how to write an essay to get into yale

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to get into yale: 4 expert admissions tips.

College Admissions

Yale is one of the most competitive schools on the planet to get into. If you're wondering how to make your application stand out from the crowd, you're in the right place.

In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about how to get into Yale, including how hard it really is to get into Yale, what Yale is looking for in its students, what test scores and grades you need, and how to ace your Yale application essays.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Yale?

Yale is extremely selective: it accepts less than 5.3% of applicants every year . This means that fewer than seven out of every 100 students get into Yale.

In order to be competitive as an applicant, you'll need to have near-perfect grades, excellent test scores, and standout essays .

What Is Yale Looking for in Applicants?

Yale wrote an entire essay on what it looks for in its students . While the post doesn't go into many specifics, it does offer some helpful nuggets of wisdom regarding what the admissions committee considers when evaluating applications:

• Academic ability: Yale wants its students to be top-of-the-line academically. The school puts a lot of emphasis on your transcript, so you'll need to achieve great grades consistently. Your teachers will also speak to your academic ability— your letters of recommendation should show that you're hardworking and academically curious .
• Who you are outside of school: You're required to write many different essays for Yale. Use your essays as an opportunity to paint a vivid portrait of yourself—one that goes beyond your academic performance . Highlight your interests and portray yourself as a real person, not just a collection of numbers.
• What you'll do with Yale's resources: Yale wants students who will take advantage of its many resources. Your application should demonstrate that you're ready to take on challenges and that you grab opportunities when you see them. Yale isn't looking for complacency—it's looking for students who will take advantage of every moment on their campus.
• Amazing recommendations: While your transcripts give quantitative information about your academic ability, your letters of recommendation give qualitative insight . Yale will rely on your teachers' letters to really highlight who you are as a student. Teachers often write about things that a simple "A" on a line can't convey, such as your wit or your sense of humor when responding to different challenges.

Can You Apply to Yale Early?

Yale offers both regular application and early action deadlines . The early action deadline is November 1 and you'll get your admission decision by mid-December.

Yale's early action program is single-choice early action , which means you can only apply early to one school (Yale), but your acceptance is not binding .

Statistically speaking, you do have a slightly higher chance of getting into Yale with the early action plan than if you applied regular decision , but the difference isn't significant. If Yale isn't your first choice, we don't recommend applying early action since you won't be able to apply early anywhere else.

Yale Application Deadlines and Requirements

You can apply to Yale using the Common Application , the Coalition Application , or the QuestBridge Application .

You must write at least two essays and answer short-answer questions , regardless of which application system you use. For one essay, you'll get to choose between two prompts. You'll also need to submit three recommendation letters. And if you're an engineering student, you'll have to submit an additional essay! 

Yale normally requires that you send either SAT or ACT scores ( optional for students applying for Fall 2023 admission) ; the Essay section on both exams is optional . Finally, you do not need to have completed any specific coursework in high school to apply.

Here's a full list of Yale application requirements:

• The Coalition App with Yale-specific questions and media upload, or Common App with Yale-specific questions, or QuestBridge Application with Yale QuestBridge questionnaire
• $80 application fee or fee waiver
• Two teacher recommendations
• One counselor recommendation
• School report (including transcript)
• Standardized test results (SAT or ACT)*
• Mid-year report (due when first semester/term senior grades are available at your school)

*Like many schools, Yale has gone test-optional for this application year. Find out what other schools aren't requiring SAT/ACT scores due to COVID-19 here .

What GPA Do I Need to Get Into Yale?

You need to be at the top of your class, GPA-wise, to be accepted to Yale.

The average GPA of admitted applicants to Yale is 4.14 . This means you'll need basically straight A's in order to even be competitive with other applicants. In fact, 94% of admitted students graduated in the top 10% of their class.

You'll have to take AP and/or IB classes as well , both to boost your GPA and to show that you're capable of handling college-level coursework with ease.

What Test Scores Do I Need to Get Into Yale?

This should come as no surprise, but you'll need extremely high test scores to be considered seriously as a Yale applicant .

The average SAT composite score of admitted applicants at Yale is 1505 (which rounds up to 1510). This breaks down to a 745-755 on the Math section and a 750-760 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section. In other words, you'll need basically a perfect score to be considered .

Yale requires you to send in all your SAT/ACT scores, but the admissions committee is able to look at a student's highest officially reported score on each section of the SAT/ACT.

If you don't have a 1510+ on the SAT yet, you need to seriously consider retaking the test to get as close to that score as possible. Make a plan , commit to studying, and work hard.

The average ACT score of admitted applicants at Yale is 34—that's slightly less competitive than the average SAT scores. That being said, 34 is still high and if you have lower than a 32 on the ACT, you should consider retaking the exam.

Note : Because of COVID-19, Yale has gone test-optional for students applying during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. As we explain in more detail in our article on schools not requiring the SAT/ACT due to COVID-19 , this is likely only a temporary change for highly selective schools like Yale. If you already have a high SAT/ACT score (as defined above), then you should go ahead and submit it; however, if not, you will need to weigh whether trying to take (or retake) the SAT or ACT is worth the health risk and cost.

Yale Application Essays

Yale requires all of its applicants to answer three specific essay questions , plus the well-known "Why Yale?" essay. 

The first prompt you’ll be asked to respond to is about your academic interests and goals:

Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.

The second prompt is similar to the first, but asks you to talk about what excites you:

Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)

Finally, the third prompt you’ll be asked to respond to is the “Why Yale?” essay question . In 125 words or less, you’ll respond to the following question:

What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?

Applicants using Coalition or Common App will also need to answer the following four short answer questions in no more than 200 characters (about 35 words):

• What inspires you?
• You are teaching a new Yale course. What is it called?
• Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss?
• What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Finally, Yale also requires Coalition and Common applicants to answer one of the following two essays in 400 words or fewer:

• Yale carries out its mission “through the free exchange of ideas in an ethical, interdependent, and diverse community.” Reflect on a time when you exchanged ideas about an important issue with someone holding an opposing view. How did the experience lead you either to change your opinion or to sharpen your reasons for holding onto it?
• Reflect on a time when you have worked to enhance a community to which you feel connected. Why have these efforts been meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

For both the first required prompt and the one you end up choosing of the two above, you'll have to write an essay that's less than 250 words .

If you're submitting the Coalition Application, you'll need to include an audio, video, image, or document file you've created and that's meaningful to you and related in some way to your essay (on the prompt you chose above). You'll then write one sentence to show how this relates to your essay.

All applicants will complete four short-answer questions , while those applying through either the Common App or Coalition App specifically will answer four additional short-answer questions.

The seven short-answer questions for the Yale essays range in limit from 35 to 125 words . These essays are specific to the Yale application—you won't find them on any other college or university's application.

Although short, these Yale supplement essays are just as important as the longer essays.

If you want to learn more about how to answer the Yale essays and short-answer questions, check out our in-depth article .

4 Essential Tips for Getting Into Yale

It's hard to get into Yale but not impossible. You need to put serious work into your application to be considered. Here are four tips you can follow as you're working on your Yale application.

#1: Work Hard at Getting Great Grades

You need great grades to be accepted at Yale.

If you're still in your freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school, plan to take some advanced classes to raise your GPA . You'll need to be disciplined and work hard to compete with other Yale applicants.

#2: Ace the SAT/ACT

You need high standardized test scores in order to be admitted to Yale. You should plan to take the SAT/ACT at least two to three times . While you should take your chosen test as many times as is necessary to meet (or beat) the average SAT/ACT scores of admitted applicants, know that it may start to look a bit suspicious if you take a test six or more times!

For tips on how to get a great SAT/ACT score, read our free guides :

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 SAT Score
• How to Get a Perfect ACT Score
• 15 SAT Tips to Improve Your SAT Score
• 18 ACT Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Score

#3: Write Standout Essays

The key to writing great Yale essays is to write about something that matters to you and to write in your own voice. Yale is very clear on this point: your essays will be most effective if you sound like yourself and write about something you truly care about.

Fortunately, you have plenty of opportunities to flesh out your personality with your Yale essays. You should put equal weight on all the short answer questions, even the ones with a 35-word limit. If you're worried that one of your essays isn't strong enough, seek out a second opinion. If you're not sure where to start on your application essay, be sure to check out our complete guide to the essay writing process . 

#4: Secure Awesome Recommendations

Yale puts a lot of emphasis on the recommendations you get from teachers, so make sure you get good ones! Pick teachers who really know you—ones that you've worked with closely and have seen your best work. You want letters from teachers who can speak to your strengths beyond academic ability.

Recap: How to Get Into Yale

Getting into Yale is extremely difficult, but it's certainly not impossible! Your application will need to be incredibly polished in order to stand a chance.

Make sure your academic record is nearly perfect, your recommendations stellar, and your essays engaging, and you'll definitely be competitive with other applicants.

What's Next?

Worried about how to write an amazing college essay? Read our step-by-step guide on how to write a college admission essay , and take a look at our analysis of 100+ real college essays to get a feel for what colleges want—and don't want—to read in an application.

If you're getting ready to apply to college, it's time to learn what colleges expect from you . This article will help you better target your application to suit what each school you apply to is looking for.

If you're planning to take the SAT/ACT as part of your application , try out some of our famous test prep guides on topics such as how to get a perfect SAT score and 14 last-minute ACT tips .

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Our Services

College Admissions Counseling

UK University Admissions Counseling

EU University Admissions Counseling

College Athletic Recruitment

Crimson Rise: College Prep for Middle Schoolers

Indigo Research: Online Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

Delta Institute: Work Experience Programs For High Schoolers

Graduate School Admissions Counseling

Private Boarding & Day School Admissions

Online Tutoring

Essay Review

Financial Aid & Merit Scholarships

Our Leaders and Counselors

Our Student Success

Crimson Student Alumni

Our Reviews

Our Scholarships

Careers at Crimson

University Profiles

US College Admissions Calculator

GPA Calculator

Practice Standardized Tests

SAT Practice Test

ACT Practice Tests

Personal Essay Topic Generator

eBooks and Infographics

Crimson YouTube Channel

Summer Apply - Best Summer Programs

Top of the Class Podcast

ACCEPTED! Book by Jamie Beaton

Crimson Global Academy

+1 (646) 419-3178

Go back to all articles

How To Answer Yale's 2023/24 Supplemental Essays: Tips & Insights

What's New in 2023/24

What Are Yale's Essay Prompts?

Answering the Short Answer Questions

Answering the Short Essay Questions

General Guidelines

Dive into Yale's 2023/24 supplemental essay updates, grasp the intricacies of each prompt, and garner insights on penning standout answers with our comprehensive guide, enriched with expert advice and links to exemplary Yale essay samples.

Yale’s 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Securing a spot at Yale University , with its acceptance rate between 3-4% , is undeniably challenging . In such a competitive landscape, your supplemental essays become instrumental in distinguishing your application.

Every academic year, elite institutions like Yale refine their application process to ensure they holistically understand their applicants. For the '23/24 admissions cycle, Yale University has introduced some significant changes to its supplemental essay questions .

Previously, applicants were posed with questions about hosting a guest speaker in Yale's residential colleges and suggesting a title for a new Yale course they envision teaching. These have now been replaced.

The current cycle invites you to highlight personal academic interests and directions, and share unique insights into who has inspired you or influenced your personal growth.

The longer essay section appears designed to help Yale see how you engage with campus and community life. While this section retains two past themes — discussing opposing viewpoints and community involvement — a fresh prompt has been added. This third option encourages applicants to reflect on personal experiences that would enrich the Yale community .

These modifications underscore Yale's ongoing commitment to understanding its applicants' personal narratives, values, and potential contributions to a dynamic university environment.

What Are Yale’s Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, Yale University has introduced specific supplemental essay prompts to delve deeper into the profiles of its applicants in tandem with the Common App or Coalition App questions. These prompts are designed to uncover your academic interests, personal insights, and your unique connection to Yale.

Short Answer Questions — Academic Interests & Motivations

All applicants are required to address three core questions: one asks you to identify three academic disciplines of interest, another is a short essay about a topic of interest related to one of those academic disciplines, and the third is about your reasons for choosing Yale. The word limits are 200 words for the second item, and 125 words for the third item.

• Academic Exploration: Students at Yale often evolve their academic directions. As of now, which academic areas align with your interests or goals? Please select up to three from the provided list .
• Topic of Interest: Discuss a topic or idea related to one or more academic areas you selected above that genuinely excites you. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)
• Connection to Yale: What aspects of Yale have motivated you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Short Answer Questions (Common & Coalition App Applicants)

For those using the Coalition or Common Application, additional short answer questions are capped at roughly 35 words or 200 characters. These questions probe into personal inspirations, potential academic or artistic contributions, influential figures outside of family, and unique aspects of one's identity not mentioned elsewhere in the application.

• Inspiration: What inspires you? (Approximately 35 words)
• Creative Endeavor: If you could teach a college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art, what would it be? (Approximately 35 words)
• Significant Influence: Other than family, who has significantly influenced you, and how? (Approximately 35 words)
• Unique Aspect: What's something unique about you not mentioned elsewhere in your application? (Approximately 35 words)

Short Essay

Lastly, in the essay section, Coalition or Common Application users will select one of three prompts , responding within a 400-word limit . The options in this section include discussing opposing viewpoints, reflecting on community ties, or narrating a personal experience that you believe will help you enhance the college community.

• Discussing Opposing Views: Reflect on a time you discussed a vital issue with someone holding a contrary view. Why was this experience significant to you?
• Community Connection: Reflect on your membership in a community that resonates with you. Why is this community meaningful?
• Personal Enrichment: Reflect on a personal experience that you believe will enrich your college community. How has it molded you?

These prompts provide you an opportunity to present a comprehensive picture of your personality, background, values, and aspirations — ensuring Yale gets a multifaceted view of who you are.

Seeking some inspiration? Explore these Yale essay examples to understand what makes an application stand out!

How This Student Got Into Yale

How to Answer Yale’s Supplemental Short Answer Questions?

Three short answer questions about academic interests.

• Academic Exploration: Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please select up to three from the provided list .

Short Answer Question 1

Students at yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. as of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably please select up to three from the provided list. please select up to three from the provided list. please indicate up to three from the list provided., academic exploration — choosing one to three disciplines from the list provided..

Yale's reputation for academic rigor and intellectual engagement is renowned. The university fosters an environment where students are encouraged to explore various academic interests before settling into their major(s) . This flexibility is a testament to Yale's commitment to producing well-rounded individuals who are not just experts in their fields but also possess a broad knowledge base.

Be genuine when deciding whether to indicate one, two, or three disciplines from the list. There’s probably little to gain from selecting a discipline if it won’t tie into responses to other questions or essay prompts and doesn’t have any connection with academic interests and motivations you want to emphasize.

You may want to preview the other two questions in this section, as well as the remaining short answer and essay prompts — making sure to select a discipline from the list if you anticipate talking about it in other responses.

Short Answer Question 2

Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. why are you drawn to it, - 200 words or fewer.

The subsequent question offers an opportunity to delve deeper into a specific academic topic or idea . This is your chance to demonstrate genuine passion. Instead of providing textbook answers:

• Discuss unique perspectives or insights you've developed about the subject.
• Share personal experiences or projects that have enriched your understanding.
• Reflect on contemporary issues or debates within the subject and where you stand.

1. Unveiling Your Academic Passion

Yale's second short answer question is a direct invitation to showcase your academic passion. The university, renowned for its intellectual vibrancy, seeks students who are not just academically competent but also deeply passionate about their chosen fields of study .

2. Diving Deep into Your Chosen Topic

This question is your space to "nerd out" and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for a specific topic or idea. Reflect on:

• Personal experiences or projects that deepened your interest in this topic.
• Contemporary debates, research, or developments in the field that excite you.
• Unique perspectives or insights you've developed about the subject.

Avoid merely regurgitating textbook knowledge. Instead, offer a fresh take or a personal connection to the topic.

3. Connecting Past, Present, and Future

While the previous prompt may have focused on your broader academic interests, this question allows you to home in on a specific topic . You can:

• Draw connections from past experiences or studies that ignited your interest in this topic.
• Discuss how your current engagements (like readings, projects, or discussions) have further fueled this passion.
• Envision how deepening your understanding of this topic at Yale will benefit your future aspirations.

Yale's second short answer question emphasizes depth over breadth. It's an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of a specific academic topic that excites you . You can convey to the admissions committee why this topic resonates with you and how it aligns with your academic journey at Yale by showcasing genuine passion, thoughtful engagement, and a clear understanding of the subject.

Short Answer Question 3

What is it about yale that has led you to apply, - 125 words or fewer, 1. decoding the "why yale" question.

Yale's third prompt is a classic " Why this school? " question, albeit phrased with a twist. It's not just about why you want to attend Yale but what specific aspects of Yale resonate with your aspirations and interests .

2. Beyond the Generic

Avoid generic answers that could apply to any top-tier university. Yale's admissions officers are looking for applicants who have genuinely understood what makes Yale unique .

3. Research is Key

To craft a compelling response:

• Dive deep into Yale's academic programs. Are there specific courses, professors, or research opportunities that align with your interests?
• Explore Yale's extracurricular landscape. Are there clubs, organizations, or events that you're excited to join or initiate?
• Reflect on Yale's community and culture. What aspects of Yale's student life or traditions resonate with you?

4. Envisioning Your Yale Journey

Discuss how you see yourself fitting into the Yale community:

• How will Yale's offerings help you achieve your academic and personal goals?
• In what ways do you plan to contribute to the Yale community, both in and out of the classroom?

The "What is it about Yale?" question is an opportunity to demonstrate your genuine interest in the university and how it aligns with your goals . By showcasing a deep understanding of what Yale offers and articulating how it fits with your aspirations, you can convey a sincere desire to be a part of the Yale community.

5 Tips for the "Why This School?" Essay

Additional Short Answer Questions (35 words)

For applicants using the Common or Coalition App only.

Short Answer Question 4

What inspires you, - approximately 35 words, 1. understanding the question's intent.

The question aims to delve into your intrinsic motivations and passions . Yale wants to understand what drives you, what makes you tick, and what fuels your academic and personal pursuits. This is not just about what interests you but what deeply moves and motivates you.

2. Being Authentic and Specific

While it might be tempting to provide an answer you think the admissions committee wants to hear, it's crucial to be genuine. Reflect on moments, people, books, artworks, or experiences that have profoundly impacted your perspective or aspirations .

3. Connecting to Your Broader Application

Your answer should ideally resonate with other parts of your application. Discussing a related inspiration can create a cohesive narrative if you've mentioned a particular interest or activity elsewhere.

4. Avoiding Clichés

Steer clear of overused phrases or generic inspirations unless you can provide a unique twist or a deeply personal reason for why something commonly cited truly inspires you.

Question 4 offers a window into your inner world. By sharing what genuinely inspires you, you give Yale a glimpse of your passions, values, and potential contributions to their community . Ensure your response is both authentic and reflective of your unique perspective.

Short Answer Question 5

If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be, 1. channeling your creativity.

This question is a playground for your imagination and intellectual fervor. Yale is keen to understand the depth of your interests and how you might bring a unique perspective to their campus.

2. Intersecting Passions

Reflect on the subjects or hobbies that resonate with you. This question allows you to merge different areas of interest to create something novel. If you're a history buff with a penchant for drama, perhaps you'd write a play set during the Renaissance. If you're passionate about biology and art, maybe you'd create an intricate sculpture representing cellular structures.

