn from others in non-academic ways.

Heather

What I found most helpful and satisfying in the college search process was visiting each potential school. I have the advantage of being from the east coast, near dozens of great schools, but I think it?s definitely worth it to take a week of travel via plane, train, or cross-country automobile trip to get the chance to experience the college campuses in person. No college brochure, course listing booklet, or virtual online tour can fully translate how a campus will feel to you, and how you?ll feel on a campus. Remember, you aren?t applying to a school but to a home and a future for the next four years and beyond. I took three tours of Yale before entering freshman year. Today, I sometimes listen to the tour groups below my window, and it hits me how amazing that time is for pre-frosh. They have four amazing years ahead of them. To make the most of college, first pick the right place for you, and just do what feels right. You aren?t completely reinventing yourself, but you will be changed forever. Learning and growth happen in some unexpected situations, so keep your mind open.

Scott

When your son or daughter is applying to schools, I guarantee that the process of learning about each school, applying to them, and then finally choosing to attend one will be one of the most exhausting and nerve-wracking you and your child will ever experience. I can also guarantee that it's entirely worth it. Regardless of where your child finally attends college, the feelings and experiences of being in a new place with new people, wrapped up into an academic environment, allow for personal growth completely different from development in high school. The best advice one can take before starting the university journey, is that some times will be tough and others will be easy, but the overall experience will be memorable and life-changing in a way that cannot be expressed in 200 words or less.

Sepeedeh

College is about finding the right fit. Look for the right size, the right people, and right ambiance. Think of what you want to do in the future. Pick the school that has the best resources to take you there. But remember, you have to be comfortable where you are.

Sam

The key to the college admissions process is to think about it as finding the best match between student and school. When one applies to a school, they proffer, "I believe I belong at your school, do you agree?" To which the school either agrees or diagrees by accepting or rejecting the student. The entire process is matchmatking; about finding a school that truly is a match for you. When you apply to a reach school and aren't accepted, perhaps the reason is that you really wouldn't belong and that, despite your desires, it's better that you not attend. Sometimes, students apply to a school because, "OMG, Harvard is totally amazing," but that doesn't mean Harvard is the best school for most students. Many would find themselves overworked and absolutely unhappy at Harvard. For me, college was the first time in my life I was truly around people like myself, and this can be the case for you too, if you look for a match, rather than simply the "best" school. Find the school you belong at, and the school will be happy to take you in, and you will have a wonderful college experience.

Thanh

Study a lot and have fun.

Tina

To parents, it's not your decision. Speak openly with your kids about your financial situation because in this world we live in, education costs money. Tell them what you can reasonably contribute towards their education each year (keeping in mind younger siblings that may also start college soon). Remind your children that student loans stay with them even if they declare backruptcy. But let them weigh the choices by themselves. To students, there is not just one "right fit." There are many places where you will not only be successful but happy as well. So after you have chosen, do not look back unless you are trying to transfer to a better school. Ask for help when you need it. Take as few classes as you can, but study hard and ace every one (very few people in your future will care about your course load or number of majors/minors, but they will almost certainly glance at your GPA). The rest of your time, spend with friends. College only happens once.

Ming

The specific school you end up choosing is not as important as what you make of the experience, so it's less important to focus on getting into certain schools and more important to focus on getting a good fit.

Benjamin

The least stressful way to do it seems to me to start by eliminating schools without worrying too much about them. Make a list of what you want/don't want and look for a bunch of schools that match. For example, I knew I wanted to go to schooll relatively close to home, so that eliminated a lot of options. After that, I visited about 10 schools, and narrowed down where I appliedd to 5. I revisited my top two that I got into, spent a day or two at each, talked to a lot of people, thought about what I wanted to do there, and chose the larger, more lively school, with more resources, even though I thought the academic environment at the other might have been slightly better. Once there, I wish I had taken more variety in my freshman courses. It's important to remember that even if it's possible to change majors and focus through the second year, it's harder than if you know what you want in your first. Talk to everyone, and don't be afraid to try a new nickname. Try new clubs as well, I even sword-fight now!

