Unique Things About Yale University

Yale University is a private Ivy League University located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was founded in 1701 as the third-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of the most prestigious in the world.

As prospective students of this institution, you’re probably doing a lot of research, trying to get all the information you can about this school to better prepare for life on its campus.

Now, you don’t have to worry about that. Here’s why: in this article, we will discuss all the unique things about Yale University and what you should know before applying to Yale.

If you’re still waiting for confirmation and asking, “Why go to Yale University?” this article is also for you. Although we have a more comprehensive article on this topic on our site.

However, if you’re ready to learn more about his prestigious University, its courses, and traditions, then let’s get into it:

Key Information on Yale University

“Making it into Yale University is a commendable feat,” said Hungary Lylie, admission officer at Yale University. “To get into such a prestigious college, with such a low acceptance rate, will take a whole lot of effort, studying, and preparation.”

However, you must enjoy this process and make the most of it because it will only happen just once. With that said, let’s look at some things you should know before applying to Yale:

Application Essays are Essential

Every high school student knows how important application essays are. Many colleges require this as a big part of their application process, often referring to it as a personal statement that allows the students to describe their personal and academic achievements uniquely, so the colleges can see them as special individuals and connect with them.

What makes Yale University unique is that, depending on the course, you might need to write more than two essays, each of which must be written within 250 words. The short word count means you must learn to convey your ideas as smartly and succinctly as possible.

In addition to the essays, you might need to answer three questions.

Three Effective Application Methods

There are three different methods students can apply to Yale. Here’s as it works:

There’s the common application that requires you to apply via the website; there’s the Coalition application, where students can explore these universities and colleges before applying; then, there’s the QuestBridge application with slight differences from Coalition but as effective.

Students can discuss with their college admission consultants to determine the best application process. For in-depth information on these college admission consultants, check out our article on this topic.

Acceptance Rate of 7%

As one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the United States, you can already guess how tight the competition would be. Of the population of people applying to this college each year, less than 7% of students are accepted to study.

Your scores and credentials should be higher than most. Your extracurricular activities and recommendation letter must also be of premium quality.

Housing

Like other top colleges, Yale University offers great housing accommodation to its students. These houses were created as residential systems that feel like a close community. It offers a place where students can eat, sleep, socialize, and thrive while living comfortably.

It is a great system that allows students to settle down immediately instead of spending time outside looking for the best accommodation space.

Yale’s Unique Features and Traditions

When it comes to unique life experiences and life lessons, your high school doesn’t matter at Yale University. We have a topic on high school on our site, so you can check this topic out.

There are so many traditions and rich cultures that students will enjoy. Let’s check out some of these:

First Year Dance

Every January, the First-Year Class Council hosts a giant dance for the entire first-year class in Commons. It’s like a big event to welcome and celebrate first-year students and help them loosen up just enough to start an academic year.

It is a highly anticipated event for university students, where you’ll enjoy different scenes and meet new acquaintances. You can go on blind dates, enjoy puzzles, and above all, dance as much as you want.

Class Day

For Yale students, one of the most jubilant events of Commencement Weekend is Class Day. Dating to the 19th century, this ceremony takes place on Old Campus.

Students wear academic gowns and creative headgear of their choice. The ceremony includes awarding various college-wide student prizes, an address by a notable speaker chosen with undergraduates’ input, and speeches and a film reflecting on the graduating class’s four years at Yale.

Holiday Dinner

On the last day of fall-term classes, every Yale College student is treated to a special dinner. On this dressy occasion, upper-level students dine in the residential colleges.

Meanwhile, the first-years gather in the Commons for an especially merry celebration featuring the famous Parade of Comestibles, a parade of gourmet foods ushered in by a fife and drum cup.

Football Game

Harvard and Yale football games occur on the 1st of November Recess, hosted by Yale in odd-numbered years and by Harvard in even-numbered years. The two archrivals had their first contest in 1875.

Since then, “The Game” has drawn legions of students and alumni from both schools yearly. Even those who aren’t football fanatics can revel in the festive spirit and the abundance of social gatherings throughout the weekend of the game. This year is a huge one for Yale Students because they won the game against Harvard for the first time in 19 years.

Halloween Concert

Every midnight on Halloween, the Yale Symphony Orchestra (YSO) plays a soundtrack of student-arranged classical, pop, and film music to accompany a Yale-themed silent film created entirely by YSO members.

Students pack Woolsey Hall for the occasion—every year, tickets sell out minutes after they become available!

Yale Unique Courses and Programs

When you ask what’s unique about Yale, the answer dwells right in the amazing courses and programs offered by this prestigious college. These courses, taken by field professionals, help to develop intellectual curiosity and career discovery.

What’s more? Even with the low acceptance rate, every student is given a chance to prove themselves. For IB diplomas, you need a minimum of 40 to stand a good chance. We have written a comprehensive article on the topic of IB diplomas and college admissions; you can find that on your page. For now, let’s take a look at some of Yale’s unique programs:

Urban Studies

“Urban studies is an important field of study,” said Dr. Krista Paulsen, the new Boise State Urban Studies and Community Development professor. “Not everyone winds up working in their major field,” said Paulsen. “But everyone lives somewhere. Everyone has to live somewhere.”