3. Beyond the Ordinary

While authenticity is key, strive to think outside the box. Consider topics or ideas that aren't just personal but also bring a fresh perspective or address contemporary issues. For instance, if you're intrigued by psychology and technology, you might design a course on "The Psychological Impacts of AI on Human Interaction."

4. A Nod to Yale's Ethos

Yale is a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary exploration. Your response should echo a spirit of inquisitiveness and a hunger to delve deep into subjects, reflecting how you'd enrich the Yale community with your unique insights.

Yale's Question 5 is more than just a query; it's an opportunity. You're offering a window into your intellectual and creative soul by suggesting a course, book, or artwork. Craft a response that's not just distinctive but also deeply reflective of who you are and what you'd bring to Yale.

Short Answer Question 6

Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you what has been the impact of their influence, 1. identifying your influencer.

This question seeks to understand the people and experiences that have shaped you outside your immediate family . It's a chance to highlight mentors, teachers, friends, or even public figures who have left an indelible mark on your life.

2. Depth Over Popularity

While it might be tempting to choose a well-known personality, ensure that your choice genuinely reflects a deep personal connection . It's not about the prominence of the influencer but the depth of their impact on you.

3. Narrating the Journey

Discuss specific moments, lessons, or interactions that encapsulate the essence of their influence.

• Did a coach instill resilience in you?
• Did a teacher ignite your passion for a subject?
• Or did a friend's kindness redefine your understanding of empathy during a tough time?

4. Beyond the Obvious

While the direct influence is essential, it also reflects on the ripple effects. How did their influence shape your actions, decisions, or perspectives in broader areas of your life?

Yale's Question 6 is an introspective journey into the people who have molded your character and values . Yale aims to understand the external forces that have shaped your journey through this prompt. As you craft your response, focus on authenticity, detailing who influenced you and how their influence continues to resonate in your life.

Short Answer Question 7

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application, 1. unearthing the hidden gems.

This question offers a unique opportunity to share a facet of your personality, experience, or aspiration that hasn't been covered in your application. It's a chance to provide a fuller picture of who you are.

2. Beyond Academics and Extracurriculars

While your academic achievements and extracurricular activities are essential, this prompt seeks insights into your character, passions, or experiences that aren't necessarily tied to school or structured activities .

3. Personal Anecdotes Shine

Perhaps there's a hobby you're passionate about, a quirky tradition you uphold, or a personal project you've embarked on. Whatever you share, find a way to make your short response shine a spotlight on something unique, about yourself — perhaps something ingratiating, humorous, or compelling .

4. Reflect on the Why

It's not just about stating the 'what.' Be sure to share how this aspect of your identity, psychology, experiences, or personality shapes your values, your aspirations, or how you interact with others in friendships or in community settings.

Yale's Question 7 is a canvas for you to paint a more comprehensive picture of yourself . It's an invitation to share something special that make you unique. As you respond, ensure that what you share is relevant to an admissions context and offers a fresh insight into something that makes you unique and may make your application more memorable.

Interested in learning more? Attend one of our free events

How to get into cornell and the ivy league.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 12:00 AM CUT

Hear from a Former Cornell Admissions Officer about how to get into Cornell and other Ivy League schools!

REGISTER NOW

How to Answer Yale’s Supplemental Short Essay Questions?

Applicants submitting the Common App or Coalition Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer.

Essay Prompt 1

Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. why did you find the experience meaningful, - 400 words or fewer, 1. the essence of intellectual engagement.

Renowned for its academic rigor, Yale University values students who can engage in meaningful discussions , especially when faced with opposing views. This question seeks to understand your ability to engage in such dialogues, emphasizing your intellectual curiosity and interpersonal skills.

2. Narrating the Experience

Begin by setting the stage.

• What was the issue at hand?
• Why was it important to you?
• Who were you discussing it with?

The depth of your reflection on this experience is crucial. It's not just about the disagreement but about understanding and learning from it .

3. Showcasing Growth and Understanding

Discussing an opposing view can be transformative. Reflect on how this conversation changed or solidified your perspective . Did it teach you the value of understanding different viewpoints or the importance of effective communication?

4. Beyond the Conversation

This prompt isn't just about a single discussion; it's about how you approach disagreements and challenges in general . Reflect on how this particular experience is indicative of your broader approach to challenges and learning.

Yale's Question 1 is an opportunity to showcase your ability to engage in meaningful, constructive dialogues and to learn from them . It's about demonstrating intellectual curiosity, respect for diverse viewpoints, and personal growth.

Essay Prompt 2

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. why is this community meaningful to you you may define community however you like., 1. defining your community.

Begin by clearly defining the community you're discussing . This could be based on ethnicity, shared interests, geographical location, a shared challenge, or any other binding factor. Remember, the definition of 'community' is broad, and Yale gives you the freedom to interpret it in a way that's most meaningful to you.

2. Your Role and Connection

Discuss your role or membership within this community . Have you been an active member, a leader, or an observer? How have you engaged with this community, and how has it shaped your identity or perspective?

3. The Significance of the Community

Delve into why this community is meaningful to you . Is it a source of support, a platform for shared experiences, or perhaps a space where you've faced challenges and grown from them? Reflect on the emotions, experiences, and lessons this community has offered you.

4. Personal Growth and Reflection

End by discussing how your connection to this community has influenced your personal growth . Has it taught you the value of diversity, the importance of support, or perhaps the strength in unity? Reflect on the broader implications of your membership in this community and how it might influence your future endeavors, especially at a place like Yale.

Yale's Question 2 is an opportunity to showcase your understanding of community, your place within it, and the personal growth that arises from such connections . It's about demonstrating empathy, understanding, and the ability to connect with diverse groups of people.

Essay Prompt 3

Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. how has it shaped you, 1. identifying the experience.

Start by pinpointing a specific personal experience or element of your life. This could be a unique cultural background, a challenging obstacle you've overcome, a hobby or passion you've pursued, or any other experience that has significantly impacted your life.

2. The Value to the College Community

Discuss how this experience or element of your life will enrich the college community . Perhaps your unique background offers a diverse perspective, or maybe a challenge you've faced has equipped you with resilience and adaptability. Consider how your experience can contribute to classroom discussions, group projects, extracurricular activities, or casual dorm conversations.

3. Personal Transformation

Reflect on how this experience has shaped you as an individual . Has it instilled certain values in you? Has it changed the way you approach challenges or interact with people? Dive deep into the personal growth and self-awareness that emerged from this experience.

4. Future Implications

Consider how this element of your personal experience will influence your future at college and beyond . Will it drive you to join certain clubs, advocate for causes, or pursue specific academic interests? How will it continue to shape your journey?

Yale's Question 3 is an invitation to introspect and share a facet of your life that not only defines you but also adds value to the diverse tapestry of a college community. It's about showcasing self-awareness, growth, and the potential for future contributions.

General Guidelines for Answering Yale's Supplemental Essay Questions

• Research and Specificity : Yale's prompts often ask about your interest in the university or a specific program. Always back your claims with specific details. Mention professors, courses, clubs, or traditions that resonate with you. This shows genuine interest and that you've done your homework.
• Show Self-awareness : Yale values introspective students who can reflect on their experiences. Whether discussing an intellectual interest or a community you belong to, always tie it back to your personal growth or what you've learned about yourself.
• Diversity of Thought : Like many top-tier institutions, Yale values diversity in all its forms. This doesn't just mean ethnic or cultural diversity but also diversity of thought, perspective, and experience. Highlight experiences or viewpoints that make you unique.
• Be Authentic : It's tempting to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear, but they can spot inauthenticity. Be genuine in your responses, even if it means discussing failures or weaknesses. Authenticity often resonates more than a polished facade.
• Quality Over Quantity : With word limits on these essays, it's essential to be concise. Focus on depth rather than breadth. Dive deep into one or two experiences or ideas rather than skimming over several.
• Narrative Storytelling : Engage your reader with narrative storytelling when possible. Instead of just stating facts, weave a short story that captures the essence of your experience. This makes your essay memorable and showcases your writing skills.
• Proofread and Revise : Always proofread your essays multiple times. It's not just about catching grammatical errors but also ensuring that your essay flows well and effectively conveys your message. Consider getting feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors.
• Connect to the Bigger Picture : Always tie your responses back to how you'll contribute to the Yale community and how Yale will facilitate your personal and professional growth. This shows forward-thinking and a commitment to being an active member of the university.

Remember, the supplemental essays are an  opportunity to showcase aspects of yourself that aren't evident in other parts of your application . Use them wisely to provide a holistic picture of yourself and why you'd be a great fit for Yale.

Looking for inspiration? Dive into these  Yale essay examples  to see what successful applications look like!

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to Yale is about more than showcasing academic excellence; it's about weaving a narrative that deeply resonates with the admissions committee. Your supplemental essays offer a unique lens into your character, aspirations, and the distinct contributions you'll make to the Yale community.

Every Yale hopeful possesses a unique story. This is your golden opportunity to narrate yours. Approach your essays with authenticity, introspection, and a genuine enthusiasm for your narrative.

If you're uncertain whether your essay truly encapsulates your essence or if it will distinguish you amidst the sea of applications, our essay review service is here to assist. Our seasoned experts will meticulously review and provide feedback, ensuring your essay strikes a chord with admissions officers. Explore our ebook , which features essays from students who secured places at elite institutions for added inspiration. And for those aiming for Yale, our collection of successful Yale essay examples will offer invaluable insights.

For those at the onset of their college application journey, consider booking a free consultation with our experienced college counselors. We're committed to guiding you in crafting an application that amplifies your chances of walking through Yale's historic gates. Your dream of becoming a Yalie is attainable, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Everything you need to know about US Application Supplemental Essays
• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

More Articles

10 great common app essay examples from accepted students.

How to Answer the 2024-25 Common App Essay Prompts

What Would Megan Fox's (Hypothetical) Harvard Essay Look Like?

Crimson students are 7x more likely to gain acceptance to their dream college!

Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. crimson provides a comprehensive suite of services, from academic mentoring and test prep to essay assistance, extracurricular guidance, and career mentoring, ensuring a holistic approach to your college preparation journey..

• November 20, 2023

How To Get Into Yale University: Complete Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide, designed to equip you as a formidable applicant for Yale University. Should your ambitions guide you toward the hallowed halls of this illustrious institution, know that you are in the right place for discerning insights, expert advice, and invaluable intelligence. From understanding Yale’s distinct academic culture to navigating the complexities of the application process, we’ve got you covered.

Yale University shines brightly as a paragon of academic excellence in the Ivy League constellation. Founded in 1701 in New Haven, Connecticut, this private research university is revered for its deep commitment to scholarly brilliance, ground-breaking research, and unparalleled focus on both undergraduate and graduate education.

Yale’s reputation for academics is not just for show; it’s strongly built on a foundation of both liberal arts and sciences, as well as career-focused studies . Yale offers a rich variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, covering disciplines as diverse as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Yale students enjoy a nuanced academic experience that fosters both specialized expertise and broad intellectual curiosity.

The corridors of Yale have been graced by a luminous roster of alumni, including U.S. Presidents like Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, as well as intellectual luminaries like Nobel laureates Paul Krugman and Sinclair Lewis. Yale’s alumni network stands as a compelling testament to the university’s enduring commitment to nurturing extraordinary talent.

“I am inclined to believe that the person who gives every ounce to do something superbly has an advantage over the person whose capacities may be great but who seems to have no desire to stretch them to their limit.”

Kingman Brewster Jr., 17th President of Yale University

Beyond academics, Yale is distinguished by its vibrant community culture, highlighted by an enviable student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. This promotes a culture of individualized mentorship and guidance. The campus itself is an architectural marvel renowned for its blend of Gothic and modern architecture, extensive library systems, and a flourishing arts scene.

In this guide, we will dissect the specifics and intricacies that make up what it means to be a competitive applicant to Yale University. Your journey toward academic eminence starts here.

Complimentary Initial Consultation

Fill out this form to book your complimentary initial consultation., how hard is it to get into yale university.

Yale University is synonymous with academic rigor and is consistently placed among the top institutions globally. The competition to gain admission is fierce, epitomizing the university’s commitment to excellence. We categorize Yale as an institution of “highest selectivity.”

Yale’s acceptance rate has historically hovered around the 6% mark, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. In a recent admissions cycle, the university was inundated with over 35,000 applications, resulting in offers extended to a mere 2,169 candidates.

Yale’s meticulous selection process is not capricious but rather rooted in intentionality. The university aims to admit individuals who go beyond exceptional academic accomplishments and who will bring a unique vitality that will enrich Yale’s community fabric. The admissions committee undertakes a thorough review of each application, keenly assessing academic skills, extracurricular achievements, personal qualities, and alignment with Yale’s esteemed mission and core values.

Take, for instance, the Early Action round for the forthcoming Class of 2027. Yale admitted a sparse percentage of applicants. This is not an anomaly but a continuation of a trend, reflecting the escalating levels of selectivity, spurred partly by an ever-increasing pool of talented applicants each year.

In such a competitive landscape, it becomes glaringly clear that earning a seat in a Yale classroom is a Herculean feat. The expectations go beyond academic prowess to include a zealous passion for one’s field of interest, leadership in extracurricular arenas, and a steadfast devotion to making a meaningful impact on society.

Yale’s decision to keep certain admissions statistics confidential further accentuates its focus on the intrinsic qualities of its scholars rather than solely numerical metrics. This rigorous admissions procedure exemplifies a diverse array of minds and talents, admitting only the most deserving and motivated, thereby securing Yale’s reputation as a sanctuary for academic and personal growth on the global stage.

Below, you will discover the academic profile that typifies a successful admittee to Yale University . It is crucial to acknowledge that Yale’s evaluation is far from a simple numerical calculation; it involves a holistic review where extracurricular achievements, leadership qualities, and compelling admissions essays also weigh heavily in the final decision. Yale’s esteemed reputation is grounded in its commitment to admitting scholars who have made significant contributions across various sectors, whether locally, nationally, or globally.

For Yale’s Class of 2026, the average unweighted high school GPA shines at an impressive 3.95. Additionally, approximately 91% of these exemplary students graduated within the top 10% of their high school classes.

The middle 50% SAT score range for Yale’s Class of 2026 stands between 1480 and 1580. For the ACT, the middle 50% composite scores fall within the 33-35 range.

Yale continues to adopt a test-optional policy for the admissions cycles corresponding to the high school classes of 2023 and 2024, providing flexibility to both first-year and transfer applicants.

Yale takes into consideration the highest scores from each section across all SAT attempts, employing a ‘superscore’ methodology. A similar strategy is employed for ACT scores, combining the highest scores in English, mathematics, reading, and science from multiple test dates.

Yale does not have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants. However, the average unweighted high school GPA for admitted students in the Class of 202 6 was 3.96.

Yale grants credit for AP, IB, and other internationally recognized programs, although the specific policies can vary by department.

The answer to this question echoes the diverse academic paths that Yale’s numerous departments and interdisciplinary programs have to offer. While academic requirements can vary, a competitive applicant should have a solid foundation in English, history, mathematics, and sciences, along with at least three to four years of a foreign language.

• 4 Years of English
• 4 Years of Math
• 4 Years of Science
• 3 Years of a Foreign Language

For those targeting Yale’s esteemed School of Engineering & Applied Science, strong STEM courses on your transcript are more than desirable—they are essential.

Conversely, if you are inclined towards humanities, social sciences, or the arts, aim for a well-rounded academic portfolio that demonstrates both depth and breadth within these disciplines.

Your elective courses and extracurricular activities should align with your intended major or interests, serving as essential elements in the narrative of your application.

How to Apply to Yale University

The journey to Yale University requires thoughtful planning and careful execution, as the admissions committee seeks scholars who will thrive in its academically rigorous environment. Yale aims to admit individuals who not only reflect academic brilliance but also embody a passion for intellectual discovery, leadership skills, creative innovation, and a commitment to tackling global challenges.

Your application to Yale consists of several crucial elements, each providing insights into your background, interests, and aspirations. These components include:

Application Platform Selection

 Choose between the Common Application and the Coalition Application , or the QuestBridge National College Match application.

Complete Basic Information

Provide personal details , academic history, extracurricular involvement , and any honors or awards.

Yale Supplemental Section

Respond to Yale-specific essay questions that shed light on your interests, goals, and reasons for applying to Yale.

Standardized Test Scores

Decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores, in line with Yale’s test-optional policy.

High School Transcripts

Request official transcripts from your high school guidance counselor to be sent directly to Yale, detailing your academic record.

Letters of Recommendation

Obtain two academic recommendations and one from a guidance counselor.

Financial Aid Documentation

Submit the necessary forms, including the FAFSA and CSS Profile, if applying for financial aid.

Pay Application Fee

Complete the non-refundable, required fee of $80, though fee waivers are available for qualified applicants.

Submit the Application

Review all sections for accuracy and submit your application by the relevant deadline—Yale offers both Single-Choice Early Action and Regular Decision options.

Yale University Essays

For Yale University, crafting compelling essays is an integral part of the admissions process. These essays not only offer insights into your personality and aspirations but also provide a crucial opportunity for you to demonstrate your fit with Yale’s diverse and intellectually vibrant community. The following guidelines and tips are designed to assist you in navigating the essay-writing terrain.

Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.

Quick Tips:

• Be honest yet strategic about your academic interests.
• You have three dropdown options. Use all three if it helps to accurately represent your interests, but do not feel obligated to do so.

Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)

• This is based on the dropdown menus referenced above. Choose something genuinely exciting to you that connects to at least one of those academic areas.
• Use anecdotes to illustrate your intellectual engagement with the topic.
• Keep it personal and relatable, avoiding overly abstract discussions.
• Do your research and focus on specific aspects of Yale that appeal to you.
• Discuss how Yale will help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
• Include your plans for personal growth and extracurricular involvement.
• Be specific and avoid clichés.
• Aim for a memorable, hyper-specific answer.
• Discuss something you are passionate about or knowledgeable about.
• Think creatively and beyond traditional academic subjects.
• Choose someone who has genuinely impacted you.
• Use the limited space to focus on their influence on you and your values.
• Focus on a unique aspect of your personality.
• Consider using this space to highlight something that complements other parts of your application.

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

• Define your community and your role in it.
• Discuss why it’s meaningful to you and what it adds to your life.
• Choose a real conversation that has challenged you.
• Reflect on what you learned and how it has influenced you or will influence your interactions in the future.
• Choose something that has significantly shaped you.
• Discuss how it will enrich the Yale community.
• Customize your essays to showcase your unique perspective.
• Demonstrate that you’ve researched Yale’s academic and extracurricular offerings.
• Revise and proofread for clarity and adherence to word limits.

By adhering to these steps, you’ll be able to compose compelling essays, but remember to begin the process early. Starting ahead of time is vital, as the writing process can take time and unforeseen circumstances can arise; don’t allow unexpected situations to derail your progress!

The Yale University Interview

The Yale admissions process may include an optional alumni interview , which provides an avenue for you to further express your interests, experiences, and fit with Yale. While the interview is optional, it’s highly recommended as it offers the admissions committee additional context and insight into your application.

Here are some quick tips to help you navigate the Yale University interview:

• Be Yourself: The interview is more of a conversation than an evaluation.
• Preparation: Familiarize yourself with your application and be ready to discuss specific aspects of Yale that excite you.
• Dress Code: Business casual attire is generally appropriate.
• Post-Interview: Always send a thank-you note expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss your application.