David

Few leave college unhappy, but everyone leaves college changed. Picking the right school is not about shopping for the institution that most resembles you as you are; it's about finding the place full of the people that most closely resembles who you want to be. First impressions can be as important as careful research in the search -- if you don't connect with the feel and mood of a campus, it's unlikely you'll feel comfortable. Once you find that place that connects with you present and future, keep in mind that college admissions is not about scoring you along one dimension. Different colleges are right for different people, and if you don't get it it's not because you're not good enough -- it's probably because you'll fit in even better someone else. The worst mistake you can make is to not make enough mistakes. Take risks and live fully. You cannot learn how much studying is enough without taking your first exam, and you cannot learn how late you can stay up until you sleep through an alarm. College is as much about learning your subjects as it is yourself.

Eric

Research your colleges! Look outside of your state.

Garrett

Come to YALE!

Kyle

When applying for colleges remember two things. First, it's a crap shoot. Second, go with the place that you feel the most comfortable with. This is a process that is thrilling, nerve-wracking, stressful, wonderful, and crazy all at once but always trust yourself. The first piece of advice I have for you is important to remember. There are thousands, tens of thousands of people in the exact same boat as you. Who gets in? It's all a matter of luck. Acceptance is hugely validating but not getting an offer of admittance is not a rejection. Chances are they just ran out of spots. Second, times are tough, funds are short, and issues of affordability, convenience, majors, and the like become big factors in selecting a college. Well there's no substitute for the right fit. You can make college work. It may be tough but you'll do better with a challenge you love than coasting through something you don't. Also, majors change, breakups happen, friendships dissolve. The best way to choose a college is to go with your gut. Go with the place you feel most comfortable at. There's no substitute.

Ford

Take your time and start early...its a big decision.

Tyler

Visit every school you get into. The vibe of the campus may seem last on your list of important things to know about the schools you're looking into, but it's often the single most influential element of your experience at college. And go to Yale.

Michael

Truth be told, Yale chose me much more than I chose Yale. It was quite uncommon in my town for someone to go far for college, let alone to an Ivy League university. Among my family, too, this was unprecedented, and when we heard about my acceptance, my father said, "I never thought anyone in my family would go to Yale," as tears streamed down his face. Needless to say, I was nervous about being in the right place and being happy at Yale, but I knew I could not pass up the opportunity. In fact, I remember my first night in the dorms, lying away, wondering whether or not I would be happy there, drifting off to sleep only after reassuring myself that I had not met any unhappy seniors. Luckily, I learned their secret: the drive and desire to make incredible friendships and engage wholly with the campus community. I made the most of my experience by living with seven amazing guys who become my closest confidants and by taking advantage of every opportunity around me--joining a fraternity, doing service work, leading a religious organization. The secret is to never stop asking what more you can do.

Jose

take advantage of opportunities to learn more about your options.

Lindsay

You should not get caught up in the name of the school. College is supposed to be a time to grow, so I would suggest not going avoiding a school just because it is in a particular area. One must obviously choose a place where they will not be miserable. I think college is what you make of it, and if you do not happen not to get into your top choice, you always have the option of transferring. I do not think parents should restrict their children from where they want to go. A few of my friend's parents did that, which I think is really unfortunate. Students should take the time to meet with alums, current students, and their college cousenlors. The more information you have, the more comfortable you will be with your decision. Students should also be willing to step outside their comfort zone. Don't pick a college because all your friends are going there or because your boyfriend/girlfriend is going there. College is about meeting new people and experiencing different things.

Bryan

There's no magical college that fits everyone, so what's actually important is finding the college that is right for YOU. The best way to do this is to visit the college. Go immerse yourself in campus life--talk to students, sit in classes, walk through the quad, and eat in the dining halls; it's your best chance to learn what the college is all about. Check out other students' interactions with each other. Do they yell hello from across the quad and give friendly nods to passers-by? Approach students you don't know and ask them questions. How friendly are they? How happy are they? Don't base your judgment on just a couple students, but as you converse with more and more people, you'll shape a fairly accurate picture of what it's like. With this new view of the college, could you see yourself there? Would you be happy in that classroom, dining hall, and dorm? If you feel comfortable, excited, and content with this setting, then that college is for you! And remember that any choice you make will be great, as long as you have the right attitude.

