THE BEST

Introduction
Yale is the most-laid back IVY, especially when compared to Harvard which is way too uptight. The academics are definitely above par. Everyone is friendly and talented. It's great. Also, the housing and dorms are wonderful and you get to be surrounded by beautiful architecture, spacious courtyards (that have swings, benches, chess tables, etc.), and many different facilities (a library in each of the 12 residential colleges, squash courts in some, basketball courts in others, CD cafe, dark room, kitchens, TV rooms, game rooms, and more!)

You also get to have access to a Master and a Dean for your four years, which is wonderful and also allows you to get to know someone in the administration really well. They're also always there for you if you have questions/problems, etc.

You should not come here if you're too uptight (but, no worries, there is definitely enough competition here - but it's healthy competition in comparison to other Ivys).

Campus Life and Social Life
There's something for everyone - whether you're a hard-core partier or someone who just wants to chill with friends. There are also many, many events put on by different organizations and that's enough to keep you busy for four years! Whether that's plays, dance shows, spoken word performances, study breaks, happy hours, etc. Academics
Absolutely excellent - professors are there for you all the time, to answers to questions/concerns, etc. The TAs (other than for those in the math department who are infamous for not speaking English) are generally nice and helpful as well. I have not taken a class here that I haven't liked! Shopping period: where you get to 'shop' for classes ensures that you end up taking classes that you like!

The famous departments are history and political science but we also have world-renowned people in other departments as well. Really, every department is strong at Yale and you can't go wrong pursuing your passions here. Some departments have reputations though - i.e. Ethics, Politics, and Economics is where all the pretentious kids go!

Student Body
A typical student here is very active and involved in his or her passion, whether that is politics, a cultural group, theater, art, or sports. And the students are into everything - you will definitely find your niche in this diverse student body.

Students are also laid-back and not cut-throat (also there are a few). Everyone is friendly and open for conversations about random things (and you will find yourself doing this at random hours of the night!)

There are some kids who are spoiled and annoying, but every Ivy has a dosage of them and you can acquaint yourself with the many other students who are not like that all, but genuinely amiable!

In Closing...
Yale is amazing and I wouldn't go anywhere else. I really can't say enough good things about it - I'm having the time of my life, getting a phenomenal education, and meeting people who really always floor me with their brilliance and passions.