Although not a make-or-break factor, the interview can add a personal touch to your application and provide valuable insights that reinforce your suitability for Yale. Therefore, it’s an opportunity you should aim to seize.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Yale University

Yale University is an institution that symbolizes academic prowess, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change in the world. If you dream of joining Yale’s diverse and dynamic community, understanding the university’s core values and tailoring your application to match can be game-changing. Here’s how to accomplish that:

Yale prizes intellectual vitality and a love for learning. Showcase your affinity for tackling complex issues, your innovative thinking, and your commitment to academic rigor. Whether you’ve excelled in academic competitions, been part of research projects, or engaged in scholarly discussions, make sure this shines through in your application.

Yale’s unofficial motto is “Lux et Veritas” (Light and Truth), emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and ethical living. Your application should reflect your leadership experiences and how you have made a positive impact in your community. Leading a student organization, initiating social change, or working on sustainability projects can be compelling points to discuss.

Yale encourages its students to be global citizens. If you’ve been involved in international endeavors, cultural exchanges, or have a diverse set of experiences that have broadened your worldview, these can be strong additions to your application.

Yale expects top-notch academic performance. Make sure your academic record, including GPA, class rank, and coursework (like AP, IB, or honors courses) stands out. Yale’s educational environment is demanding; your academic history should reflect your preparedness.

Yale values a vibrant, diverse student body. Whether it’s your talent in music, your entrepreneurial spirit, your athletic achievements, or any other unique skills or hobbies, these can make you stand out from the crowd.

If you have a family connection to Yale, it’s worth mentioning, although it’s not a significant factor. Legacy can offer additional context to your application.

Yale’s supplemental essays give you the opportunity to reveal more about your personality, your fit with Yale’s community, and your academic and personal aspirations. Be authentic and articulate in demonstrating why Yale is your dream school.

If Yale is your first choice, applying via the Single-Choice Early Action may be beneficial. It allows you to show your strong interest in Yale and can sometimes result in a higher chance of acceptance.

Remember, Yale is looking for students who not only excel academically but also enrich their communities and embody the university’s values. Your application should be a cohesive narrative that reflects these aspects.

Should I Apply to Yale University?

Contemplating whether to apply to Yale is no small decision. Yale is a cornerstone in higher education, offering vast academic and extracurricular opportunities. Here are some points to consider:

Yale is synonymous with academic excellence. Consider whether your academic credentials align with Yale’s standards.

• Is your GPA competitive?
• Are you excelling in challenging courses?
• Do you have a strong desire for research and intellectual inquiry?

Yale values individuals who are leaders and active community members.

• Are you involved in meaningful extracurricular activities?
• Do you have experience leading projects or organizations?
• Are you committed to making a societal impact?

Yale seeks students who think globally and understand the importance of cultural diversity.

• Have you been part of international initiatives?
• Do you aspire to solve global issues?

Yale alumni excel in diverse fields, from law and medicine to technology and the arts.

• Does Yale offer strong programs in your area of interest?

Think about whether Yale’s campus culture aligns with your personal preferences.

• Do you see yourself thriving in Yale’s collaborative and inclusive environment?

Applying to Yale University is both an ambitious and transformative journey, one that requires you to reflect deeply on your values, aspirations, and what you hope to contribute to the world. Yale’s diverse academic offerings, commitment to social impact, and vibrant community can provide a rewarding college experience that aligns with your life goals. So, don’t let apprehensions or uncertainties deter you. If Yale’s values and culture resonate with you, seize the opportunity and take that crucial step to apply. Your journey could very well lead you to the hallowed halls of one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Yale University Admissions Cycle & Key Deadliness

Below is an overview of the key dates and steps in the admissions cycle for Yale University. Whether you are considering early action, regular decisions, or transfer admissions, understanding these deadlines will help you navigate the application process more smoothly.

Additional Dates & Information:

• Supplemental Materials: By application deadline
• Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis; not guaranteed for all applicants.
• Bulldog Days for Admitted Students: Typically in April
• Orientation: Late August or early September

Note: These deadlines and details are provided for general guidance and are subject to change. Always consult Yale University’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly to confirm specific dates, requirements, and procedures for the admissions cycle in which you are interested.

Get Into Yale University With Prepory

Navigating Yale’s competitive admissions landscape is a complex task. Prepory is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you present your best self to Yale’s admissions committee.

Here’s how Prepory can assist you in your quest to become a Yale Bulldog:

Personalized Coaching

Prepory’s college admissions experts will work with you one-on-one to understand your goals, strengths, and areas for growth. Together, you’ll craft a personalized strategy tailored to Yale’s specific requirements.

Essay Assistance

Yale’s supplemental essays are a vital part of the application. Our skilled coaches, backed by our dedicated Writing Team, will guide you in crafting impressive essays that resonate with Yale’s values and mission, helping you stand out from the crowd.

Interview Preparation

If offered an interview, Prepory will equip you with the essential tools and techniques to confidently present yourself. Our coaches will guide you through understanding potential questions and mastering best practices. Additionally, our dedicated Interview Team is available to conduct mock interviews, ensuring you receive valuable feedback and experience before the real deal.

Test Strategy and Academic Planning

We analyze your academic profile and help you choose the right courses and test prep strategies that align with Yale’s expectations, whether it’s the SAT, ACT, or subject tests.

Financial Aid Guidance

Understanding and applying for financial aid can be complex. Prepory assists in demystifying the process, helping you identify and apply for scholarships and aid that suit your needs.

Holistic Approach

Beyond academics, Yale values community involvement and leadership. We help you identify and engage in extracurricular activities that align with your passions and Yale’s ethos.

Continuous Support

From the early stages of considering Yale to the moment you receive your acceptance letter, Prepory offers continuous support, guidance, and encouragement. Our team is committed to your success.

Committee Review

Obtain a comprehensive evaluation of your college application by a panel of admissions experts, providing invaluable insights and personalized feedback to optimize your chances of getting accepted into your dream school.

Prepory's Success Rate

Key takeaways and next steps.

Yale University is an emblem of academic excellence, civic engagement, and global leadership. Its rich history, diverse community, and commitment to making a positive impact on society make it an enticing option for aspirational students from around the world.

However, gaining admission to Yale is not a straightforward task. It demands meticulous planning, self-examination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This guide has aimed to give you a comprehensive understanding of Yale’s distinct culture, the intricacies of its application process, and actionable strategies to strengthen your candidacy.

Prepory’s tailored approach to college admissions and career coaching is committed to aligning with your unique aspirations, strengths, and objectives. Whether it’s honing exceptional essays, preparing for potential Yale interviews, or navigating the complexities of financial aid, our team of experts is steadfast in offering you the support you need at every juncture.

Embark on your journey to Yale with confidence, backed by Prepory’s proven expertise. Schedule your initial consultation to join the ranks of accomplished students who have realized their dreams of attending Yale and other top-tier institutions, guided by Prepory’s specialized assistance.

Contact a Prepory college admissions coach and start your college admissions journey.

Our college admissions experts are here to guide you from where you are to where you should be. Through our comprehensive curriculum, individualized coaching, and online workshops, you are set for success as soon as you connect with us.

During our initial consultation, we will: 

• Assess your student’s applicant profile and higher education goals 
• Provide detailed information about our services and programming
• Share tips on how to navigate the U.S. college admissions process 

Let's get started!

Land your next great job with a Prepory career coach!

Let us help you advance your career, Identify new opportunities, participate in mock interviews, build, thrive, grow, and land your dream job.

Subscribe to our blog!

Follow us on social media

Want to get admitted to your dream school or accelerate your career?

College Admissions

Career coaching.

(929) 244-3365 [email protected] 12555 Orange Drive, Suite 100A, Davie, FL 33330

Copyright © 2023  Prepory Coaching Group LLC.  All Rights Reserved.

Ready to take the next step towards college admissions or career success?

Book your free consultation.

• [email protected]
• (650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

• Our Philosophy
• Our Results
• News, Media, and Press
• Common Application
• College Application Essay Editing
• Extracurricular Planning
• Academic Guidance
• Summer Programs
• Interview Preparation

Middle School

• Pre-High School Consultation
• Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

• Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
• Senior Editor College Application Program
• Summer Program Applications
• Private Consulting Program
• Transfer Admissions
• UC Transfer Admissions
• Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

• Graduate School Admissions
• MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

• SAT/ACT Tutoring
• AP Exam Tutoring
• Olympiad Training

Research Programs

• Science Research Program
• Humanities Competitions
• Passion Project Program
• Ad Hoc Consulting
• Athletic Recruitment
• National Universities Rankings
• Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
• Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

• University Acceptance Rates
• Transfer Acceptance Rates
• Supplemental Essays
• College Admissions Data
• Chances Calculator
• GPA Calculator

National Universities

• College Acceptance Rates
• College Overall Acceptance Rates
• College Regular Acceptance Rates
• College Early Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

• Public Schools Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

• Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

How to Get into Yale: Admission Requirements and Tips

By Eric Eng

High-performing students from around the country wonder how to get into Yale University. This highly-respected college is recognized by many as one of the preeminent universities in the entire country. If you’re looking to join the ranks of Yale students and alumni, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly and thoughtfully.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how difficult it is to get into Yale University, what we can learn from its admissions data, and what steps you can take to increase your chances of getting admitted.

Overview of Yale

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is part of the prestigious Ivy League, a group known for its academic rigor and historic campuses. Since its founding in 1701, Yale has been at the forefront of educating future leaders.

The campus is a hub of activity, where students from various backgrounds converge to learn and grow. Yale’s commitment to a comprehensive education is evident in its diverse curriculum and the countless opportunities for student engagement.

With a faculty that includes some of the most esteemed scholars in the world, Yale provides an environment where students are challenged to think critically and expand their knowledge. The university encourages a holistic approach to personal and intellectual development.

Getting into Yale is a competitive process, with thousands of applicants each year hoping to secure a spot. It requires more than just academic excellence; it requires demonstrating potential for contribution to the Yale community and beyond.

Yale’s Acceptance Rate

Yale’s acceptance rate in recent years has consistently been in the single digits, showcasing the university’s highly selective admissions process:

From 52,250 applicants, Yale admitted only 2,275 students to the Class of 2027 . This acceptance rate (4.35%) represents the lowest in history for Yale University, marking a trend of increasing selectivity.

This pattern of decreasing acceptance rates isn’t unique to Yale. It’s something seen across most top-tier universities as more students vie for the limited places available.

Factors that influence the acceptance rate

The acceptance rate at Yale is affected by a myriad of factors, some within the applicant’s control and others that are a reflection of broader trends in higher education.

Every year, Yale sees a rise in the number of applications, partly due to its global reputation and partly because of the Common Application’s ease of use. More applications mean tougher competition and a lower acceptance rate.

Moreover, Yale’s Single-Choice Early Action program allows students to declare their preference for Yale without the binding commitment required by some early decision programs. A significant portion of the class can be filled from this early pool, lowering the acceptance rate for those who apply during the regular decision cycle.

Yale is also committed to diversity, seeking to enroll students from all walks of life, including various socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as a balance of genders and an array of academic interests.

For hopeful applicants, understanding these factors is key to tailoring their applications to stand out in a crowded and competitive field.

Yale GPA and SAT Requirements

At Yale, your GPA and SAT scores are crucial requirements. Your GPA is a significant indicator of your academic commitment and persistence, signaling your readiness for its demanding curriculum. Your SAT scores provide a standardized measure of your educational preparedness, allowing admissions officers to gauge how you stack up in a pool of highly accomplished applicants.

Excel in both to showcase your ability to thrive at Yale’s competitive level. Yet, it’s essential to balance these with strong personal elements, as Yale adopts a holistic review, valuing diverse talents and perspectives.

Yale GPA Requirements

Admitted students at Yale have a GPA between 3.8 to 4.19, with an average GPA of 4.14. Yale attracts students at the top of their class; in fact, a significant number of admitted students are valedictorians or salutatorians.

While Yale does not publish an official minimum GPA requirement, the high average GPA of its student body speaks to the university’s academic rigor and the quality of the students it admits.

GPA recommendations

Yale University places a high value on academic achievement, and your GPA is a significant determining factor in their admission process. Earn straight A’s in high school and aim for a GPA of 4.0 or higher.

If your GPA is not in the typical range for Yale admits, don’t lose hope. Show improvement over time. If your grades have an upward trajectory, it demonstrates your ability to adapt and overcome challenges, a quality Yale looks for.

Next, take the most challenging courses available to you, like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. Yale values students who push themselves beyond the basic requirements.

You may also use your application to provide context for your GPA. If there were circumstances that impacted your academic performance, explain them. Yale considers the entirety of your experiences.

In summary, while GPA is a significant factor in Yale’s admissions process, it is not the sole determinant of your application’s success. Yale is looking for students who are not just academically capable, but who also bring diverse perspectives and a willingness to contribute to the Yale community.

Yale SAT Requirements

When you’re applying to an institution as prestigious as Yale, your SAT scores are a crucial component of your application. Admitted Yale students usually have these SAT scores:

If your SAT score is below 1530, it’s considered below average compared to the scores of students who have been admitted. While this doesn’t disqualify you, it means your other application components must shine even brighter.

A score above 1530 puts you in a strong position from a testing perspective, as you’ve scored better than at least 75% of admitted students. This can be an advantage, but remember that Yale’s admissions are holistic, so high scores alone don’t guarantee admission.

SAT recommendations

A SAT score of 1530 is relatively good, but do your best to garner 1560 or above.

If you haven’t taken the SAT yet, take note that effective SAT preparation is key. Use official SAT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter.

If you’re not satisfied with your scores, don’t hesitate to retake the SAT. Many students take the test more than once, and Yale considers your highest scores.

If you feel that your SAT scores are not an accurate reflection of your academic potential and they fall well below the middle 50% range, consider applying without them if the test-optional policy is still in place.

Remember, Yale’s review of applications is comprehensive. SAT scores are just one factor among many that are considered in the admissions process. Showcasing your unique talents, experiences, and perspective is equally important in making your application stand out.

Yale ACT Requirements

The ACT is another standardized test that Yale applicants can choose to take. Yale University’s admitted students often boast high ACT scores, aligning with the school’s selective admissions standards:

A score within the 25th to 75th percentile aligns you with the majority of admitted students, making the rest of your application’s strength crucial.

If your ACT score falls below the 25th percentile of those admitted to Yale, bolster the other components of your application to compensate. Meanwhile, scoring above the 75th percentile is impressive, yet in Yale’s holistic admissions process, it’s not an absolute ticket to acceptance.

ACT recommendations

Your target ACT score should fall within the 75th percentile of admitted Yale students, which is typically around 35.

If you’re preparing for the ACT with an eye on Yale, understand the structure of the ACT test, including the types of questions asked and the subjects covered. Take timed practice tests to become comfortable with the pace of the ACT. This can help improve your time management skills and reduce test-day anxiety.

Weight the benefits of submitting your ACT scores. If they reflect your capabilities and are within or above the typical range for admitted students, sending them in could bolster your application.

While a high ACT score can enhance your application, Yale’s admissions officers are looking for evidence of intellectual curiosity, commitment to community, and a capacity for personal growth. Therefore, show them who you are beyond the numbers, and let your full potential shine through every part of your application.

Is Yale Test-Optional?

Yale University is currently test-optional for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. This means that you have the option to submit your ACT or SAT scores, but it is not required.

If you choose not to submit your test scores, the admissions committee will place greater weight on other parts of your application, such as high school transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.

Yale University became test-optional due to the ongoing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yale understands that the pandemic has created significant challenges for students, including the ability to take standardized tests, and the university wants to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to apply to Yale.

The admissions office plans to announce a long-term policy on standardized testing in winter 2024. It will be informed by the data and insights generated from the most recent admissions cycles.

What Does Yale Look for in Students?

Like many Ivy League institutions, Yale University seeks a diverse array of bright, motivated, and engaged students to join its community. The admissions process is designed to identify individuals who are not just academically capable, but who also bring a unique perspective, a passion for learning, and the potential to contribute positively to the campus and beyond.

Here’s what Yale typically looks for:

1. Intellectual curiosity

Yale values students who have a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. They seek individuals who ask insightful questions, pursue knowledge for its own sake, and engage deeply with their subjects of interest.

2. Leadership and initiative

Applicants who have demonstrated leadership or have taken initiative in their activities tend to stand out. Whether it’s starting a new club, leading a project in their community, or taking on significant responsibilities at home, proactive engagement is key.

3. Contribution to community

A sense of community is central to Yale’s ethos. They appreciate students who have a track record of contributing to their communities in meaningful ways, whether through service, activism, or simply by being a good citizen.

4. Personal qualities

Personal qualities such as empathy, resilience, humor, and the ability to collaborate with others are important. Yale’s collaborative environment means they look for students who can work well with others and contribute to the welfare of the group.

5. Diversity of experiences

Yale prides itself on having a student body that comes from a wide range of backgrounds. Diversity in experiences, thoughts, and perspectives is valued, as it enriches the learning environment for everyone.

6. Academic excellence

While Yale has a holistic admissions process, academic prowess is still crucial. High grades, a rigorous curriculum, and, when applicable, strong standardized test scores are all important indicators of a student’s readiness for Yale’s challenging academic environment.

7. Extracurricular engagement

Involvement in extracurricular activities suggests a well-rounded and balanced individual. Yale looks for students who have committed to their interests with depth, whether in the arts, sports, community service, or other areas.

8. Unique talents or achievements

Standout talents or significant achievements can catch an admissions officer’s eye. Whether you’re an accomplished musician, a competitive athlete, or a recognized artist, these aspects can add to your application’s appeal.

Remember, Yale is looking for more than just a list of accomplishments. They are looking for real people who will add to the Yale community in their unique ways.

How to Boost Your Yale Application

Standing out in a pool of highly qualified Yale applicants means polishing every part of your application until it shines. Let’s delve into ways you can boost your Yale application to grab the attention of the admissions committee.

1. Ace your academics

When it comes to your academic record, consider these key questions:

• Challenging Coursework: Have you enrolled in the most demanding courses available, such as AP , IB, or honors classes?
• Grade Performance: Are your grades a true reflection of your ability to engage with and excel in challenging material?
• Course Selection: Does your course selection highlight a breadth of interests or a deep dive into a particular area where you show strong aptitude?
• School’s Curriculum: Are you taking full advantage of your school’s academic offerings to showcase your scholarly capabilities?
• Consistency: Is there a consistent theme of academic rigor and achievement throughout your high school years?

Your academic track should communicate to Yale that you’re not just meeting the standard—you’re setting it.

2. Score well on standardized tests

As you navigate the standardized testing landscape, ask yourself these critical questions:

• Test Preparation: Have you invested sufficient time and resources into preparing for the SAT or ACT?
• Score Submission: Given Yale’s test-optional policy, will your standardized test scores enhance your application?
• Testing Strategy: Have you considered which test plays to your strengths and prepared accordingly?
• Practice Tests: Are you consistently taking practice tests to track your progress and identify areas for improvement?
• Super Scoring: Are you aware of Yale’s policy on super scoring and do you know how it might benefit your application?

Aim to present standardized test scores that align with the upper echelons of Yale’s admitted students, if you believe they’ll strengthen your application.

3. Craft compelling essays

As you approach your essays, think deeply about these aspects:

• Personal Story: How can you craft your essays to convey a narrative that is uniquely yours?
• Authentic Voice: Are your essays written in a voice that is authentically yours, allowing your personality to shine through?
• Reflective Insights: Do your essays provide insight into your thinking, learning experiences, and growth?
• Connection to Yale: How do your essays align with Yale’s values and demonstrate that you can contribute meaningfully to their community?
• Revision Process: Have you engaged in a thorough revision process, perhaps seeking feedback from trusted teachers or mentors?

