Visit Report by drummerdude_07 (Member since April 24 2005 with 1315 posts) Visit Date - July 2006
Visit to Yale University in July 2006 by drummerdude_07 (Student, HS Class of 2005)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - Hardest one yet. She asked most of the usual questions, but kept asking for me to be more specific and give examples. Information Session:
Yes - Not terrible. They don't really tell you much you don't already know. Talked about college system and special programs (science one and directed studies). Campus Tour:
Yes - Big campus, but beautiful. It's just like Hogwarts. The dining hall was not as impressive as Annenburg, but still nice. We went in Beinecke Library (amazing) and all the Gothic buildings are to die for.
Yale University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
Very happy kids. Proud of Yale and their college. Seemed very excited to be there.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Willing to answer questions and make accomodations. Helpful in dispensing info for whatever was necessary.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Not a whole lot of green space do to construction, but buildings are awe-inspiring. Blends well into the New Haven downtown.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
Very nice indoor areas. Cleanly and orderly. You won't get lost.
Dormitories: 5 - Excellent -
Didn't get to go in one, but the college courtyards were incredible. Students live in suites. Once again, it would feel like living at Hogwarts.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Reputation for crime, but I don't buy it.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent -
New Haven is the perfect size. You get the buzz (and prices) of a big city without the negatives usually entailed.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
1.5 hours from Boston or New York. But New Haven is big enough that you don't really need to go.
Campus Visit Notes for Yale University:
Visit Description:
This may be the place for me. They do seem to focus on undergraduates more than Harvard, and their professional schools are open to undergrads. They seem intellectually serious, and take 36 classes as opposed to 32 at most schools. Directed studies program (intensive freshman year based on Western Civ, referred to as directed suicide) calls my name. Yale Political Union is also a plus, and don't forget the amazing architecture. New Haven is a great community, cool Thai restaurants and atmosphere. I'm scared of the possible preppiness and sports-centeredness though. I'll have to visit again.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Stayed at a Best Western in West Haven. Traffic can get bad for a small city, so leave plenty of time to get places.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Thai Taste was both cheap and excellent. Coldstone Creamery is always a good idea too.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Go to the Yale Art Gallery. All those John Trumbull paintings that are in every history book printed are there, plus Picasso, Pollack, Van Gogh, and more.
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Very happy kids. Proud of Yale and their college. Seemed very excited to be there.