Jarrett

There is not a "right" college. Colleges that attract talented students, good events, copious extricular opportunities, and good professors will provide a place for anyone to develop. Going to a college that seems to have the same "personality" as you is not going to be as rewarding as going to a good college that you can grow into in ways that stretch your thinking about life, about the college experience, and about what your life after college should look like.

Blair

College is all about you -- and not just you as a student. You will live, sleep, eat and breathe the college experience during your time on campus, so make sure it's the right fit. Classes, majors, and professors are only a small part of it. Take a deep breath, and really think about what you want. Do you want to play varsity, club or intramural sports? (Or is poetry more your thing?) Be a part of a social scene with significant Greek life? (Or would you prefer less heavy drinking?) Have cultural and artistic opportunties? (Or are tailgates more important?) Be a part of a close knit campus? (or would you rather commute or be more deeply enmeshed in the "real world"?) There is no right answer to ANY of these questions! As you apply to school, think about what matters most to you, and then look at which colleges will give you what you want. Most importantly, rest assured that you can have an amazing experience anywhere -- find your niche, make new friends, and prepare for an amzing experience! Once you're here, an open mind will take you a long way.

Elizabeth

I would tell students and parents to sit down and make a list of what they want to get out of a school while they are there and what they would like to do with their education afterwards. Once they are there I would ask that students try new things while making responsible choices and take advantage of the resources that their schools have to offer.

Kaitlin

I would tell parents and prospective students to make sure to visit the campus before making a decision; it's the only way you can really get a good feel for the university and you can talk with other students, take tours and perhaps sit in on a lecture. I visited several college campuses in the fall of my senior year and I got a different feel from each one and, I know this sounds trite, but I knew the moment I stepped on Yale's campus that that was where I wanted to go. As far as making the most of your college experience, I would say take as many different kinds of classes as your schedule/major will allow. You only have four years of college and it's perhaps the only time in your life that you could, say, take an art history class with a world-reknown professor or take a class on hindu mysticism. So take advantage of the different courses available. I would also say to make sure to ask for help, especially freshman year. Ask upperclassmen about their experiences and what advice they would give you as a freshman.

Ashley

Finding the right college is not about attending the best college based on some published ranking. It's about finding a place where you can feel at home, meet people who will inspire you, participate in things that you're passionate about, and have some of the best times in you life.

Adam

You'll know when you get on campus if the school is right for you. Take a visit.

Sabrina

Apply early; Do your research

Dennis

Visit every college and wherever you feel the most comfortable is probably the best place for you!

James

Choosing a college is all about trade-offs, and a search for that one "perfect fit" school is somewhat misguided. If you're driven and successful in high school, chances are that you could flourish and have an truly rewarding experience in a number of different environments. With this mentality, the search process suddenly becomes a lot less stressful and a lot more exciting.

Yanyao

The first year of college is very important to establishing a sense of who you are. There is a lot of pressure in the first year to constantly be making good first impressions and this stress needs to be acknowledged. I found that participating in a freshman orientation program helped me meet people in smaller groups. Don't go in with expectations of what you will study--you should explore many areas but then decide on one or two quickly to get a head start on your major. You don't have to have a packed schedule of extracurriculars, but do pick one or two that you enjoy and will help you adjust to your new life. Remember that everyone else is going through the same thing and they are all just as scared and as insecure and as stressed as you are. Making them feel welcome and accepted will also make you feel more welcome and accepted. That's the bottome line: everyone just wants to be accepted.

Ashley

Visit the school and make sure you like and feel good on the campus.

Candice

I would suggest that parents let their student go with the school that just "feels right." Finances are a very important concern, especially given the current economy, but when you consider the overall happiness of your student and their college experience, you can't put a price on that. A student who is happier will have better grades and will be a more competitive pick for graduate school or job placement. The ultimate success of your student should be the overriding factor in his/her college choice.

Bronika

Think about how much you value being constantly overworked and miserable, and decide on a college accordingly.

Shannon

Whatever you choose, it's always the right choice. Remember that who you marry is more important that where you go to college. Don't stress about where as you're applying, just focus on trying your best to get into as many respected places as possible, then choose. When you're at college, don't slack off. Make the most of every opportunity. These are the best days of your life!