Your essays are your opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee. Ensure they reflect who you are, what you care about, and how you will bring value to Yale’s diverse and dynamic environment.

4. Pursue meaningful extracurriculars

Consider these questions when evaluating your extracurricular involvement:

• Depth of Commitment: Are you deeply involved in a few activities, showing sustained commitment and impact over time?
• Leadership Roles: Have you taken on leadership positions or initiated projects within your extracurriculars?
• Passion and Interest: Do your activities reflect genuine interests and passions, rather than just participation for the sake of your resume?
• Impact and Contribution: Can you demonstrate the impact of your involvement both within the activity and on your community?
• Personal Growth: How have these activities contributed to your personal development and prepared you for life at Yale?

Remember, Yale values quality over quantity. It’s about how deeply you engage with your interests and the level of responsibility and initiative you show.

5. Seek strong recommendations

Your recommendations should come from individuals who know you well and can speak with authority about your character, accomplishments, and potential. Reflect on the following:

• Appropriate Recommenders: Have you identified teachers, counselors, or mentors who truly understand your strengths and can write detailed, personal letters on your behalf?
• Relationship Building: Have you built strong relationships with potential recommenders, giving them a clear picture of your goals and aspirations?
• Guidance for Recommenders: Have you provided your recommenders with all the necessary information about you, including your resume, personal statement, and a reminder of specific projects or achievements they might highlight?
• Diversity of Perspectives: Do your recommenders represent different aspects of your life and accomplishments, providing a well-rounded view of who you are?
• Gratitude and Follow-up: Have you shown appreciation for your recommenders’ time and effort, and have you followed up to ensure they have everything they need to meet the deadlines?

Strong letters of recommendation can be incredibly influential, as they provide a third-party perspective on your academic abilities and personal qualities. Ensure that they add depth and context to your application that grades and test scores alone cannot convey.

6. Demonstrate interest

Yale, like many selective institutions, takes note of applicants who show genuine interest in attending. Here’s what to consider:

• Campus Visits: Have you visited Yale, either virtually or in person, to get a sense of the campus and community?
• Engagement with Admissions: Are you engaging with Yale’s admissions officers through informational sessions, emails, or college fairs?
• Yale-Specific Application Answers: Have you tailored your application to reflect how your goals and interests align with Yale’s offerings?
• Current Student Interactions: Have you reached out to current Yale students or alumni to learn about their experiences and convey your enthusiasm for the school?
• Knowledge of Programs: Do you have a thorough understanding of Yale’s programs, culture, and opportunities that you can articulate in your application?

Demonstrating interest shows Yale that you’re serious about becoming part of their community. It’s about showing that you’re not only a great fit on paper but also genuinely excited to contribute to and grow from the Yale experience.

7. Polish your interview

If you’re offered an interview , it’s a great sign—Yale wants to know more about you. Keep these points in mind:

• Interview Preparation: Have you researched common interview questions and practiced your responses?
• Self-Awareness: Are you able to articulate your interests, achievements, and reasons for wanting to attend Yale confidently and clearly?
• Engaging Questions: Have you prepared thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer that show your interest in Yale and your desire to learn more about the university?
• Mock Interviews: Have you considered conducting mock interviews with a teacher, counselor, or family member to build confidence and receive feedback?
• Follow-Up: Do you know the appropriate steps to take after the interview to express your gratitude and reinforce your interest in Yale?

The interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, your enthusiasm for Yale, and your readiness to contribute positively to their campus community.

8. Reflect diversity and inclusion

Yale places a high value on creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Here’s how to frame this in your application:

• Unique Perspective: What unique viewpoints do you bring to the table based on your background, experiences, and beliefs?
• Contribution to Campus Diversity: How will you contribute to the diversity of the Yale community, both in and out of the classroom?
• Inclusivity Initiatives: Have you been involved in initiatives that promote inclusivity and understanding among diverse groups?
• Global Awareness: Can you demonstrate a sensitivity to and appreciation for cultural differences and global issues?
• Personal Reflection: Have you reflected on your role in a diverse community and how you’ve interacted with people different from yourself?

In your application, it’s important to show that you not only value diversity but also actively engage with it.

9. Fine-tune your application

Ensuring your application is error-free and polished is critical. Here are some final checks to consider:

• Proofreading: Have you thoroughly checked your application for spelling and grammatical errors?
• Consistency: Is there consistency in the information and narrative across all parts of your application?
• Application Guidelines: Have you followed all application instructions, adhering to word limits, and required formats?
• Feedback: Have you sought feedback on your application from teachers, counselors, or peers to catch any oversights?
• Submission: Are you clear on the deadlines and have you planned to submit your application ahead of time to avoid any last-minute technical issues?

A well-polished application is the capstone of your hard work. It signifies your attention to detail and your seriousness about joining the Yale community.

10. Be authentic

The final, and perhaps most crucial, aspect of your Yale application is authenticity. Keep these thoughts in mind:

• True Self: Are you presenting your true self, rather than what you think the admissions committee wants to see?
• Honesty: Have you ensured that every part of your application is honest and accurately reflects your achievements and experiences?
• Passion: Does your application communicate your genuine passions and interests, and does it reflect your enthusiasm for learning?
• Self-Reflection: Have you shown self-reflection, acknowledging not just your successes but also your growth areas and how you’ve worked on them?
• Unique Story: Does your application tell a unique story that can only be yours, setting you apart from other applicants?

Authenticity can’t be faked, and admissions committees are adept at spotting insincerity. An authentic application resonates with truth and can significantly impact the impression you make. It demonstrates your integrity and self-awareness—qualities Yale and other top institutions hold in high regard.

Specific Areas that Can Bolster Your Yale Application

When applying to Yale, emphasizing engagement in distinctive programs can significantly impact your application:

Academic excellence programs

Gain a competitive edge by participating in renowned programs like the Yale Young Global Scholars or the Summer Science Program (SSP), which are known for their rigorous intellectual challenges.

Leadership development

Build your leadership profile through experiences such as Boys/Girls State, the National Student Leadership Conference, or the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program.

Creative arts intensives

If you’re an aspiring artist, consider attending specialized programs like the Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program or the Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School Program.

Community service endeavors

Engage in deep community service through organizations like the Peace Corps Youth Programs or by initiating a service project that addresses local issues.

Entrepreneurial ventures

Display business leadership by joining incubators for young entrepreneurs such as the MIT Launch Club or the Future Business Leaders of America.

Cultural enrichment

Show your cultural engagement through language immersion programs, like Concordia Language Villages, or through participating in Model United Nations conferences, reflecting global awareness.

Athletic programs

Demonstrate your sportsmanship and commitment by attending top athletic camps, such as the Nike Sports Camps or attending Ivy League sports clinics.

Professional internships

Take on internships in fields of interest offered through platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, which can provide invaluable real-world experience.

Global learning

Expand your international perspective with programs like Global Leadership Adventures or the National Geographic Student Expeditions.

STEM research opportunities

Engage in summer research programs or competitions like the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair or the Research Science Institute .

By pursuing these opportunities, you can present yourself as a well-rounded, proactive, and passionate candidate, poised to contribute meaningfully to the Yale community.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Yale Application

Perfecting your Yale application is key. Dodge these common mistakes for a stronger chance of admission:

1. Ignoring Yale-specific questions

Yale’s admissions officers are looking for applicants who have a clear and compelling reason for wanting to join their community. Ensure every essay, especially the “Why Yale?” question, demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of what Yale uniquely offers and how it aligns with your academic and personal goals. Don’t give them a reason to think you’re just casting a wide Ivy League net.

2. Recycling essays

It’s tempting to repurpose essays from other applications, but Yale’s prompts are an opportunity to speak directly to the Yale experience. Customize your essays to reflect how your story and aspirations fit with Yale’s ethos, courses, and community. Any hint of a copy-and-paste job will weaken your application.

3. Selecting inappropriate recommenders

Recommendations should add a personal dimension to your application, offering depth beyond grades and scores. Pick mentors who can provide anecdotes that highlight your curiosity, character, and contributions to your community, rather than relying on recommenders whose prestige might seem impressive but whose letters are impersonal.

4. Overlooking supplemental material

Yale’s additional essays and materials aren’t afterthoughts; they’re integral to your application narrative. These components allow you to showcase different facets of your personality and intellect. Give these as much care and creativity as your main personal statement to ensure they strengthen your overall story.

5. Procrastination

Procrastination can be the downfall of quality. Starting early allows you to reflect deeply on your answers, seek feedback, and revise. It also provides a buffer against unforeseen circumstances that might otherwise force you to submit a less-than-stellar application under the wire.

By steering clear of these mistakes and presenting a well-crafted, thoughtful application, you stand a better chance of catching the attention of the Yale admissions committee.

Yale Admission Requirements

Navigating the admissions process at Yale University means understanding which components are mandatory and optional. These considerations could influence your application.

Mandatory requirements

• Application Platform: Choose either the Coalition Application, the Common Application, or the QuestBridge Application, each with questions specific to Yale.
• Application Fee or Waiver: You’ll need to pay an $80 fee, though you may request a waiver if it poses a financial hardship.
• Teacher Recommendations: You need two from teachers in core subjects like English or science, ideally from your later high school years.
• Counselor Recommendation: One recommendation from your school counselor is required.
• School Report with Transcript: Submit an official transcript that includes all your secondary school courses.
• Mid-Year Report: As soon as your senior year first-term grades are out, make sure Yale gets them.

Optional requirements

• Standardized Test Results: For the fall 2024 admission cycle, submitting your SAT or ACT scores is optional.
• Supplementary Materials: While you can send supplementary materials, do so only if they’ll significantly bolster your application.
• Financial Aid Application: If you’re applying for financial aid, remember to process the necessary applications along with your admission forms.

How to Apply to Yale

Applying to Yale is a process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your application is complete:

1. Research and plan

Start by thoroughly researching Yale’s course offerings, campus life, and extracurricular activities. Check the admission requirements and deadlines specific to your chosen program.

2. Choose your application platform

Decide whether to apply through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. Create an account on your chosen platform and familiarize yourself with its layout and requirements.

3. Complete the application form

Fill out all required sections, including your personal information, educational history, and extracurricular activities. Answer the Yale-specific questions that are part of the application form.

4. Write your essays

Draft and revise your personal essay . This should reflect your personality, experiences, and reasons for choosing Yale. Next, write the Yale supplemental essays . Take your time to craft thoughtful responses that add depth to your application.

5. Gather additional materials

Request your official high school transcript to be sent to Yale. Ask two teachers for recommendations and provide them with ample time to write their letters. Lastly, obtain a counselor recommendation and the school report.

6. Consider standardized testing (if submitting)

Register for and take the SAT or ACT, if you’ve decided to submit scores. Send your test scores directly to Yale through the testing agency.

7. Review and submit additional requirements (if applicable)

If you’re applying to a specialized program (like Art or Music), prepare your portfolio or audition materials. Consider submitting any additional recommendations or material that could strengthen your application.

8. Review your application

Go over your entire application multiple times. Check for any errors or omissions. Verify that all sections are complete and essays are polished.

9. Submit your application

Once you’re confident your application is complete, submit it before the deadline. Pay the application fee or submit a fee waiver if you qualify.

10. Keep track of your application

Monitor your email and application portal for any communications from Yale. If selected, prepare for the alumni interview.

11. Wait for a decision

Yale will notify you of their admission decision through the application portal.

How to Submit Supplemental Materials to Yale

Submitting supplemental materials to Yale University can be an integral part of your application process, particularly if you have special talents or achievements that you wish to highlight.

Yale University allows the submission of supplementary materials for applicants with exceptional talents in specific areas such as visual art, music, science, engineering, film, dance, and creative writing.

It’s important to consider submitting these materials only if they reflect a high level of talent and are a significant part of your application. Yale advises applicants to focus primarily on the required elements of the application, as supplementary materials are not evaluated in all cases​​​​.

Submission methods

Supplemental materials at Yale are submitted through different platforms based on the type of material:

• SlideRoom: This is used for audio recordings, musical scores, art samples, film samples, and dance videos. It’s essential to create a SlideRoom account before submitting your application as you won’t be able to access it afterwards. There are specific deadlines for submission based on your application type (Early Action, Regular Decision, or Transfer)​​.
• STEM Research Supplement Form: For science or engineering research , this form is available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after your application has been received​​.
• Common Application or Coalition Application: For other academic work, including creative writing, these can be submitted via the application or application update​​.

Step-by-step guide

• Decide which category your supplemental material falls into (e.g., art, music, science research).
• Ensure your material meets Yale’s standards and guidelines.
• If using SlideRoom, set up your account before submitting your application.
• Use SlideRoom for artistic submissions, the STEM Research Supplement Form for science/engineering research, and the Common Application or Coalition Application for other academic works.
• Submit your materials by the deadlines specific to your application type (Early Action, Regular Decision, or Transfer)​​.

It is crucial to remember that supplementary materials should be exceptional and demonstrate a high level of ability. Yale University emphasizes that such submissions are optional and advises applicants to focus mainly on the required components of the application​​​​.

Other Yale Application Matters

When you’re applying to Yale, there’s more to consider than just the application itself. Understanding the nuances of financial planning and the differences between application timelines can also play a significant role in your application strategy.

Scholarships and financial aid

Yale meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for every student, and applicants should complete both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile to qualify. There are no merit-based scholarships directly from Yale, but additional scholarships can be sought through external organizations.

It’s crucial to adhere to Yale’s financial aid deadlines, and applicants are encouraged to utilize Yale’s Net Price Calculator for a personalized cost estimate.

Regular Decision vs Early Action

Yale offers two admission options: Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) and Regular Decision. The first, a non-binding option with a November deadline, shows strong interest in Yale and may offer a greater chance of acceptance. The second, with a January deadline, provides more time to enhance your application.

The choice between the two should reflect your readiness, need for financial aid comparison, and commitment to attending Yale if admitted.

How Hard is it to Get Into Yale?

Gaining admission to Yale University is an exceptionally challenging feat, reflecting the university’s status as one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

The admission process at Yale encompasses a holistic review of each candidate. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 stood at a mere 4.5%, indicating the highly selective nature of Yale’s admissions process.

This low acceptance rate is a clear indicator of the competitiveness of Yale admissions. With over 52,303 applicants vying for a limited number of spots, each aspect of an application is scrutinized.

Yale seeks students who demonstrate intellectual vitality, leadership, initiative, and a capacity to contribute positively to the campus community. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on personal essays, where applicants must articulate their unique perspectives and reasons for choosing Yale.

Moreover, Yale’s admission policy is need-blind for all applicants, including international students, ensuring that financial circumstances do not play a role in admission decisions. This policy further intensifies the competition, as students from diverse economic backgrounds globally apply without reservation.

Benefits of Attending Yale

Yale University, a prestigious institution in higher education, offers more than just a pathway to academic excellence. It provides a holistic environment where students can grow intellectually, culturally, and socially.

World-Class Academic Programs

Yale University is renowned for its exceptional academic programs across various disciplines. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances breadth with depth, encouraging exploration and specialization.

Yale’s faculty comprises esteemed scholars and industry leaders who bring knowledge and experience to the classroom. This academic environment fosters intellectual growth and innovation, preparing students for successful careers in numerous fields.

Diverse and Inclusive Community

At Yale, students join a vibrant, diverse community that values inclusivity and global perspectives. The university is home to students worldwide, offering a rich cultural exchange that enhances the learning experience.

Yale’s commitment to diversity extends beyond nationality, encompassing a broad spectrum of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. This diversity enriches campus life and prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world.

Extensive Research Opportunities

Yale provides abundant research opportunities, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge projects and scholarly inquiry. Undergraduate students often collaborate with faculty on significant research, gaining valuable experience and contributing to meaningful work in their field of interest.

These opportunities are not limited to science and technology; they span humanities, arts, and social sciences, reflecting Yale’s comprehensive academic offerings.

A Network of Successful Alumni

Graduating from Yale means joining an extensive network of successful alumni. This network is a valuable resource for career development, mentorship, and professional opportunities.

Yale alumni are leaders in various sectors, including politics, business, academia, and the arts. The connections students make at Yale often lead to lifelong collaborations and support, which is crucial for personal and professional growth.

How can an International Student Get Into Yale?

Gaining admission to Yale University as an international student involves a well-defined process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it.

• Choosing the Right Application: Firstly, you can apply through one of three platforms: the Coalition Application, the Common Application, or the QuestBridge National College Match Application. Each platform requires Yale-specific questions to be answered, but Yale does not prefer one application over the others. Remember, only one application should be submitted per admissions cycle.
• Application Fee: The application process involves an $80 fee. However, international students can request a fee waiver through the Common Application or Coalition Application websites if this is a financial burden.
• Teacher and Counselor Recommendations: You will need recommendations from two teachers who have taught you in core subjects and know you well, preferably from your final or next-to-final year of secondary school. Additionally, a recommendation from your school counselor is required. If your school doesn’t have a college counselor, a school administrator can provide this recommendation.
• School Report and Transcript: Your application must include a School Report with an official transcript of all your secondary school courses. These documents must come directly from your school. An official English translation must be provided if any part of your application, including transcripts, is not in English.
• Standardized Test Results: For the fall 2024 admission cycle, Yale has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning submitting ACT or SAT scores is not mandatory. However, if you submit them, these scores will be considered part of your overall application.
• English Proficiency Test Results: Non-native English speakers must prove their English proficiency. Yale accepts several tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications, DET, and InitialView. Competitive scores for each test are specified by Yale, such as a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL internet-based test.
• Mid-Year and Final Reports: The Mid-Year Report is optional for international students who don’t receive new grades by February 1. However, admitted students must submit a Final Report with their final secondary school grades and examination marks during the summer before matriculation.

Remember, the key to a successful application is thoroughly understanding and meticulously following these requirements.

Yale seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to their communities, so ensure your application reflects these qualities.

How to Get Into Yale as a Transfer Student

Transferring to Yale College as a student from another institution requires careful consideration of specific eligibility criteria and credit transfer guidelines. To be eligible for transfer admission, students must comply with the following:

• Minimum College-Level Enrollment: Must have completed a minimum of two terms, or three quarters, of college-level enrollment.
• Transferable Credits: At least one term’s worth of transferable postsecondary credit (equivalent to four Yale course credits) is required before entering Yale.
• Credit Range: Applicants typically have between eight and eighteen transferable course credits during matriculation.
• Class Standing: Transfer applicants are usually admitted as sophomores or first-term juniors.
• Yale does not usually offer admissions to students with more than two years’ worth of transferable undergraduate coursework.
• All students must complete at least two years of coursework (eighteen Yale credits) at Yale.
• High School Credits: College credits earned before high school graduation are not evaluated as transferable credit. Dual-enrolled students should apply for first-year admission.
• Degree Holders: Yale College does not accept transfer applicants with bachelor’s degrees.
• Education Interruption: Applicants with an interruption of at least five years may consider the Eli Whitney Students Program.

Guidelines for Transferring Credit

• Credit Transfer Estimate: Provided at the time of admission. Yale does not conduct pre-admission transfer credit reviews.
• Degree Requirement: 36 Yale course credits needed for a bachelor’s degree.
• Transfer Limit: Up to 18 course credits from other colleges are transferable.
• Course Eligibility: Completed college courses similar to those offered at Yale in subjects taught at Yale College are usually transferable.
• A or B grade in at least three-quarters of non-Yale courses.
• No grade lower than C in the remaining courses.
• Pass/Fail courses are typically not transferable.
• Exclusions: No credit for AP, IB, CLEP results, or college credits earned in high school.
• Online Courses: Limited conditions apply for transferability.

