<p>My freshman has had only professors, not TAs, as teachers in all of his classes this year. One of his current professors is a real hot shot researcher in his field, but also a fabulous teacher. My kid is absolutely loving his course. He also loved the freshman seminar he took, and told us that the professor who taught it “had the most impressive mind of anyone * have met at Yale so far.” There may be some profs at Yale who aren’t interested in teaching undergrads, but this seems a ridiculous generalization based on our experience thus far.</p>
<p>Your student will probably initially have some large introductory science lectures as my son did, but taught by professors. TAs run small “section” discussion groups that meet once a week, and a TA also led my son’s chem lab.</p>
<p>I wonder how long ago your professor acquaintance was at Yale? Yale has poured a lot of money into its science programs and facilities in recent years and an increasing number of STEM applicants are enrolling there, as described in this recent YDN article:</p>
<p>[Science</a> recruitment goal attained | Yale Daily News](<a href=“http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2013/01/18/science-recruitment-goal-attained/]Science”>Science recruitment goal attained - Yale Daily News)</p>
<p>I hope your child can go to Bulldog Days and talk to some current chem majors. I suspect he or she (and you) will have your fears put to rest.</p>