Urban studies workshop is the study of cities across disciplines, focusing on the thread of cities, the culture, economy, and the society particular to that city and those who live there.

Among the many disciplines that offer courses related to urban studies are anthropology, architecture, economics, environmental studies, politics, public policy, and sociology.

Writer’s Workshop

This program might be for you for students who love to write and whose dream it is to see their work on the bestseller’s shelf one day.

In this workshop, you will enjoy the expertise of authors, professors, agents, editors, publishers, and every other professional that is useful to your career. There are three sessions for this program at Yale; one on campus and two remotes.

This workshop offers benefits such as:

• An immersive creative environment
• An experienced faculty of writers and editors
• Small workshops limited to 10-12 participants
• Access to industry professionals

“This workshop is a blessing for any serious student who wants to write in a transformative and immersive creative environment. We’re here to help you, from first to final draft,” said Jotham Burello, Director of Yale’s Writers Workshop.

Summer Drama Program

This is a basic 5-week introduction to the basic techniques of acting. Yale University offers this program in two unique Yale courses: the Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors and A Practical Approach to Directing.

Both courses are taught by experts and professionals on the faculty. The conservatory for Actors (DRMA S001) will build a foundation for every career in theater.

For interested students who have never acted a day in their lives, this course will build your confidence and help you develop public speaking skills. For students looking to master confidence and public speaking traits, you can check out the best colleges for public speaking in the US.

Other Unique Things about Yale University

Now that we have discussed what is unique about Yale University courses, programs, and traditions, now we will highlight all the fun facts about this University that will help you know the school a little better:

Yale Has a Secret Society

This should probably top the list if anyone asks what’s unique about Yale. Skull and Bones, also known as The Order or the Brotherhood of Death, is an undergraduate senior secret student society.

It has now graduated from order into a cultural society because of the presence of powerful alumni members and various exciting conspiracy theories.

It was formed 190 years ago in 1832 by the Russell Trust Association. Two members of this society became President: William Howard Taft and George W. Bush.

It chooses fifteen members every Spring, and juniors are notified of their selection by a tap on their shoulder, which has earned the ceremony “Tap Day.”

Collegiate Daily Newspaper

The first issue of this newspaper was on the 28th of January 1878. It is the oldest college newspaper in the United States, and the staff has worked tirelessly to consistently remain the top college newspaper in the country.

Although located at Yale University, the collegiate daily newspaper is financially and editorially independent of the school. However, it is published by a student editorial five days a week.

In addition to the newspaper, the Yale Daily News Publishing Company also produces a monthly Yale Daily News Magazine and special newspaper issues for the incoming freshman class, Family Weekend, Yale’s Class Day and Commencement, and The Game against Harvard University, especially this year when Yale recorded a win against Harvard for the first time in 19 years.

Harry-Potter Style Hogwarts Feast

This is the highlight of every first year’s fall semester. It is a feast meant to celebrate the end of the semester for seniors and upper-classmen. The Holiday Dinner hall is large, which is why it is termed the “Harry Potter Style Hogwarts Feast” it’ll be decorated with holiday lights, ice sculptures, and gingerbread houses.

There’ll be different food types like eggnogs, hot apple cider, prime rib, sole, roasted turkey and ham, golden potatoes, sushi, shrimp, lobster, cupcakes, apple pie, cheesecake, fruit, chocolate-covered strawberries, and twelve-foot challah. All freshmen will be invited to this dinner, making it the best party of the year.

Yale’s Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library

When next, someone asks, “Why is Yale Unique?” Tell them about this library. This is one of the world’s largest libraries dedicated to rare books and manuscripts. It is located in New Haven, Connecticut, but is financially independent of the University. It was designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. It was completed in 1963.

The book collection in the library does not circulate, and books can only be read in the reading room. It hosts more than 15000 research visits annually, half of which are from scholars.

Conclusion

How is Yale Unique, you ask? Aside from being one of the oldest colleges in the United States of America, there are so many other special things about Yale, as you can tell from this article.

We have realized that while Yale University prioritizes academic excellence in a way that improves the quality of education and mode of learning, they have also found a balance between fun and academics that makes it less pressuring for students to learn and have a great time.

FAQ

What is Yale most known for?

It is best known for its strong reputation, which it has religiously upheld for years.

They also house one of the best and oldest collegiate newspapers in the United States, a publication that works five times a week, courtesy of the student body.

There are also excellent teaching and extracurricular programs at Yale University.

What are 3 interesting facts about Yale University?

The first is that the Yale residential college system is about 70 years old and is one of the major features. The housing system is comprehensive, ensuring every student has an amazing living experience.

Another fact is that the most popular course in this University is titled “Happiness,” created after a professor witnessed the severity of depression among students.

Thirdly, Yale University has one of the lowest acceptance rates of any institution.

What makes Yale stand out from other schools?

Their rigorous coursework and study classes. Yale University prides itself on setting premium standards for its students, making them intelligent, mentally aware, and ready for the outside world.