<p>1) I think grade inflation is viewed pretty indifferently. Whether or not it actually applies will depend on the professor and the class (it’s not going to happen as much in science classes), but in general while it is fairly uncommon to get below a B, you’re probably going to have to work hard to get an A.</p>
<p>2) I have found people to be very laid-back in terms of classes. There are definitely those who are really anal and intense about their work, but I don’t feel any kind of sense of competition between students.</p>
<p>3) It really depends on the class. Some professors are amazing, some stink, some have an awful teaching style but are incredibly engaging when you speak to them one-on-one. This semester I personally had a lot in category 3; I wasn’t totally blown away by my classes, but my professors were always available and when I talked to them individually their brilliance really started to shine through. I think the general consensus is that professors are much more available to undergrads than at a lot of other peer institutions.
One aspect of Yale that is really convenient is the shopping period. Because you get to try out classes & professors before you actually commit, you can avoid those that you just KNOW you won’t like.
The cog sci department here has a really good reputation; the intro class in particular is very popular, and I’ve heard that a lot of people have changed their major to cog sci after taking it.</p>
<p>4) You’ll have to work, but it’s definitely doable.</p>