Distributional Requirements and Declaring a Major

• Humanities and Arts: 2 course credits.
• Sciences: 2 course credits.
• Social Sciences: 2 course credits.
• Quantitative Reasoning: 2 course credits.
• Writing: 2 course credits.
• Foreign Language Proficiency .
• Major Declaration: Usually by the end of sophomore year.
• Departmental Rules: Some departments have specific rules or prerequisites for transfer students.
• Engineering Majors: Full sequence of college-level single-variable calculus and introductory physics required for prospective transfer students.

Transfer Program vs. Eli Whitney Students Program

Transfer Program

• Education Interruption: None or minimal.
• Required Testing: SAT/ACT (optional for specific terms).
• Credit Transfer: 1-2 years transferable college credit.
• Enrollment: Full-time only.
• Housing: On-campus available for single students.
• Financial Aid: Need-based, covering the full cost of attendance.

Eli Whitney Students Program

• Education Interruption: Typically five or more years.
• Required Testing: Optional.
• Credit Transfer: No transferable credit floor or ceiling.
• Enrollment: Full-time or part-time.
• Housing: Limited graduate housing; most live off-campus.
• Financial Aid: Need-based for students enrolled at least half-time.

Can an Average Student Get into Yale?

The question of whether an average student can get into Yale is complex. Yale University’s highly selective nature means that the admitted students’ profiles often exceed average academic standards. However, understanding Yale’s holistic admissions process opens up possibilities.

Yale’s admissions are not solely based on academic prowess. While a strong academic record is crucial, Yale values unique talents, leadership qualities, and diverse life experiences. If you consider yourself an average student academically, focus on these areas:

• Extracurricular Engagement: Yale appreciates students demonstrating leadership and initiative in extracurricular activities. Engage deeply in areas that interest you and seek leadership roles.
• Personal Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique personality, experiences, and perspectives. Be authentic and articulate how your presence will enrich the Yale community.
• Recommendations: Seek recommendations from teachers or mentors who can vouch for your character, work ethic, and contributions beyond academics.
• Interviews: If offered an interview, use it as a platform to express your enthusiasm for Yale and how your unique experiences and perspectives make you a great fit.
• Passion and Persistence: Display a genuine passion for learning and a determination to overcome obstacles. Yale values resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.

Being average in one area does not preclude success in another. If your academic record is average, compensate with exceptional extracurricular achievements, strong essays, and a demonstrated commitment to your interests and community.

How to Get into Yale with a Low GPA

Getting into Yale with a low GPA is challenging, but certain strategies can enhance your application. It’s important to remember that Yale’s admissions process is holistic, considering various aspects of a student’s profile.

• Emphasize Strengths in Other Areas: If your GPA isn’t high, it’s crucial to excel in other application components. This includes outstanding essays, strong recommendations, and notable achievements in extracurricular activities.
• Highlight Improvement: If your GPA improves over time, ensure this is evident. An upward grade trend can demonstrate your growing commitment and ability to handle academic challenges.
• Standardized Test Scores: While optional, good scores on the SAT or ACT can help offset a lower GPA. Only include them if they are strong.
• Exceptional Essays: Use your essays to tell your unique story. Explain any circumstances contributing to a lower GPA and how you’ve grown from those experiences.
• Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors who can speak to your abilities, work ethic, and improvements over time.
• Extracurricular Involvement: Demonstrate leadership, passion, and commitment in activities outside of academia. This could be in sports, arts, community service, or other areas.
• Interview: If you’re offered an interview, use it to show your enthusiasm for Yale and how you can contribute to the university despite a lower GPA.
• Supplemental Information: If extenuating circumstances affect your GPA, don’t hesitate to include this information in your application.

While a low GPA is a hurdle, it’s not insurmountable. By focusing on your strengths and addressing any weaknesses head-on, you can present a compelling case for your admission.

What Makes Yale Unique?

Yale University, a prestigious institution in higher education, stands out for several reasons. Its uniqueness is derived from its academic excellence and its rich history, diverse community, and distinctive approach to learning and student life.

A Blend of Historical Grandeur and Modern Innovation

Yale’s history dates back to 1701, making it one of the oldest and most respected universities in the United States. This historical significance is reflected in its stunning Gothic architecture and longstanding traditions.

Yet, Yale seamlessly integrates modernity into its fabric. The university continually innovates in research and education, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a progressive approach to learning.

A Hub for Intellectual and Cultural Diversity

Yale’s commitment to diversity is evident in its global student body and faculty. Students from various cultural, geographical, and socio-economic backgrounds converge here, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

This diversity enriches classroom discussions, fosters mutual understanding, and prepares students for global citizenship.

Unique Residential College System

One of Yale’s most distinctive features is its residential college system. Modeled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge, it creates small, close-knit communities within the larger university.

Each college has its own dining halls, libraries, and living quarters, fostering a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie among students.

Emphasis on Undergraduate Teaching

Despite its reputation as a leading research university, Yale strongly emphasizes undergraduate teaching. This ensures that undergraduate students receive attention from distinguished faculty members, benefiting from mentorship and an academically rigorous environment.

What Does the Yale Application Look Like?

The Yale University application process is comprehensive and designed to evaluate candidates holistically. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the application:

• Application Form: Candidates can submit the Coalition, Common, or QuestBridge National College Match applications.
• Application Fee: An $80 fee is required, with fee waivers available for eligible students.
• Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts showcasing their high school academic performance.
• Standardized Test Scores: Yale has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. ACT or SAT scores are not mandatory.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendations from teachers and one from a counselor are required.
• Essays: Yale requires several essays, including a personal statement and supplemental essays specific to Yale.
• English Proficiency Tests: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
• Interviews: While not mandatory, if offered, interviews provide additional insight into the applicant’s fit with Yale.
• Extracurricular Activities: Applicants should detail their involvement in extracurricular activities, showcasing leadership, initiative, and passion.
• Additional Materials: In some cases, students may submit portfolios or other supplementary materials as part of their application.

Is Yale a Good School for You?

Deciding if Yale University is the right fit for you involves considering various aspects of the university and how they align with your personal and academic goals.

Academic Rigor and Opportunities

Yale is renowned for its rigorous academic environment. Yale could be an excellent fit if you thrive in challenging settings and are eager to engage deeply with your chosen field of study. The university offers many courses and majors, research opportunities, and access to extensive resources.

Community and Culture

Yale’s community is diverse, vibrant, and inclusive. Yale’s environment will likely resonate with you if you value being part of a global community that emphasizes cultural exchange and mutual respect. The residential college system further enhances this sense of community.

Extracurricular Engagement

Yale offers many extracurricular activities, from arts and sports to social service and student governance. Yale provides ample opportunities if you want to balance academics with active involvement in clubs and organizations.

Career Development and Alumni Network

Yale’s strong alumni network and career development services can be pivotal in shaping your professional journey. Yale stands out if you’re looking for a university that offers robust support in internships, job placements, and networking.

How Selective is Yale?

Yale University is renowned for its academic rigor and prestige, but what truly sets it apart is its highly selective admissions process. As of the Class of 2027, Yale’s acceptance rate is 4.5%, a historical low for the university.

This figure represents the intense competition among applicants, as 52,303 hopefuls vied for the limited spots available. Understanding this selectivity is crucial for prospective students as it frames the level of academic excellence and extracurricular distinction Yale expects.

This selectivity is not just about numbers. Yale’s admissions committee looks beyond grades and test scores, seeking students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership, and diverse talents and backgrounds.

Each application undergoes a thorough review, where every aspect, from essays to recommendations, is carefully evaluated. This holistic approach ensures that the academically gifted and those with unique perspectives and experiences are considered.

Prospective students should realize that being one of the few accepted into Yale means joining a community where academic prowess is matched with a commitment to impact the world positively.

Yale’s selectivity reflects its dedication to maintaining a dynamic and diverse student body, where each individual brings something unique. Aspiring applicants must present themselves as well-rounded individuals, showcasing their passion, intellect, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the Yale community.

Should You Apply to Yale?

When considering whether to apply to Yale, there are several factors to weigh. Here’s a list to guide you through this decision:

• Academic Preparedness: Yale’s rigorous academic environment demands excellence. Assess if your GPA, class rank, and coursework (AP, IB, honors) demonstrate your ability to thrive academically.
• Extracurricular Involvement: Yale values applicants who show leadership and initiative. Reflect on your extracurricular activities and consider how they align with Yale’s official motto of “Lux et Veritas” (Light and Truth).
• Personal Growth and Goals: Yale seeks students who are not just academically inclined but also eager to grow personally and contribute to the community. Evaluate how Yale’s programs and culture fit your personal and professional aspirations.
• Financial Considerations: Yale offers need-based financial aid to all admitted students, including international applicants. Understand the financial aid process and assess if it aligns with your needs.
• Intellectual Curiosity: Yale is a place for those passionate about learning and exploring new ideas. Yale might be the right fit for you if you have a strong intellectual curiosity and a love for learning.
• Diversity and Global Awareness: Yale values diverse perspectives as a global institution. Consider how your background and experiences can contribute to this diverse environment.
• Early Action Application: If Yale is your top choice, consider applying through the Single-Choice Early Action program, which can demonstrate your commitment to the university.

Applying to Yale is a significant step, requiring thoughtful consideration of these factors. If you find alignment with Yale’s values and believe it’s the right environment for you, it could be worth applying.

How Does Yale Review Applications?

Yale University employs a holistic approach to reviewing applications, ensuring that every part of a student’s application is considered in the admissions decision. This process is designed to identify individuals who will thrive in Yale’s intellectually stimulating and diverse community. Here’s an in-depth look at how Yale reviews applications:

Firstly, academic performance is a key component. Yale meticulously evaluates a student’s GPA, class rank, and the rigor of their coursework. High performance in challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes indicates a student’s readiness for Yale’s demanding academic environment.

Secondly, while not the sole determinant, standardized test scores play a role in the evaluation process. For the Class of 2027, Yale adopted a test-optional policy, allowing students to apply without ACT or SAT scores. This change reflects Yale’s understanding that standardized tests are just one facet of a student’s academic ability.

Extracurricular activities are also crucial. Yale looks for students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to extracurricular pursuits. Whether through sports, arts, volunteering, or other areas, active engagement in these activities reveals a student’s character and potential to contribute to campus life.

Essays and recommendations illuminate a student’s personality, interests, and values. Yale gives considerable attention to how students express themselves in their essays and what their teachers and counselors say about them. These insights help the admissions committee understand students beyond their grades and test scores.

Lastly, Yale values diversity in all its forms. The university seeks students from various cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical backgrounds, believing that a diverse student body enriches the educational experience for all.

Does Yale Require Interviews?

Yale University’s admissions process includes an interview component, but it is important to note that these interviews are not mandatory for all applicants. The university’s interview approach is selective and strategic, focusing on gathering additional information about specific candidates.

Interview Availability and Process

Yale offers interviews conducted by alumni or current seniors, but not every applicant will receive an invitation. The selection is based on the admissions committee’s need for more information about an applicant.

Those who are not offered an interview are not at a disadvantage in the admissions process. Interviews are conducted virtually and are set up by Yale’s alumni interviewers, not the applicants themselves.

The Role of Interviews in Admissions

While optional, interviews can play a critical role in the application process. They provide a platform for applicants to share more about their personal experiences, interests, and fit with Yale. It’s an opportunity to add a personal touch to your application and to articulate your enthusiasm for Yale.

Advice for Applicants

If you receive an invitation for an interview, it’s highly recommended to accept it. The interview is more conversational than evaluative, focusing on getting to know you as a person.

Prepare to discuss your academic and personal interests and be ready to articulate why Yale is the right fit for you. Remember, not getting an interview does not imply a negative application assessment.

What Extracurriculars Do You Need for Yale?

When applying to Yale, your extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your application. Yale values students who commit to their interests and can engage deeply in their chosen activities. Here’s a list of extracurriculars that can strengthen your application:

• Leadership Roles: Positions in student government, clubs, or organizations demonstrate your ability to lead and work collaboratively.
• Community Service: Involvement in community service projects shows a commitment to helping others and contributing to society.
• Arts and Culture: Participation in the arts, whether in music, theater, or visual arts, indicates creativity and dedication to cultural pursuits.
• Athletics: Athletic involvement, especially at competitive levels, reflects discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness.
• Academic Competitions: Success in academic competitions like Math Olympiads or Science Fairs can showcase intellectual curiosity and expertise.
• Research Projects: Engagement in research projects, especially those leading to publications or presentations, highlights in-depth knowledge and a passion for learning.
• Internships or Work Experience: Professional experiences provide real-world skills and show a readiness for future career paths.
• Global Exposure: Participation in international programs or language studies demonstrates an appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Initiating a startup or a project displays innovation, risk-taking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Special Interests Clubs: Involvement in niche clubs or hobbies shows unique interests and the ability to pursue passions outside traditional activities.

What Should You Write About in Your Personal Statement to Get Into Yale?

Your personal statement for Yale University is a crucial component of your application. It’s a chance to convey your personality, motivations, and how you align with Yale’s values. Here are some key elements to consider:

Showcase Intellectual Curiosity

Yale values applicants who love learning and are eager to engage with complex ideas. Discuss how you’ve pursued knowledge beyond the classroom. Share instances where you’ve delved deep into subjects you’re passionate about, whether through research, reading, or discussions.

Highlight Personal Growth

Reflect on experiences that have shaped your worldview. Yale appreciates students who have evolved through their experiences. Talk about challenges you’ve overcome, insights you’ve gained, and how these have prepared you for a collegiate environment as rigorous and diverse as Yale’s.

Explain Why Yale

Be specific about why Yale is the right fit for you. Research the university’s programs, culture, and opportunities. Explain how these align with your academic goals and interests. Your understanding of and alignment with Yale’s offerings should be evident in your statement.

Discuss Community Involvement

Yale looks for individuals who will contribute positively to their community. Describe your involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or other initiatives.

Highlight how you’ve impacted these groups and how you plan to bring this commitment to Yale’s community.

Reflect Unique Perspectives

Your personal statement should present what makes you unique. This could be your background, experiences, or outlook on life. Yale values diversity in its student body, so showcasing what sets you apart can be a significant advantage.

In crafting your personal statement, be genuine and introspective. Yale’s admissions committee seeks authenticity and depth in your narrative, so present a true picture of who you are and what you aspire to achieve.

How do you write a Yale supplemental essay?

Writing a Yale supplemental essay demands a strategic approach to showcase your intellectual curiosity and values and fit with Yale’s principles. Here’s how to craft essays that resonate with Yale’s admission committee:

• Identifying Academic Interests: Identify up to three academic areas from Yale’s list. This requires introspection into your genuine interests. Don’t just pick subjects you think will impress the admissions committee; choose areas that truly resonate with your academic journey and future goals.
• Topic That Excites You: Next, delve into a topic or idea related to your selected academic interests. Explain why this topic fascinates you, linking it to your personal experiences, background, or future aspirations. This essay should paint a picture of your intellectual landscape, showing your curiosity and eagerness to explore complex subjects.
• Why Yale?: This crucial question asks you why Yale is your preferred choice. It’s imperative to research Yale thoroughly to understand the university’s unique offerings that align with your goals and interests. Mention specific programs, faculty, research opportunities, or aspects of campus life that connect directly to your aspirations.
• Short Answer Questions: Yale’s short answer section includes questions about your inspirations, a college course or book you’d like to create, influential people other than family members, and aspects of yourself not covered in your application. These responses offer a snapshot of your personality and interests, so be thoughtful and creative in your answers.

Tips for Writing Yale’s Supplemental Essays

• Be Specific and Personal: Avoid vague statements. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and ensure your responses are personal and reflective of your true self.
• Show Intellectual Engagement: Yale values intellectual vitality. Demonstrate this by detailing how your academic interests have evolved and how they align with Yale’s offerings.
• Research and Alignment: Your essays should reflect a deep understanding of Yale’s unique academic environment and extracurricular opportunities. Show how your goals align with what Yale offers.
• Authenticity and Honesty: Be genuine in your writing. Authentic essays resonate more with admissions officers and glimpse your personality and academic aspirations.

What enrichment opportunities will help you get into Yale?

Gaining admission to Yale University is highly competitive. Engaging in enrichment opportunities that showcase your talents, interests, and academic prowess can significantly strengthen your application. Here’s a detailed look at the types of activities that can enhance your Yale application:

• Academic Competitions: Participating in academic competitions demonstrates mastery and enthusiasm for a subject. Whether in mathematics, science, debate, or writing, excelling in these competitions can highlight your intellectual capabilities and competitive spirit.
• Research Projects: Engaging in research projects, especially those resulting in publications or presentations, can significantly boost your application. It shows your ability to conduct in-depth study and contribute to academic discourse, aligning well with Yale’s research-focused environment.
• Leadership Roles: Holding leadership positions in clubs, organizations, or community initiatives demonstrates your leadership ability, a quality highly valued at Yale. It shows your readiness to take on responsibilities and make impactful decisions.
• Community Service and Social Engagement: Involvement in community service projects or social causes illustrates your commitment to societal betterment. Yale looks for students who are academically brilliant, socially responsible, and empathetic.
• Cultural and International Exposure: Participation in cultural exchange programs or international competitions can showcase your global perspective and adaptability, qualities essential in a diverse and inclusive university like Yale.
• Advanced Academic Coursework: Enrolling in AP, IB, or other advanced courses evidences your academic rigor and preparedness for college-level studies. It reflects your dedication to academic excellence and eagerness for intellectual challenges.
• Creative and Artistic Pursuits: If you have a flair for the arts, participating in exhibitions, performances, or contests can underscore your creativity and artistic talents, adding a unique dimension to your application.
• Internships and Work Experience: Gaining practical experience in your field of interest through internships or part-time jobs can provide a real-world perspective to your academic pursuits. It shows your initiative and readiness for professional environments.

While these enrichment activities are crucial, balancing them with strong academic performance is essential. Yale looks for well-rounded individuals who excel in and out of the classroom. Hence, it’s important to maintain a high GPA and strong standardized test scores while actively engaging in these enrichment opportunities.

Do you need to take AP courses to get into Yale?

Advanced Placement (AP) courses significantly demonstrate academic preparedness for college, especially in a competitive environment like Yale. However, they are not the only factor considered during the admissions process.

Here’s an in-depth look at the role of AP courses in Yale admissions:

• Academic Rigor: AP courses signify your ability to handle challenging coursework, a key indicator for Yale admissions. They show you’re prepared for the university’s rigorous academic demands.
• Aligning with Interests: Choosing AP courses that align with your intended major or academic interests is beneficial. This demonstrates depth in a particular field and your commitment to pursuing your interests at a higher level.
• Context Matters: Yale evaluates your application in the context of your high school’s offerings. If your school has limited AP courses, admissions officers consider this. What’s important is how you’ve maximized the opportunities available to you.
• Balance is Key: While AP courses are valuable, balancing them with other interests and extracurricular activities is crucial. Yale seeks students who are academically strong but also engaged in diverse pursuits beyond academics.

The Role of AP Courses in Yale Admissions

• Demonstrating Preparedness: Completing AP courses and exams can showcase your readiness for college-level studies. High scores in these courses can strengthen your academic profile.
• Holistic Admissions: Yale’s admissions process is holistic. This means that while AP courses are important, they are part of a larger picture that includes your extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and personal achievements.
• Subject Proficiency: AP courses can also highlight your proficiency in specific subjects. Excelling in AP courses related to your intended major can make your application more compelling.
• Alternative Advanced Coursework: If AP courses aren’t available, consider other forms of advanced coursework like International Baccalaureate (IB) or dual enrollment classes. Yale recognizes these as equivalent indicators of academic rigor.

