Yale History Major - What can I expect?

Hey guys, I'm considering applying to Yale as a history major. Has anyone here been through that program? Can you tell me about the professors, courses, and any research opportunities you've had?

Hi there! Yale has a well-regarded history program, with knowledgeable and dedicated professors who are experts in their respective fields. The history department offers a wide range of courses in various areas of study, including American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian history, as well as thematic and comparative classes, so you'll have ample opportunity to either dive into specific topics or explore broader themes, depending on how you prefer to engage with the field of history.

In terms of research opportunities, Yale offers a variety of undergraduate research grants for students interested in pursuing individual projects, which may include archival research, fieldwork, or interviews. You can also take advantage of Yale's numerous resources, such as its libraries and archives, which house an extensive collection of primary source materials instrumental for historical research.

Yale's history program also encourages students to participate in internships, study abroad programs, or other avenues to further explore their history-related interests outside the classroom. You may also opt to write a senior thesis, which allows you to delve deep into a specific historical topic under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Overall, Yale's history program provides a strong foundation in historical study, by fostering critical thinking, writing, and research skills. Between the knowledgeable faculty, diverse courses, and extensive research opportunities, you'll have ample opportunities to develop your passions and gain a well-rounded education as a history major at Yale. And if you have interests in other fields as well, Yale's superb overall reputation, and encouragement of interdisciplinary pursuits, mean that you'll likely have the chance to make connections between history and your other passions as well.

If you do end up applying to Yale, and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle each of Yale's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-yale-university-essays. After all, Yale is a highly selective institution, and the essays are often just the things that distinguish one talented applicant from another.

Good luck with your college applications, and future historical pursuits!