Elena

Dear Parents and Prospective Students, My main piece of advice to you is to follow both your heads and your hearts. The reasons Yale was my dream school on paper are obvious -- it's the best in the world academically and in almost every other way, it offers wonderful financial aid and student support. The reasons I finally chose it -- and adore it to this day, a year after graduation -- are less obvious but equally important. Yale is the kindest, most open and most vibrant place I have ever experienced. I would not have been happy at college -- and so enabled to succeed afterward -- had either one of those factors been missing. Weigh what the college offers you academically equally with what it offers your soul. You need both. If you hate your environment and everyone in it, you are likely to fail. If your environment offers nothing besides good times or comfort, you are also likely to be dissatisfied -- only perhaps a bit later in life. Finally, most importantly, don't be afraid to take risks! Ignoring that tiny voice telling you to dream bigger (whatever the situation) is the worst thing you can do. Good luck!!! Helen

Heather

Too many students make college decisions based solely on ranking. The truth is, there are as many different colleges as there are kinds of intelligence. People should consider size of the college, location, and extracurricular activities. Also, I've found that most people I know are happy where they end up. So it is foolish to base all of one's hope on a single college; it just sets us up for disappointment.

Hayley

Look carefully, but don't go crazy searching. Maintain a mutually respectful parent-child relationship if you are looking together! In my mind multiple colleges could be the "right place" for you, for different reasons. The most important thing is to find a place where you can be yourself without feeling that you have to change your beliefs and passions. HOWEVER, be aware your interests will inevitably evolve somewhat (or a lot) during this time. While you technically become an adult when you graduate from high school, the few years following that milestone are incredibly important for figuring out who you are and what you love. My advice is to chose a college that provides just enough discomfort to encourage personal growth and enough variety in academic and extracurricular persuits to help you discover new passions and/ or refine old ones. And when you get there, enjoy! Get caught up in the world of your university. Don't expect perfection (all colleges have their weaknessness) and know it will be difficul at times. But realize, somewhere in the back of your mind, that this is a rare and wonderful time in your life, a memory before you know it.

Renee

Figure out what exactly you want from your collegiate experience: do you want to live in a city, do you want a very small college, is being close to your family really important, etc. After you figure this out narrowing down your choices should be easy. Once you get to college, try new activities, be more social than your usual are, let people get a chance to get to know you and you'll be surprised what you find out about other people. Listen more than you talk and ask lots of questions. In your classes strive to be the best and really take the time to get to know your professors. Even though this is the hardest thing to do, it is really important to find a balance. Do not let school consume you. Take a day once a week to enjoy being with your friends. Don't worry, everything will get done but at the end of the day, your sanity is what is most important.

Xiaochen

The focus of the individual in determining his or her future should always be the inidividuality of the the individual. In other words, always start from fully realizing who one is and what does one truly want to achieve in the society before considering what is fashionable, profitable, or idealistic. Not matter how competitive or difficult a task is perceived to be, one's unwavering interest in the matter can make it perfectly doable. Similarly, not matter how tedious and repetitive an activity is rumored to be, one's genuine interest can make it enjoyable in the most delightful ways. Such a rule suits both for the college search process and any activities that one may go through. To simply shoot for the "best," as most people would consider it to be, is definitely overrated. If every person in the world does that, there would be no uniqueness in the world. Society would quickly degenerate into a monochromatic, unchanging collective mass. Many people say that college is the first step to the rest of the life, and that is exactly why one must find that one place and those few things that defines one to be not like any other.

Conor

Finding the right college is as much about the student body as it is about academics, financial aid, and campus life. After all, the student body represents the citizenship of what will essentially be your hometown for four or more years of your life. The student body will provide you with your neighbors, your peers - even your greatest friends and your worst enemies - and it is important that you get a feel for the students before making a decision on any college. Campus visits (not during summertime) are key. They allow you not only to live with students at the college, but also to see where they live, how they live, and what they do. Not what the university tells you they do. Not what the university-paid tour guide tells you they do, but what they actually do. And who they actually are.

Jeffrey

Don't let the process of getting into college consume your/your child's life. I got into a great school, but the stress of high school took such a toll on my mind and body that I had to take 2 years off to get a handle on what have become chronic health problems. There are lots of great places to go to college. There's a lot of luck involved. Don't take the acceptance/rejection letters too personally. Don't get set on one school. You never know how it will turn out. And even if college turns out to be a difficult experience (like it was for me), the adversity will show you who you are and prepare you for the real world. In fact, the emphasis these days on getting into college (as opposed to learning) frustrates me so much that I've decided to become a teacher to try to be a good influence on my students in our increasingly misguided society. Work hard in high school, but be yourself and have fun. Focus on being the PERSON (as opposed to the college applicant) you want to be!