Does Yale Accept AP Credit?

Yale University has a specific approach to handling AP (Advanced Placement) credits. The policy is straightforward: Yale awards acceleration credit for high AP exam scores, specifically for those who score a 4 or 5. However, this does not mean that all AP credits are accepted across the board.

The acceleration credit provided by Yale serves a particular purpose. It allows eligible students to graduate in fewer than the standard eight terms, but this depends on fulfilling certain course requirements in specified departments. It’s not a blanket credit that applies to all areas of study.

Despite many Yale students having a history of high AP exam scores before joining the university, using acceleration credits for early graduation is not a common practice. This is largely because Yale’s academic structure has distinct distributional requirements that all students must meet.

These requirements are essential to the Yale educational experience and are designed to ensure a well-rounded exposure to various fields of study. Importantly, AP credits cannot be used to meet these distributional requirements.

Will Yale Look at Your Social Media?

While there is no explicit statement from Yale regarding routine checks of applicants’ social media, it is known that the admissions office may perform random audits of application information. This reality necessitates a thoughtful approach to online presence for prospective students.

The content and character of your social media profiles can inadvertently reflect your personality and values. Hence, applicants should ensure their online presence is consistent with the persona and qualities presented in their college applications.

A positive and authentic social media profile can serve as an extension of your application, showcasing aspects of your character, interests, and achievements.

Yale’s admissions process is highly comprehensive, focusing on multiple facets of an applicant’s profile. In this context, social media can be complementary, potentially offering insights into your extracurricular activities, community involvement, or creative talents.

For instance, if your application highlights leadership in environmental activism, a social media profile reflecting this commitment can reinforce your application narrative.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that social media profiles are unlikely to determine Yale’s admissions decisions. Instead, they should be viewed as potential platforms to underscore the authenticity and depth of your application.

Keeping your online presence clean, positive, and reflective of your true self is good practice for college applications and future professional endeavors.

Will Visiting Yale Help You Get In?

Prospective students often wonder if visiting Yale University can influence their chances of admission . While Yale does not list campus visits as a factor in its admissions decisions, the benefits of such visits extend beyond mere formalities.

Understanding the role and impact of a campus visit is crucial for applicants aiming to strengthen their application to Yale.

A campus tour provides a firsthand experience of Yale’s environment, culture, and academic life. This direct exposure can be invaluable in crafting a more informed and compelling application.

When you articulate your reasons for wanting to attend Yale, drawing upon experiences from your visit can add authenticity and depth to your essays.

Engaging with the Yale community during a visit – through conversations with current students and faculty or attending information sessions – can provide insights that deepen your understanding of the university.

This engagement is not just about gathering information; it’s about demonstrating a genuine interest in Yale and its unique offerings.

Although a campus visit does not directly influence admissions decisions, the perspectives gained can enrich your application. They enable you to make a strong case for why Yale aligns with your academic aspirations and values. It shows a level of interest and effort that goes beyond the basics of the application process.

As we wrap up, remember that getting into Yale requires a blend of strong academics, thoughtful essays, glowing recommendations, and standardized test scores (if you choose to submit them). Yale’s holistic approach means every part of your application matters, from showcasing leadership and passion in extracurricular activities to revealing your character through essays.

Confronting the reality of Yale’s competitive admissions process is crucial. With thousands of talented applicants vying for a limited number of spots, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Stay hopeful yet prepared for any result, and know that the effort put into your Yale application will serve you well in all your educational endeavors.

We can help you figure out how to get into Yale

Getting into Yale University might seem like an impossibly difficult task, but it’s not. With years of experience in the college admissions industry, we at AdmissionSight have helped hundreds of students just like you overcome the odds and successfully gain admittance to some of the top colleges in the country, including Yale University.

We know how to greatly increase a student’s chances of getting accepted to their dream university. Whether you need tips for choosing a summer program, support in writing your admission essays, or guidance for applying to the right college, we have the knowledge and expertise to help.

Reach out today to learn about what services AdmissionSight offers and how we can help improve your chances of getting into your desired university.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

The College Application

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

College Rejection

College Rankings

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

10 Online Learning Resources for High School Students

How to Compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition

How To Compete In The American Protégé International Competitions

Dartmouth Diversity Statistics

Johns Hopkins University Diversity Statistics

Caltech Diversity Statistics

Your Comprehensive Guide to the UCSB Summer Research Academies

Wesleyan Supplemental Essays 2023-2024: Prompts and Tips

Zero Robotics: All You Need to Know

A Complete Guide To the American Fine Arts Festival

How to Get Published in the Curieux Academic Journal

Duke University Diversity Statistics

Northwestern University Diversity Statistics

University of Chicago Diversity Statistics

Williams College Diversity Statistics

How to Compete in Regeneron ISEF

How To Advance In the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Articles

10 Online Learning Resources for...

How to Compete in the...

How To Compete In The...

Your Comprehensive Guide to the...

Wesleyan Supplemental Essays 2023-2024: Prompts...

Zero Robotics: All You Need...

A Complete Guide To the...

How to Get Published in...

Sign up now to receive insights on how to navigate the college admissions process.

Admissions Counseling

• Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Copyright © AdmissionSight 2024

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

How to Get Into Yale Guide

How to get into yale — general information.

Yale University is a world-renowned Ivy League institution founded in 1701. The campus is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and is home to just under 5,000 undergraduates. U.S. News ranks Yale as #5 in National Universities. 

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into Yale guide:

• Yale GPA requirements
• Average Yale SAT scores
• Preparing for the Yale application deadline
• Yale Early Action details
• Acing your Yale interview
• Yale class of 2025 statistics, and more

Worried it’s too early to start thinking about how to get into Yale? Yale University is one of the hardest colleges to gain acceptance to in the world. Every component of your application has to be rock solid, and it’s never too early to start planning your path so that there are no surprises when the Yale application deadline rolls around. In this guide, we’ll touch on all aspects of how to get into Yale, from the Yale SAT scores to the Yale GPA requirements to the Yale supplemental essays, and more. 

Want to know more about college rankings? Our expert guide can help. 

Figuring out how to get into Yale takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Yale graduates. Want to maximize your Yale admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How hard is it to get into Yale?

With an acceptance rate of about 4.62%, Yale’s admissions process will always be something of a lottery. Applications for the Yale class of 2025 saw 46,905 hopefuls vying for 1,332 spots, and it is likely these odds may continue to decrease with each admissions cycle.

If you apply to Yale Early Action—an option with an earlier due date than the regular Yale application deadline—the numbers are slightly more optimistic. 10.5% of Yale Early Action applicants, out of 7,939 students who applied, received offers of admission for the Yale class of 2025. However, the Yale Early Action deadline typically attracts the strongest candidates, tipping the numbers to seem more promising when in fact the pool of applicants is even more competitive. 

The reality of the situation is that for all but the most outstanding candidates, applying to Yale is a shot in the dark. When thinking about how to get into Yale, go into the process expecting it to be a “reach” school. With that said, you can give yourself the best odds by perfecting the parts of your application over which you have control, such as the Yale interview and Yale supplemental essays. You should also try to ensure your grades meet the Yale GPA requirements and your scores are on target to meet the average Yale SAT scores. 

A quick note about Yale SAT scores:

The school doesn’t provide an actual average, but instead reports the mid-range scores of it’s incoming class. So last year, the middle 50% of students scored between 1450 – 1560 on the SAT and had ACT composite scores between 33 and 35. What does this mean when thinking about how to get into Yale? Use these scores as a baseline, but remember that approximately 25% of incoming freshmen had scores lower than the reported scores and 25% had scores higher than the reported range.

Applying to top schools with a lower-than-average SAT score? Our expert provides tips to overcome a sub-1500 SAT score.

What is the average GPA for Yale?

Students often wonder about the Yale GPA requirements. GPA is an important factor to consider when you’re thinking about how to get into Yale. Your GPA is used by the admissions officers to determine whether you can handle their school’s academics.

So, what are the Yale GPA requirements? While Yale has no lower GPA threshold for admissions, it’s safe to assume that like all the other Ivy Leagues, Yale only accepts students who are at the top of their class. . This means that the average successful applicant is a straight-A student who has taken advanced IB and AP classes. 

Does this mean that lower GPAs don’t have a chance? Not necessarily.  Remember, there are no true Yale GPA requirements, so a lower GPA doesn’t automatically disqualify you. However, it does mean you will have more to prove in other parts of your application. 

In conclusion: are there Yale GPA requirements? No. But Yale needs to know you can excel academically in advanced university classes. So, even though there are no Yale GPA requirements, assume that your high school transcript should demonstrate both high grades and advanced classes.

That said, if advanced classes are not as widely available in your school, this does not reflect poorly on you as an applicant. Instead, look for opportunities to take advanced courses outside of your school–online and through a local community college are good options. You’ll also want to focus on meeting the average Yale SAT scores—ultimately, the goal is to intellectually challenge yourself in order to optimize your “how to get into Yale” strategy.

What does the Yale University application look like?

If you’re wondering how to get into Yale, one of the most important considerations is the application itself. Yale offers three options for first-year admissions: the Coalition Application , the Common Application , and the QuestBridge Application . Whichever platform you have selected for other applications will do the trick; Yale has no preference. However, be sure to only submit through one application platform.

Regardless of which service you select, you will have to respond to Yale supplemental essays. We will discuss these essays in more depth below. Aside from the Yale supplemental essays, you will need to submit :

• $80 fee or fee waiver
• Two teacher recommendations
• One counselor recommendation
• High school transcript
• Yale SAT scores or ACT scores ( optional for the 2021-22 admissions cycle )
• Mid-Year Report

It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the Yale application deadline:

• The Yale Early Action deadline is November 1 .
• The regular Yale application deadline is January 2 . 

You will want to collect these materials as far in advance of the Yale application deadline as possible. Talk to your recommenders weeks—ideally months—ahead of the deadline to ensure they have time to write your letters with care. Discuss with your counselor to make sure you understand the process for uploading your recommendation letters and transcript. If you choose to send Yale SAT scores or ACT scores, make sure the results are sent to Yale University in advance of the Yale application deadline. 

The final component of the application is the Yale interview, which we will discuss below.

What extracurriculars do I need for Yale?

Shaping your extracurricular narrative is a key component of how to get into Yale. It is your unique story that shapes your candidacy and gives you the potential to stand out in an applicant pool of thousands.

Our best advice is to be authentic. The pitfall of researching how to get into Yale is that students sometimes attempt to shape their story around what they perceive to be the “typical” Yale student. Don’t select your activities based on what you think Yale wants to see—that is not how to get into Yale. 

Instead, when thinking about how to get into Yale, it is best to find the thing that makes you tick. What are you passionate about? What lights you up inside? Pursue that passion, and find a way to challenge yourself in your pursuits. 

Finally, it’s important that your activities are cohesive. This doesn’t mean every single thing you do has to relate to the same interest, but there should be between one and three themes or “hooks” that are clear when looking at the overview of your extracurriculars. This is a more compelling narrative than the student who did a little bit of everything without ever committing to one path. 

To learn more about how to get into Yale, check out Yale University’s advice to candidates on what admissions officers are looking for in an applicant.

What is the acceptance rate for Yale University?

If you’re wondering how to get into Yale, then the primary statistic you will likely turn to is the acceptance rate. Let’s break this number down for the Yale class of 2025.

The first thing to note is that Yale has two application rounds: Single-Choice Early Action and Regular Decision. Single-Choice Yale Early Action is restrictive in the sense that candidates who choose this path may not submit other Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) applications; Yale must be their only early selection. However, it is distinct from ED in that it is non-binding should the candidate be offered admission. That means if you are accepted to Yale Early Action, you are not required to attend.

The Yale class of 2025 had an acceptance rate of 10.5 % for early applicants. This was from a pool of 7,939 applicants. Regular decision, on the other hand, had an acceptance rate of just 3.42 % from a pool of 38,966 candidates. This means that for the Yale class of 2025, the overall acceptance rate was a mere 4.62% . 

Suffice it to say, the numbers for Yale’s class of 2025 admissions process were unforgiving, and the acceptance rate will likely only trend downward in coming cycles. Looking at the Yale class of 2025 statistics, Yale Early Action candidates saw a higher percentage of successful admissions. Remember though, candidates applying for Yale Early Action will likely be the most competitive, so don’t let that 10.5% mislead you. 

Want more information on acceptance rates? Check out our expert’s guide . 

Does Yale require interviews?

Students who are thinking about how to get into Yale typically think about the Yale GPA requirements, Yale SAT scores, or Yale supplemental essays. However, one component of the “how to get into Yale” strategy that is often overlooked is the Yale interview. The Yale interview is an entirely optional component of the application process. With that said, we strongly recommended that you complete the Yale interview, if provided with the opportunity. 

Your Yale interview is a chance to provide more personality and dimension to your application. A conversation shows your personality in a way that can be hard to sufficiently capture in the rest of your application. 

Moreover, completing the Yale interview shows interest in the university. Although demonstrated interest (DI) is not a huge factor at a renowned institution like Yale, it never hurts to show more dedication to your Yale application. 

You should prepare for your Yale interview as if you are preparing for a job interview. Be ready to talk about your accomplishments and background. Know the answer to the question “why Yale” so that you can answer it without hesitation. Come prepared with informed, Yale-specific questions that you can ask your interviewer. 

For the Yale class of 2025, interviews were remote—familiarize yourself with the video technology if your interview is conducted virtually.

Finally, if for some reason you are not offered an interview, this is not an indicator of your candidacy. Some regions do not have sufficient alumni presence to conduct a Yale interview for every applicant. 

Note: the Yale interview is not available until after you’ve submitted your completed application.

Tips to write the Yale University essays:

The Yale supplemental essays are a vital opportunity to provide admissions officers with insight into your personality and achievements. For the Yale class of 2025, essay questions included two 125-word prompts; four 35-word prompts; and two, 250-word prompts. 

As you can see, there are a lot of Yale supplemental essays. This is because the Yale supplemental essays are one of the easiest ways to differentiate applicants from one another. Thoughtful essays are an essential factor when considering how to get into Yale. Whether the essay is 35 words or 250 words, every single word is an opportunity. 

Decide which themes and stories you want to weave throughout your essays. While you can touch on related ideas across multiple prompts—for example, perhaps one essay is about the research you did in a lab while another is about your passion for medicine—you should not repeat the same exact ideas or stories between different essays. Start drafting well before the Yale application deadline to ensure you have enough time to refine and proofread each of your Yale supplemental essays.

Beware of writing in an overly formal or academic tone. While you should take care to use proper grammar and appropriate language, the Yale supplemental essays are a place to show your personality. Creativity is an often overlooked approach for students wondering how to get into Yale. The most successful Yale supplemental essays are the ones that are engaging to read.

And while it should go without saying, do not submit the Yale supplemental essays without proofreading. Ensure your message is clear and that your language is precise. These essays are an incredibly important part of your “how to get into Yale” strategy.

Want more tips on writing the Yale supplemental essays? Check out our guide . 

How does Yale review applications?

Students concerned with how to get into Yale are often curious about the process their application goes through once they hit submit. What happens after you’ve sent in your application and forwarded your Yale SAT scores?

The first step for your application is a review by an admissions officer . Applications are reviewed by geographic location. The first reader will take notes on the more objective pieces of the application, as well as aspects such as the effectiveness of the essays and the strength of the recommendations. 

If needed, applications will then be reviewed by as many as four other readers until a tentative decision is made. From there, all applications are funneled through a committee process where the previous readers’ notes are discussed by a room of admissions officers, deans, and faculty members. This is the most important step of the process, and it is where the decision on an applicants’ candidacy is officially reached.

Yale has also continued to affirm their holistic admissions process , especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Will Yale look at my social media accounts?

Students wondering how to get into Yale are sometimes worried about the privacy of their social media accounts. 

In reality, it’s unlikely your social media will be used as a factor in determining the success of your candidacy. Admissions officers are reading hundreds to thousands of applications per day and simply don’t have time to search for each applicant online. 

With that said, use your judgment. You shouldn’t have posts that will make admissions officers question you as a candidate; it is simply not worth the risk should they decide to give your name a search. Set your accounts to private. Or, remove content that you feel is questionable. Finally, remember that your spot in the incoming class, once granted, can be rescinded.

Is Yale a good school for me?

Before you consider how to get into Yale, it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether it’s the best school for you. This is especially important if you’re considering Yale Early Action.

Yale operates via residential colleges –a collection of 14 communities within the university. A college is its own space within Yale at large; each one is equipped with a dining hall, library, gym, and other facilities depending on the theme of the college. The residential college system is intended for the student who wants a smaller community within a larger research institution. 

In addition, with an undergraduate population of less than 5,000, Yale is a medium-sized school. Therefore, it might not be the best fit for a student looking for a larger or more urban experience.

Finally, consider the fact that Yale does not offer the option of minors to its students. While there is freedom within a liberal arts curriculum to explore topics outside the major, students who are intending to pursue one or several minors may not find their fit at Yale.

If you have any doubts that Yale is your dream school, we don’t recommend applying using the Yale Early Action deadline. But regardless of which Yale application deadline you have your sights set on, do your research first.

Check out our webinar for an insider look at Yale . 

Additional tips to get into Yale:

Want more tips for how to get into Yale?

College application deadlines sneak up on you. By the time you’re thinking about writing the Yale supplemental essays or gathering your recommendation letters, you may be behind on choosing extracurriculars or meeting the Yale GPA requirements. This is especially true if you are applying for the Yale Early Action deadline. 

For this reason, the absolute best advice we can offer is to start thinking about your path to Yale as early in your high school career as possible. Study early for exams so that your score meets the average Yale SAT scores. Craft your story, find your passion, and challenge yourself in classes. That way, when it is time to apply, you can focus on telling your story as masterfully as possible.

This guide was written by Becky Weinstein. If you want to know how to get into Yale, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor’s.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Yale graduates. Don’t wait for the Yale application deadline to sneak up on you: create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

How to Write the Yale University Essays 2020-2021

The recording will load in a moment., about this livestream, yale university.

Learn how to write an awesome essay for your Yale application.

Hale Jaeger, a recent graduate of Yale University, will provide an in-depth breakdown of each of the Yale essay prompts, discussing how to write a great essay in response to each one. He'll also share his take on the essays and topics you shouldn't write about for each prompt.

Finally, he'll open up the floor for a Q&A session, where he'll answer any and all questions about the Yale essays.

Undergrad College: Yale University '21

Work Experience: I am a senior at Yale and excited to begin my fifth admissions cycle working with CollegeVine. After four years of working directly with students, I can't wait to engage with the people and the process in new and innovative ways online.

Other recordings about Yale University

My admissions story: Robert from Yale

How to become a doctor: the pre-med experience

In for the win: how to get into Yale

How to get into tech

How to Build a Balanced College List with Matriculate

How to Write Your Best College Essay

Popular recent recordings.

What every junior should be doing NOW to prepare for college applications

How Admissions Officers Evaluate Your Application

The Ultimate Guide to Elite College Admissions

Why look at liberal arts colleges?

From the Assistant Dean for Admissions: Application and Essay Tips Every Applicant Should Keep in Mind

Bruce DelMonico and current Yale SOM students weigh in on how to best showcase yourself throughout the application process.

