I've never been to Yale...

worknprogress
Sat, 17 May 2008 10:52:45 +0000

congratulations, Khoff!

As most people have said, you really can’t go wrong. You will have a great time and receive a wonderful education no matter which school you pick.

Last year, DD was accepted at both schools. She loved Dartmouth and the students were really very outgoing. We have known a number of kids who went to Dartmouth over the years and for the most part, had a good experience. The social scene does seem to be very fraternity centered and the kids we knew felt that by the time they were seniors they had outgrown the school to some extent. The DPlan helped, as they weren’t on campus all semesters.

I do believe the social scene is broader at Yale. The residential colleges provide a smaller core group that you know very well, almost like a large crazy family. You become friends with people that you normally wouldn’t have gravitated towards because you eat, sleep, and party with them.

One other plus that I don’t think has been mentioned. Yale really encourages summer study or work abroad. If you qualify for financial aid, they apply financial aid in the summer. If you don’t qualify, they still deduct the amount you would have been expected to earn in the summer. Their philosophy is that everyone should study or work abroad - but they don’t want you to miss out on your time in New Haven.

Anyway, good luck. And if you or your parents have any questions, feel free to PM me.