Is the Ivy League All It’s Meant to Be?
People don’t just go to Ivy League schools for the architecture. After spending about two weeks at Yale, I am beginning to realize why I’m here: infinite opportunity. I had my share of anxiety this summer, wondering if I would fit in at Yale, wondering if Yale would be all they say it is. Is the Ivy League all I’d expected? The truth is: it is and it isn’t.
- Academics: College students have one responsibility: to learn. I came to Yale expecting a world-class education, hoping to fill my mind up with some of the best theories and facts academia has to offer (while learning to think for myself, of course). I was disappointed when I couldn’t get into a digital photography class or a seminar on ethics and the media and instead ended up in two lecture classes. This hasn’t happened to my friends who are at liberal arts colleges, like Amherst or Colorado College. But my professors are leaders in their field, lecturing with the background of their own research. I’m learning from primary sources.
- Extracurriculars: One of my suitemates said that Yale is like an all you can eat buffet: It offers everything you could possibly want, but you can only eat so much before you get sick. This is true for academics and extracurriculars. So far, I’ve made it into an improv comedy group and written a movie review for the Yale Daily News. One of my suitemates is in the Yale Glee Club and another was voted in as a representative for Freshman Class Council. I imagined anything would be possible here, but I failed to realize there wouldn’t be time to do it all.
- Social Scene: I knew there would be parties at Yale, but I had no idea they would be such a big part of the social scene. On any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night many people drink the night away at a frat or suite party. Others go to dance parties or other organized on-campus events. Remember the buffet analogy? It applies to the social scene as well. I should’ve known that a group of highly motivated, active students would always be looking for something to do, in academics and entertainment. I’m disappointed that people don’t just want to hang out, talk, get to know each other and let the day (or night) take them where it will. In the Ivy League, it seems there must always be a plan.
- People: Before I decided where to go to college, people told me to go to Yale “for the people.” It’s become a cliché, but not without reason. I was afraid Yale would be full of polo-wearing, affluent legacies and while I have met a few people who could fit this stereotype, the people at Yale are so much more than that. People come from all backgrounds and geographical areas. This isn’t just something they market through brochures. It’s actually true. I came here hoping to find intellectual conversation outside of the classroom and, while not all conversations revolve around Plato or neuroscience or current events, I haven’t been disappointed.
Some people work their entire lives to get into the Ivy League. I was talking about this with one of my suitemates who spent hours every day during her summers studying for the SAT. She could’ve been out with her friends. She could’ve been learning something that holds value beyond the world of standardized testing. Is it worth it? Ask us in four years. For now, I will say that college, Ivy League or state school, is what you make of it. I’d love to hear if other people’s college experiences have met their expectations. Leave me a comment.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Diversity/class race interaction?
Thanks for sharing impressions as you get started. Also, the way you write makes reading enjoyable and efficient. Question, The quantity and quality of experiences that expose you to diverse students with similar affinities as you? Take Hispanic students, do they tend to act notably ethnic and do things with each other mostly. Do they tend to blend in and play way down their idiosyncrasies with a greater effort on connecting?
September 25th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Your writing style is very smooth and enjoyable to read. Now let me ask you a question. Did YOU go to Yale because the school fits you, or is it due to the prestige or peer pressure? As a Wharton Junior I can tell you that infinite opportunities is something that comes with your hard work. Just being in a ivy will NOT help you. As to the social scenes, you will soon find a group of friends that share your interest, people who want to see where the night takes you, don’t fret. There’s always gonna be a Wendy’s next to that Buffet. Food for Thought. =]
September 30th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Michael Lee,
When I visited Yale last spring, the prestige disappeared as soon as I stepped on campus. I realized it wasn’t some fantasy land. It was a real place with real people and real opportunity and also real problems. I came here because I knew it was the biggest step I could take, because it would be challenging and different and sometimes uncomfortable (and it has been all of these things). I was very close to going to Colorado College and I would’ve fit in easily there, but it seemed too homogenous. I thought at Colorado College there would be less room for growth. So far, I think it’s been the right decision. I could take so many different directions here. Who knows what kind of person I will become. Thanks for your insight into making friends. This has been one of the more difficult things about college for me. Luckily I have wonderful suitemates and it’s easy to be myself around them. I just hope to be branching out soon.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Manuel,
I haven’t noticed people grouping based on ethnic or cultural background. People of all backgrounds hang out together and it’s great to get to know a diverse group of people. However, there are cultural houses and student organizations that give people the opportunity to connect with people of similar backgrounds. Students embrace their cultural backgrounds but not to the extent of self segregation. Please keep in mind that this is simply what I’ve noticed. Other people at this school may have different perspectives.
December 25th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
A very enjoyable and entertaining yet very informational article, so well done on that front.
Im in the UK and hoping to come over to the US for university as I believe prospects are simply put, better in the USA, as the common phrase goes, ‘chasing the American Dream’. I’ve dreamt that dream, and now I want to make it come true, but on the other hand, in oder to come to the US for university, Im going to have to make huge sacrifices, both financial and social sacrifices, and your article has just tought me the sacrifcies that would be worth it, and just given me a heads up on the downsides, so I thank you very much for that
Keep us posted!
July 26th, 2011 at 7:39 am
I think the question lies in which tier school a person gets into and attends at the end because I go to UC Berkeley and I feel that the academics are rigorous and there is a pretty diverse student body. Further, I think a good experience depends on hard work and what you make of it.
Another things about whether is is all worth it is whether YOU, as an individual would actually enjoy the atmosphere of the school and enjoy your experience as a student there.
July 26th, 2011 at 7:41 am
oops, I meant to say is ” Another things about whether it is all worth is whether YOU, as an individual would actually enjoy the atmosphere of the school and enjoy your experience as a student there.”