Last month I offered some general suggestions on how to think about the MBA application process, and earlier this month we hosted an Application Tips Panel that went in deeper detail into the application and provided specific advice on how to approach each element of it. (You can review that advice at any time, along with our Application Guide , which provides additional insights into each aspect of the application process. We’ve also embedded the advice from the guide into the application itself , so that it’s available to you when you most need it as you’re working through the sections of the application.)

Now, with a little less than a month left before our September 14 Round 1 application deadline, it’s time for you to turn in earnest to tackling specific elements of your Yale SOM application. For example, if you haven’t done so yet, you should ask your recommenders to write a recommendation for you to give them plenty of time to complete it in advance of the deadline. And be sure to order transcripts from all your academic institutions so you have them on hand to upload into the application. Also, of course, you should make sure to have test score (GMAT or GRE) in hand before the deadline and start to think about how you will answer the essay prompt, “Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made.”

Beyond these specific reminders, though, there is broader guidance about how to approach the application that should help you in this final month before the application deadline. To offer the most relevant advice possible, we asked current students—who were in your position not too long ago—for their suggestions as you head into the final stretch toward the application deadline. Below is what they had to share. I hope it’s helpful. Good luck with your application!

Approaching the Essay

Yale’s essay question is unique and requires you to reflect on all aspects of your life. Really take some time to step back and assess what has influenced your career and personal life to date. The MBA is a transformative experience, and the essay should highlight the experiences you’ve had and how you have been able to learn from these.” — Gokhul Ramakrishnan ’22

“When it comes to the main essays, resist the urge to copy/paste from others that you authored. MBA applications take time, and those shortcuts are tempting, but try to craft as unique an essay as possible, especially for Yale SOM. They’re looking for personality and character traits that are distinct from those that other business schools are seeking, and if that’s not obvious now it hopefully will be when you meet your classmates in the fall.” —Youssef Elnahas ’22

“I would recommend asking friends or family members to read your essays. Their reactions helped me refine my writing and ensure my key takeaways and personal voice were clear.” —Sherry Li  ’22

“For your essay, you should not only highlight what your commitment is, but also outline how you will continue to honor that commitment at SOM and how SOM will inform that commitment post-MBA. This will help you write your essay and envision your SOM experience more tangibly.” —Alice Yuan ’22

“Be authentic. Know your story and write about things you care about.” —Emily Fung ’22

“When I was going through the application process, I constantly asked myself three questions: ‘Why do I need an MBA to achieve my goals?’ ‘What have I done thus far to move towards those goals?’ ‘Why is now the right time to get an MBA?’ Asking myself these questions helped me craft stronger essays and deliver more focused, reflective answers during the in-person interview. So, my advice to all applicants is to ask yourselves these three questions. No matter where you are in the application process, take a pen and write down your answers. Write down anything that comes to mind. Doing so will help you step back, visualize the narrative of your career, and prepare you to excel in the application process.” —Jessica Lee ’22

“Take the time to reflect on your journey so far and how the MBA can position you for where you want to go, what you want to do. When did you feel engaged and fulfilled at work, and what were some of the circumstances that enabled that? (e.g. having ownership over a specific workstream or collaborating in a team, providing high-level strategic recommendations, building out a new program, etc.) What would you like to be doing in five, 10 years? How would this MBA program help you get there? What would your journey look like if you didn't do the program, or went to this other program? As you articulate what you're looking to gain through a particular program, your ability to develop genuine affinity with specific schools grows, and it will show in your application.” —Sherry Li ’22

“Make up your mind about the school even as they make up their mind about you. Reach out to students (past or present) and get to know the school beyond the marketing material and the rumor mill. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. From the time you apply to business school to landing your first job offer can feel like one long unbroken chapter of your life. Take every step seriously (it will be worth it), but don’t lose the motivation to finish what you set out to do if things don’t go the way you expect.” —Youssef Elnahas ’22

Telling Your Story

“Applicants should understand that best way to be different is to be themselves. Buzzwords may not do the trick when an application reviewer has already seen thousands of them, but authenticity shines through and differentiates a candidate much more than they may believe.” —Austin Broussard  ’22

“Make the admissions committee’s job easy. Have a clear connection between your past, present, and future professional experience, whether it’s advancing your career in the same industry or function or highlighting transferrable skills from your past role to the next. Tell a concise story and connect the dots for them so you don’t leave them guessing on how you realistically and practically plan to achieve your professional goals.” —Jem Shin ’22

“Instead of asking what an admission committee wants to hear, focus on what makes you who you are. Everyone wants to get into one of the top programs, but you also want to attend a school that wants you for who you are.” —Aki Onda ’22

“Be true to yourself and your own story. When you’re writing about what you’re passionate about it jumps off the page—there’s no “right” story for each school; it’s just your own story that matters.” —Sammy Marrus   ’22

Margaret Kuo ’25

Catarina Abreu ’25

Beyond the syllabus: why payment methods matter, video: inside the inaugural responsible ai in global business conference.

• SAT BootCamp
• SAT MasterClass
• SAT Private Tutoring
• SAT Proctored Practice Test
• ACT Private Tutoring
• Academic Subjects
• College Essay Workshop
• Academic Writing Workshop
• AP English FRQ BootCamp
• 1:1 College Essay Help
• Online Instruction
• Free Resources

How to get into Yale 2023-2024

How to get into yale university.

Bonus Material: PrepMaven’s 50+ Real Supplemental Essays for Ivy+ Schools

Yale University had an acceptance rate of just 4.6%, meaning that if you’re serious about gunning for a Yale acceptance letter, you’ll need all the possible information about their acceptance process and what they’re looking for. 

In this blog post, we’ll use our decades of experience and the most recent data to break down exactly what you need to do to have a chance at a Yale acceptance. We’ll also do an analysis of the Yale application review process. 

At PrepMaven, the vast majority of our tutors come from Ivy League schools like Princeton and Yale—they know what it takes to get in because they’ve done it. For over two decades, our academic, test-prep, and college essay coaches have helped students get into their own dream schools. If you’re serious about an Ivy admission, we recommend reading our guide carefully, then working with one of our tutors to maximize your chances . 

Keep reading to increase your chances of admission, and download our collection of real supplemental essays, which includes multiple real essays that got students into Yale. 

Download 50+ Real Supplemental Essays for Ivy+ Schools

Jump to section: The three pillars of a Yale application What you need to get into Yale: Academics What you need to get into Yale: Extracurriculars What you need to get into Yale: Character The Three Pillars of getting into Yale: Summary The Yale admission process Other elements of the Yale Application Next steps 

The three pillars of a Yale application

The best way to think about your application to a school like Yale is as consisting of three pillars: 

• Extracurriculars

In the following sections, we’ll break down exactly what you need in each of these categories for a short at Yale. Here, we’ll explain a bit about each of these three pillars and how they come together to support a viable Yale application. 

Academics refers to everything that’s on your transcript, plus your test scores. In other words, the Academics pillar consists of:

• Rigor of curriculum
• Dual enrollment/college credit courses
• SAT/ACT scores
• AP/IB scores

Extracurriculars are somewhat self-explanatory: these are just about anything you’ve done that isn’t directly connected to your academics. Common examples: 

• School clubs
• Service work
• Research 
• Creative projects
• Paid employment
• Internships

But it’s Character that can be one of the most important elements of a Yale application, and one of the hardest to pin down. What’s the Character pillar? In a nutshell, it’s your story: what kind of person and student are you? What drives you? What do you hope to accomplish?

All of these big and probably scary questions are what we mean when we discuss Character as part of your application. While all elements of your application come together to showcase Character, the single biggest place where you can convey it is in your college essays. 

Below, we’re going to break down Yale University’s admissions process according to each of these three pillars: what do you need to do when it comes to Academics, Extracurriculars, and Character to have a shot?

What you need to get into Yale: Academics

We want to start with a disclaimer: nobody gets accepted to Yale based on Academics alone . But plenty of applicants do get rejected because their Academics pillar is too weak. 

When it comes to schools like Yale, you should think of Academics as a prerequisite: while there are always rare exceptions, if your GPA and test scores do not line up with Yale’s typical median, your chances of acceptance are very, very slim. 

So, what are the Yale University baselines as far as Academics? Let’s take a look at the 2022-2023 Common App Data set for the stats. 

When it comes to SAT/ACT: 

To put it bluntly, you’ll need near-perfect SAT/ACT scores to have a shot at a Yale admission. We’ll break down some statistics below: 

To break that down quickly: 

• For SAT-takers, 50% of students who enrolled had an SAT Verbal score at or above 760 and a Math score at or above 780. 
• For ACT-takers, 50% of students who enrolled had an ACT Composite of 35 or higher.

To put that in perspective: a 35 ACT score is equivalent to a 99th percentile nationally. Meaning that at least half of Yale admits who took the ACT had scored in the top 1% nationally. 

But while people often look at percentiles and medians, there’s another crucial statistic people often miss: how many people actually get in with lower scores? The answer: basically none. Take a look below. 

It’s a lot of numbers, but here’s the TLDR summary: 

• Only 7.89% of Yale admits had an SAT Verbal score below 700. 
• Only 4.82% of Yale admits had an SAT Math score below 700. 

The takeaway is simple: it is practically impossible to get accepted to Yale without an ACT or SAT score in the top 1%. 

A note on test-optional policies

Many people see that Yale is test-optional and breathe a sigh of relief: if the policy says “optional,” then surely you don’t have to take the test, right? 

Sadly, that’s not the case. The vast majority of Yale applicants submitted test scores for last-year’s application cycle. The reality of it is that test-optional policies are not meant to apply to everyone.

 If you come from a background where the Yale admission committee could see testing as a real burden—you come from a low-income family or community, you worked a full-time job to support your family, you were dealing with serious health issues in high school, etc.—then test-optional can work for you ( though you would still be better off submitting exceptional test scores ). 

But if you don’t have anything like that to point to, Yale will expect you to submit test scores . They might not say so, but failing to do so when you don’t have a good reason will signal to admissions committees that you simply didn’t do well enough on the test. 

Regardless of application requirements, at PrepMaven we encourage students to still take the SAT (or the ACT, depending on which test suits their skills). 

Doing so will allow them to keep their options open as they navigate future college admissions cycles, and our philosophy as educators is to give our students as many tools as possible to maximize their future opportunities.

Higher test scores will always give applicants an advantage.

When it comes to GPA: 

According to the stats, it’s just as important to have a sky-high GPA:

97% of Yale admits who submitted class rank information were in the top tenth of their graduating class. 

The takeaway here is similar to that with test scores: if you’re not in at least the top 10% of your graduating class, you’re effectively out of the running for a Yale admission.

Other considerations for Academics: Rigor

We want to add a quick note here: colleges like Yale expect you to take the most rigorous courses offered by your school. While there’s not much exact data on this, we can confidently say that if you only took regular or Honors courses, you won’t be considered seriously as a candidate regardless of GPA. 

Though this depends on your school’s offerings, Yale University will expect applicants to take AP courses wherever possible. Many successful Yale applicants go further, taking dual enrollment or additional courses at local colleges. 

Academics Summary: What do you need to do?

If there’s a shorthand, it’s this: Academics won’t get you into Yale, but they can definitely keep you out. Think of this pillar as a hurdle you have to clear before admissions committees even consider your application seriously. Here’s close to the minimum of what you need for a shot:

• Take maximally rigorous courses. 
• Be at least within the top 10% of your graduating class.
• Achieve an ACT or SAT score at least in the 99th percentile. 

We can’t stress this enough: doing all of the above does not make you a strong candidate for Yale . It is effectively the minimum that you need to accomplish to be considered a candidate at all. 

If you’re serious about Yale, you should start building up your Academics pillar as early as possible. There’s absolutely no substitute for expert academic and test-prep coaching: when everything has to be perfect for you to have a shot, you don’t want to take chances. Our tutors can help you maintain that GPA and work your way up to a competitive test score. 

What you need to get into Yale: Extracurriculars

If your Academics are competitive, it’s time to look at the second pillar: Extracurriculars. Just like with Academics, the exceptional is the norm for a school like Yale. 

Yale University offers three pieces of advice to applicants when it comes to selecting their extracurriculars. They are looking for you to:

• engage your community beyond the classroom . Yale is home to hundreds of student organizations, and we want to admit students who will take advantage of these resources and contribute to Yale’s vibrant extracurricular community.
• take leadership positions when they are available, and invest your energies into the activities you choose. You do not need to be president of a national organization to impress the admissions committee. But, the committee would like to see that you have spent time pursuing meaningful opportunities and that you have had a positive impact on people around you.
• demonstrate a deep commitment to and genuine appreciation for what you spend your time doing. The joy you take in the pursuits that really matter to you — rather than a resume padded with a long list of activities — will strengthen your candidacy.

So, what makes a strong Extracurricular profile for Yale? In addition to the suggestions from Yale’s site above, we encourage you to focus on four key elements to evaluate how competitive your extracurriculars are—and, if you have time, to begin developing a competitive Extracurricular pillar.

Key elements of a competitive Yale Extracurricular profile, in order:

• Initiative 

Let’s take these one at a time. 

Yale isn’t looking for someone who dabbles: they want applicants who have proven that they can excel at what they pursue. Whatever your main extracurriculars, there should be some kind of objective proof that you excelled above and beyond the norm in them. What might that look like?

• If you code: placing high a national or international competition/challenge. 
• If you play sports: being a high-level competitor on a national competitive team. 
• If you write: winning state, national, or international prizes. 

The idea here is fairly clear: it’s not enough just to do : you’ve really got to prove you can perform at an incredible level. 

Note the scale as well: winning a school or local competition simply isn’t good enough to matter in most cases. 

Whatever you pursue, Yale wants you to prove you’re dedicated to it. Having 1-3 core activities that you have spent years pursuing is the mark of dedication. While it’s totally fine to have a few lighter extracurriculars that you don’t dedicate as much time to, you need to have at least 1 thing that you’ve pursued for a long time with (as mentioned above) proven excellence.

Here, the key is really length of time and commitment: the best ECs are ones you’ve pursued for years, with significant time investment each week. 

In addition to excellence and dedication, Yale will expect you to demonstrate some form of leadership in the ECs you pursue. The most obvious example of this is, of course, holding a position like team captain or class/club president. 

While those can serve to demonstrate leadership, it’s clear that you’re able to show what came of that leadership. Many students aiming for Ivies try to join the Executive Boards of as many clubs and organizations as possible in high school, but this is the wrong move . 

Instead of looking like a dedicated, passionate leader, you’ll look like someone who doesn’t care what they do so long as they have a fancy title. What you want is for your leadership to align with excellence and dedication: if you’ve been a member of a nationally recognized robotics team, it’ll be meaningful to show you also captained it. 

If, on the other hand, you joined four clubs senior year and were president of all four, it’ll seem more like you were trying to build a resume. 

This is one people often forget, or misunderstand. When it comes to the Extracurricular pillar, one of the most crucial elements is to show that you sought something out and pursued it because of a real passion. 

In a nutshell, this means that the more work you had to do to pursue your ECs of choice, the better. Joining an existent club at school might show dedication, excellence, and leadership, but it won’t, in itself, show much initiative. Starting a club that grows and becomes self-sufficient, however, does show initiative. Here are some examples of initiative:

• Starting an organization that will continue to thrive after you leave high school .
• Seeking out an unusual service, research, or work opportunity. 
• Making a personal sacrifice to pursue your extracurricular of choice. 

A note of caution: Yale is looking for the exceptional and the unusual. Standard accolades like Merit Scholar, NHS, AP Scholar, or club e-board member are a dime a dozen—in other words, they won’t make you more competitive. Below, we’ve put together a list of ECs that make for a competitive Extracurricular profile for Yale, and another list of ones that don’t. 

Examples of competitive ECs for Yale:

• You’ve pursued music since childhood, practicing 20 or more hours a week and performing at concerts across the country. 
• You fell in love with cooking your sophomore year of high school: first you got a job as a busser at a local diner; by the summer of junior year, you were a prep cook at a local restaurant, working 30 hours a week. You also have a growing Youtube channel where you show off recipes.
• Interested in international relations, you sought out a local professor and helped them as a research assistant for a year. Eventually, you published an original research paper with their help.
• You love visual art, and have dedicated countless hours each week over the last few years to painting and multimedia art projects. While not a member of any club or organization, you have a website gallery of your work and have even sold a few paintings to local businesses. 

Examples of NON-competitive ECs for Yale:

• You started an Ultimate Frisbee club with 10 members your junior year of high school that you were President of. 
• You volunteered sporadically for a local soup kitchen to meet your NHS service hours minimum. You didn’t dedicate a significant amount of time to this activity, nor did you participate for very long.
• You were a rank-and-file member of several school interest clubs (chess club, coding club, book club, etc.), but don’t have any notable accomplishments or results to point to. 

Do you see the difference? It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the activities on the second list. In fact, it’s totally fine if you have a few activities like that on your Yale application, but only if they are small side-projects in addition to your 1-3 main extracurricular activities, which should look more like the things on the first list. 

This probably seems like a lot, and it absolutely is. But this is the kind of excellence that Yale is looking for. So, what can you do to develop the Extracurricular pillar of your Yale application?

• Start early. The earlier you start pursuing an activity, the more impressive your commitment to it will be. 
• Keep a record of your pursuits. Websites, Youtube channels, etc., are a great way to maintain a portfolio of any creative projects. 
• Enter contests and seek out publication/recognition. 

The last point deserves a special mention: as you can see from the list of competitive ECs, most of them take years of dedication. If you’re already a junior, one of the best things you can do is pursue contests, research, and publication, all of which can be accomplished fairly quickly and will add a solid EC to your list. 

On that front, writing competitions and research are great places to start. Many of our tutors come from creative writing backgrounds, and many more are graduate students who’ve published research themselves— by working with one of these coaches, you can develop your own independent creative or research project . 

What you need to get into Yale: Character

This third aspect of your Yale application is perhaps the most elusive—but it can be the most important. 

What do we mean by Character? You can read our full breakdown of the Three Pillars of a College Application here , but for now we can summarize Character as those personal qualities that set you aside from other applicants who have similar grades and extracurriculars. It’s really that ”extra” factor, the one that doesn’t really show up on a transcript or resume. 

So, where does Character appear on your college admissions applications? Mostly, it comes across in the essays! This is where college admissions committees can actually hear your voice, see your thought process, and get an insight into how you view the world. 

Some people tend to write off the college essay, but for an application to Yale or an Ivy League school, it plays a vital part . You can read our post on how important the college essay is here, but for now you can think of it this way: Yale gets so many incredibly talented applicants, so the college essay is one of the main things that can truly help you stand out. 

What is Yale looking for in terms of Character? Key qualities to convey in your essays are things like: 

• Self-awareness
• Community-mindedness

We’ve got an entire collection of blog posts on how to structure the perfect college application essay—if you’re applying to Yale, we highly recommend you start here . At the end of the day, Character is also a way of capturing your entire story, of connecting all of the different threads into one compelling narrative that presents you as someone who will contribute something to one of the most selective universities in the world. 

Yale’s supplemental essay prompts for 2023-2024

In addition to your main essay, the supplemental essay questions are the perfect place to demonstrate Character. Below are Yale’s supplemental essay prompts for 2023-2024:

• Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.
• Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)
• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

In addition, you’ll have to pick one of the following prompts to respond to in 400 words or less: 

• Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?
• Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.
• Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?*

If you’ve been reading our blog posts, you might already notice that we’ve already written extensive guides on how to approach the two questions, which fall into our “Why major? ” and “Why us?” categories of supplemental essays. 