Katie

To find the right college you really should and need to visit different campuses, and go with your feelings about a college. When you're on campus you just know what is right for you, and what isn't. Do some research on where you want to go, and work hard to make that dream become a reality because anything is possible. Don't listen to what other people think because in the end the only one suffering from the mistake is you.

Ricardo

Stop freaking out about it. Once you chill out about the college situation, everything will come together. Colleges appreciate honest self-reflection, and they can smell bullshit from a mile away, so don't try and puff yourself up for anyone. Be yourself for no one else but yourself, be honest, and you will end up where you are the happiest!

Clare

Don't focus on the prestige of the school. Focus on finding a match between your personality and the school.

Amira

Shop around at a lot of colleges to figure out what you want in a school (big small, liberal arts or career focuses, whether they focus on international opportunities), and then figure out which schools best match what you're looking for.

Hae-in

never mind.

Rui

Ask yourself what you want out of your college experience. A prestigious name on your diploma? The chance to network? The opportunity to learn from great professors? Look for the qualities that are most important to you. Tour the school. Stay overnight and ask yourself whether you can see yourself there, soaking in every aspect of it. Sit in on classes, club meetings, and go to parties. In the end, a school can offer you as many opportunities as it wants--but if you're not happy to be there, you won't be taking advantage of it. Make sure you love your school.

William

The most important think to look for in a college is a feeling that everything fits just right. If a prospective student gets a strong sensation that he or she not only can but wants to attend a college, that place should be on a short list of top choices. The best way to figure this out is to visit the school, both for the regular visiting process and for an overnight/weekend stay with an actual student (if possible). Sitting in on classes, eating at the dining halls, and going out to parties are the only way to really get a sense of what the school is like.

Kathryn

I think finding the right people is the key to finding the right school. What's the student body like? It may not be obvious on a school tour, but the racial, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, religious, and political makeup of the school as well as the general social atmosphere can really affect a student's experience with college. Are students likely to conform, or are they very creative and individually unique? Are students complacent, or are they willing to challenge the status quo? Which is more important: grades or learning? Are cultural or political student groups inclusive or exclusive? While answers to these questions may vary according to segments of the student body, such factors can heavily influence how a student feels about the college experience. "Will I fit in?" is a valid concern, and students who find themselves unable to 'fit in' often struggle with enjoying college. Freshmen who struggle with finding others with whom they can relate will find their new-found independence lonely. Before enrolling in a school, prospective students should ask of themselves, "Can I see myself as one of these students?" and "Will I be happy as one of these students?"

Courtney

There is more to deciding a college than it's prestige or affiliations. Students should decide which school is best for them with respect to not only academics, but comfort level as well. If a school has great academic standing, but the student is uncomfortable there, he or she will become unhappy and thus may not fair well not only academically, but emotionally as well. The types of students there are extremely important, as well as school size, and activities offered. Therefore, the student's personality should strongly be taken into consideration so that his or her interests may best be answered by attending a certain school. Once the student does find the school that is the right fit for him or her, he or she should be sure to not only participate in activities that best fit their interests, but also be sure to try new things. This is a very important time in their life when they may break out of his or her shell. They should be open-minded to try new things and put their all into their schoolwork and friendships. They will be building relationships and work that will affect them always.

Courtney

I would say that the most important thing about picking your college is making sure it can offer you something you can use. I chose Yale knowing that I would have a brighter future, from not only the faculty, but also the students and the views they have to offer. However, that was not my only concern. I was also worried about making friends and if I would fit in. Make sure that the school you choose also has something to offer you socially, whether it be a favorite sport or club, or just any nonacademic activity. School and get very stressful and if you do not have some sort of outlet, it can be very difficult. The one other thing I would keep in mind when picking a college, is making sure the environment suites you. This includes the social environment, but also the physical weather. You will be living at school all year and if you do not like the weather, than you may have a hard time adjusting and/or feel homesick.