Yale University Top Questions

Research your colleges! Look outside of your state.

Come to YALE!

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.

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

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.

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.

take advantage of opportunities to learn more about your options.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Apply early; Do your research

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

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.

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.

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