If you want to ensure your answers to these deceptively simple questions actually give Yale admissions officers what they want, make sure to read through our guides, and take a look below for examples of real, successful supplemental essays. 

When it comes to Yale, every piece of your application has to be perfect. Your Academics are what gets you considered, and your Extracurriculars are what prove you’ve accomplished something unusual. But it’s your Character—exemplified mostly in your college admissions essays—that can convince college admissions committees you’re someone they want to have on campus for the next four years. 

The Three Pillars of getting into Yale: Summary

So, what does it take to get into Yale, really? 

• A near perfect GPA achieved in a maximally rigorous courseload. 
• An SAT or ACT score well within the top 1% of test-takers. 
• An extracurricular profile that shows remarkable dedication, excellence, passion, and initiative. 
• Essays that tie together your story and convince admissions officers that you’re an interesting, unique applicant they want to have around for four years.

If that sounds tough, well, it is! So, what can you do to maximize your chances? Start preparing for all of the above as early as possible. If you want to do everything you can, we strongly recommend our tutors : they can help you ace your courses, prepare for your SAT/ACT, develop interesting extracurriculars, and write the perfect essay. 

Below, we’ll get into some crucial info that can help you prepare your Yale application, including a breakdown of the Yale application process and a guide to the Yale interview. 

The Yale admissions process

What are admissions officers looking for.

Former Yale President, Kingman Brewster, once said that “ selecting future Yale students was a combination of looking for those who would make the most of the extraordinary resources assembled here, those with a zest to stretch the limits of their talents, and those with an outstanding public motivation — in other words, applicants with a concern for something larger than themselves.” 

The Yale Admissions department states that their goals today are largely the same. They state that “decade after decade, Yalies have set out to make our world better. We are looking for students we can help to become the leaders of their generation in whatever they wish to pursue.”

Yale is specifically looking for applicants who are driven, passionate, and strong leaders. The Yale Admissions department notes that the two questions their admissions team asks themselves when reviewing applications are:

• Who is likely to make the most of Yale’s resources?
• Who will contribute most significantly to the Yale community? 

Their advice for demonstrating this: “pursue what you love and tell us about that. Be yourself. Ask the teachers who really know you to recommend you. Apply and relax.”

Read more on the three pillars to application success and see how admission officers read applications here !

What is the Yale University admission’s process like?

Most admissions team follow the same four steps to reading applications :

• Screen and sort : organize the applications and send to appropriate admissions officer
• Individual Reads : one or more individuals read through the full application to form initial impressions of the candidate and decide whether or not they go to committee  
• Committee Review: group deliberation of the candidates
• Final Decision: the final class is selected

There are other similarities across admissions departments such as numerical scoring of applicants and the academic index for recruited athletes which you can read more about in our article, “ How Colleges Read your Application .”

For Yale specifically, their admission’s department describes what happens after applications are submitted as follows: 

• Applications are sorted geographically : This means that when your first reader reviews your application, they are doing so within the context of your specific area and amongst similar candidates; “we do this not just as a practical means of sorting our many thousands of applications, but also so for every corner of the world there’s someone in our office familiar with the schools and the unique challenges and opportunities our applicants from that place may encounter.”
• A first reader holistically reviews your application: First readers read the application “cover to cover”. This means that they are not just skimming for specific metrics (though they will likely take note of some) but are thoroughly investigating the “background, context, accomplishments, potential, interests, and character of each of our applicants.”
• Applications are sorted to committees: A first reader, and likely a second or third reader, will review applications and include notes for committees. Yale University admissions states that they strive “to respect the hard work you’ve put into applying to college by giving your application the time and attention it deserves.”
• Applications go to committee for voting : Admissions committees run between February and March, and they are composed of senior admissions officers, professors, and Residential College Deans. All applicants go to at least one committee. They discuss and vote on the strongest candidates. 

Other elements of the Yale application

Letters of recommendation.

Letters of recommendation give an admissions officer a clearer view of an applicant’s character. Yale requires that these letters are teacher recommendations specifically; the ideal letter of recommendation will be written by someone who knows you well; ideally personally and academically. 

They will be able to dedicate the time needed to writing you a strong, personalized letter so be sure to request your recommendations well in advance of your application deadline.

Yale University requests two letters from teachers in core academic subjects. That means Yale requires that these letters be from teachers in your central academic competencies (English, foreign language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math).

In addition to being teachers who know you well, try to select teachers who will be able to compliment different parts of you. While you can’t read what your recommender writes, it’s a good idea to sit down with them and talk about things you would like them to highlight.

Yale admissions states that , “The best recommendations are not always from the teachers in whose class you earned the highest grades, but rather from those teachers who know you best and can discuss the substance of your intellect and character. We are as interested in your intellectual curiosity and resilience as in your innate ability and work ethic. A string of generic superlatives is not as useful as a specific, thoughtful discussion of your strengths.”

A guide to the Yale interview

Unlike other colleges where interviews are either mandatory or offered to all applicants, Yale does not require interviews as part of the application process and instead prioritizes interviews for applicants for whom the “admissions committee needs more information”. The Office of Undergraduate admissions notes that because of the limited interviewing capacity, applicants who are not invited to interview will not be disadvantaged. 

All students who are invited to interview are encouraged to connect with the alumni or undergraduate student interviewer. Yale admissions tells candidates that interviewers are valuable sources of information on Yale such as what it is truly like to live and study there. 

They also note that interviews are “evaluative”. At the conclusion of each interview a report will be written and sent to the Yale admissions committee that will help them learn more about the applicant and how they might contribute to the Yale community. 

Ideally, the interview will glean insights about the following qualities of the applicant: 

• Intellectual curiosity
• Openness to ideas
• Concern for others

Some example interview questions that Yale provides interviewers are:

• Reflect either on something that doesn’t come as naturally (i.e. English class for the STEM kid) or a particularly difficult experience in the thing you love (i.e. a tough acting role, mastering a new piece, an obstacle in research). 
• Tell me about influential person in your lives (teacher, coach, etc.).
• What has made you stick with an interest for years?
• What do you do for fun?
• What do you hope to gain from your undergraduate experience?

You can visit their site to read more example interview questions based on student interests. 

There is no script for interviewers, and thus any questions you receive are completely up to their discretion. Even though you are not guaranteed to receive any of the recommended questions, it’s still a good idea to read through them and think about possible responses. 

Particularly, think about aspects of yourself that you want to uplift at the interview. Are there particular extracurriculars you included on your application that you want to demonstrate a strong passion for? Are there specific academic interests that align with Yale programs you are excited to learn more about? Are there personal circumstances that you didn’t write about on your application that would strengthen your story? 

While we can’t prepare for the exact questions asked, we can have an idea of topics you want to hit on while the interview occurs. Walk through some scenarios where you can talk about those items. 

Lastly, it’s always important to be polite, enthusiastic, and well-informed about Yale and why you’re applying. If you keep this in mind and practice some questions, you will likely ace the interview.

With an acceptance rate of just 4.6% , getting into a dream school like Yale University is no easy task. Here are some next steps you can take to better navigate the application process and improve your chances of getting in. 

• Overall academic success is critical to admissions at Yale University. Check out academic subject tutoring for your student here .
• Having a top performing SAT or ACT score can only make you a more competitive applicant. We can help you reach that score, consult with a test prep expert to see if individual tutoring or prep courses would be right for you. 
• Your personal essay can demonstrate your character and highlight your skills better than any part of your application. Our top tutors can also help your students perfect their personal essays. Schedule your initial consultation here.

If you’re in the process of applying, there are few better resources than real sample essays that worked to get other students into Ivy+ schools. Fortunately, we’ve got over 50 real essays for you to use as examples: click the link below to download them for free. 

Top College Essay Posts

• 14 Best College Essay Services for 2023 (40 Services Reviewed)
• Qualities of a Successful College Essay
• 11 College Essays That Worked
• How to Answer the UC Personal Insight Questions
• How Colleges Read your College Applications (A 4-Step Process)
• How to Write the Princeton Supplemental Essays
• The Diamond Strategy: How We Help Students Write College Essays that Get Them Into Princeton (And Other Ivy League Schools)
• What is the College Essay? Your Complete Guide for 202 4
• College Essay Brainstorming: Where to Start
• How to Write the Harvard Supplemental Essays
• How to Format Your College Essay

Mike is a PhD candidate studying English literature at Duke University. Mike is an expert test prep tutor (SAT/ACT/LSAT) and college essay consultant. Nearly all of Mike’s SAT/ACT students score in the top 5% of test takers; many even score above 1500 on the SAT. His college essay students routinely earn admission into their top-choice schools, including Harvard, Brown, and Dartmouth. And his LSAT students have been accepted In into the top law schools in the country, including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia Law.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Get Into Yale: Admissions Stats + Tips

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

Yale is one of the most prestigious, well-known, and oldest colleges in the country (it was founded in 1701). Like its peers in the Ivy League, Yale has a rich history, long-standing traditions, and is a highly sought-after destination for high-achieving high schoolers. It also has an impressive alumni group, which includes everyone from award-winning actresses like Meryl Streep to broadcasters like Anderson Cooper to U.S. Presidents such as William Howard Taft, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, not to mention Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, both of whom attended Yale Law School.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Yale?

Admission into Yale is extremely challenging and only getting more difficult—the class of 2025 had a mere 4.62% acceptance rate . Yale welcomed just 2,169 students to its class of 2025 from a record-setting 46,905 applicants, a 33% increase over the 35,220 students who applied during the 2019-20 admissions cycle.  

Yale welcomed 837 students out of a record-high 7,939 applicants through its single-choice early action program (SCEA), a 10.54% SCEA acceptance rate , which is significantly higher than the 3.42% acceptance rate for those applying for regular decision . 

While the acceptance rates at super-selective schools like Yale are extremely low, your odds may be better or worse depending on the strength of your profile. CollegeVine can help you better understand your chances at Yale with our free admissions calculator . It uses a variety of factors—including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars—to estimate your odds of acceptance and give you tips to improve your profile. 

Average Academic Profile of Accepted Yale Students

Yale doesn’t publish the average high school GPA of accepted students; however, know that you will need to earn stellar grades, take rigorous coursework, and graduate at–or near–the top of your class to gain admission. Yale considers GPA, class rank, and course rigor as “very important” when it makes admissions decisions. 

Yale’s class of 2025 middle 50% SAT/ACT score is 1470-1560/33-35.  

Yale doesn’t publish the average high school class rank of students admitted into its class of 2025, but know that the students accepted are highly qualified academically. 94% of Yale’s class of 2025 graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. 

What is Yale Looking for?

Yale estimates that roughly three quarters of their applicants are actually qualified to attend , so candidates have to find other ways to separate themselves from the competitive field. While almost all Yale applicants have strong academic backgrounds, Yale values intense academic focus—even more than Harvard, its rival Ivy League institution. 

Immersing yourself in an academic topic outside of traditional coursework is a good way to get the attention of admissions officers. An example of a strong applicant is a person who’s actively involved with a BIPOC club and has also published an op-ed for a newspaper on racial inequity at public school or college admissions. 

Yale is renowned for its Yale School of Music and David Geffen School of Drama at Yale and, among HYPSM , is the most receptive to students with significant achievements in arts. Whether you’ve demonstrated exceptional talent in art, music, dance, or film, consider including an art supplement to boost your odds of admission. 

How Yale Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Yale considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Recommendation letters
• Extracurricular activities 
• Talent/ability
• Character personal qualities 

These are “considered” :

• Test scores
• First generation 
• Geographical residence
• State residence 
• Racial/ethnic status 
• Volunteer work 
• Work experience 

And these are “not considered” :

• Religious affiliation
• Applicant interest

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Yale

1. achieve the highest possible gpa while taking the most challenging classes available.

The average high school GPA for Yale’s class of 2025 isn’t published, but Yale considers GPA, class rank, and course vigor as “very important” to admissions decisions. 94% of its class of 2025 graduated high school in the top 10% of their class. Students serious about getting into Yale will want to get all, or mostly all, As. Hopeful Yale students will also want to take the most challenging coursework available to them; students admitted to top ten schools like Yale commonly take upward of 12 AP classes . 

Extremely selective schools such as Yale use a tool known as the Academic Index to filter out candidates who do not meet its academic expectations. Academic Index is a calculation of a student’s academic performance into a single number. Failure to meet Yale’s threshold academic index can prevent an application from getting serious consideration. 

2. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Yale considers both extracurricular activities and talent/ability “very important” to admissions decisions. Extracurricular activities are important on their own, but they are also an easy avenue to highlight the talents and abilities that set you apart from other candidates. While many college-bound students believe schools are looking for well-rounded students, top ten schools, and Yale in particular, are looking for students with a highly developed interest known as a “ spike .”

All extracurricular activities help paint a picture of you outside the classroom, but not all extracurricular activities carry the same weight in college admissions. The 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars is an easy way to understand the influence an activity has on your odds of admission. 

• Tier 1 are uncommonly encountered and demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership. Tier 1 activities include everything from earning national recognition in athletics or winning a prestigious academic award to starting a high-profile non-profit. 
• Tier 2 are more common than Tier 1 activities, but still show a high level of achievement and leadership. These activities include making an all-state team in athletics, serving as president of a well-known club, or winning a regional competition. 
• Tier 3 are more common, show less distinction, and don’t hold the influence over admissions decisions as those in higher tiers. Tier 3 extracurriculars include holding a minor leadership role in a club or making an all-city athletic team.
• Tier 4 are the most common, and least influential, activities. These include participating in a club, playing a sport, and general volunteer work. 

3. Write engaging essays

After clearing academic thresholds, essays are one of the best ways to distance yourself from other applicants. Yale considers essays “very important” to the admissions process. Yale applicants have plenty of opportunity to stand out as the college requires them to answer a handful of short-answer questions and essays as part of their application. 

All applicants must respond to three short-answer questions about their interests and how Yale intersects with them. Applicants applying with the Common Application and Coalition Application must also write two short essays on intellectual interests and personal experiences, as well as answer four additional short-answer questions that provide insight into their character, interests, and beliefs. 

In general, a smart essay strategy is to write in your own unique voice and to highlight the character and personal qualities—both of which Yale considers “very important”—that set you apart from other applicants and make you a good fit. For Yale-specific essay advice, check out our article, “ How to Write the Yale University Essays 2021-2022 .”

4. Aim for a 1560 SAT and 35 ACT 

Yale reports that standardized test scores are only “considered” in admissions decisions—but don’t get deluded, stellar standardized test scores are key to a strong profile and having a competitive Academic Index. The middle 50% SAT/ACT range of Yale’s class of 2025 is 1470-1560/33-35. There is no minimum score required for admission to Yale and any score in the middle 50% is admirable. The closer your score is to the upper end of the range, however, the better your odds of admission. 

Yale judges SAT scores by assessing the highest individual section scores from all test dates and will focus on the highest ACT composite score while also considering individual ACT subscores. This makes sitting for the SAT or ACT two or three times a sound strategy and a good tactic for improving your standardized test scores. 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

Due to COVID-19, Yale instituted a test-optional admissions policy in 2021 and extended that policy for 2021-2022 admissions cycle, but it’s advisable to take either the SAT or ACT if you can do so safely. Applicants who submit test scores are accepted at higher rates than those who do not. CollegeVine recommends you submit test scores if you score in the 25th percentile or above of accepted students. 

Not sure whether to send your test scores or not? You can get recommendations on whether or not you should apply test-optional using our free chancing engine . 

5. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are “very important” to Yale’s admissions process. Yale requires students to submit one letter of recommendation from their high school counselor and two letters of recommendation from 11th and 12th grade teachers who know you well and can provide insight into your academic and personal strengths. 

Because of the high value that Yale places on letters of recommendation, it’s important to take steps to ensure you receive a compelling letter, such as following the nine rules for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers . Remember, teachers don’t get paid to write recommendations, so give them plenty of time, provide them with the resources they need, and make sure to say thank you when you receive your letter. 

6. Apply Early Action/Early Decision

The 10.54% single-choice early (SCEA) acceptance rate at Yale is more than double that of its 4.62% overall acceptance rate and triple that of its 3.42% regular decision acceptance rate . Applying via the SCEA process is a sure way to give your admissions odds a boost. 

SCEA might have a higher acceptance rate than other admissions avenues, but isn’t without its own challenges. SCEA is non-binding and students who apply through it are under no obligation to attend Yale. However, students applying to Yale’s SCEA are restricted (with a few exceptions) from applying for early decision or early action at any other school. 

How to Apply to Yale

Application Requirements

Yale accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and Questbridge Application. Other requirements include:

• Counselor letter of recommendation 
• Teacher letters of recommendation (2)
• School report with transcript 
• Mid-year report 
• Yale writing supplement 

Other optional materials include: 

• SAT/ACT test scores 
• Art supplement 

Learn More About Yale 

Interested in learning more about Yale? Check out these other informative articles: 

• What is Yale University Known For?
• Yale Diversity Statistics: An In-Depth Look
• A Day in the Life at Yale

Want to know your chances at Yale? Calculate your chances for free right now .

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Add Project Key Words

How to Approach the Yale Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

Padya Paramita

July 19, 2021

As you embark on the road to writing your Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 , it’s important to think about why you’ve chosen to apply, beyond the obvious fact that Yale is consistently one of the highest-ranked schools in the country. Is it the chance to combine your two favorite subjects through the “ Mathematics & Philosophy ” major that resonates with you, or is it the once-in-a-lifetime shot at studying reefs and rainforests for a semester in Australia that you can’t stop thinking about? Whatever it is about the home of the Bulldogs that calls your name, there’s no better way to let admissions officers know than through your supplemental essays. 

Yale highly values knowing what motivates your academic pursuits, and the supplemental essays provide the opportunity to show the school that you're curious, ambitious, and intellectually driven. To frame your aspirations in a way that highlights you as an impressive applicant, you need to take advantage of the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022. To guide you through them, I’ve outlined each of the prompts, how best to approach them, and additional tips to make sure that you write outstanding essays that separate you from the particularly tough Yale applicant pool. 

Short Answer Questions

Applicants submitting the coalition application, common application, or questbridge application will respond to the following short answer questions: .

Students at Yale have plenty of time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided.

This question is your chance to show your focus directly. So, emphasize areas of choice that make sense alongside other parts of your application. The three majors you choose should definitely be connected. Within your major, try to be as specific as possible. Don’t just automatically say “biology.” Look through options that match your aspirations and consider options such as “Biology (Ecology & Evolutionary),” “History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health,” and “Biomedical Engineering.” Don’t choose a topic just because you think it sounds impressive. Admissions officers aren’t looking for any specific answers beyond what legitimately reflects your interests and goals.  

Why do these areas appeal to you? (100 words or fewer)

Now we get to why these areas appeal to you. Again, there are no specific boxes that your reasons need to check. 100 words is a very restricted limit, so don’t run around in circles. If you picked three areas in your first answer, you’ll have around 33 words to explain each choice of major. 

Don’t talk in general terms such as “studying Environmental Engineering can help scientists understand the world’s issues better.” The question asks why the areas appeal to you . If you’ve picked three areas that seem random at first, such as English, Economics, and Gender Studies, explain why the overlap is more than what meets the eye and how they all connect in helping you get where you want. You could use a short anecdote to drive your point home. Focus on what an ideal undergraduate academic experience looks like for you, and how Yale’s programs are suited for you. 

What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Now we get to the classic “Why Yale” question in the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 . When reading your responses, Yale wants to know two things : “Who is likely to make the most of Yale’s resources?” and “Who will contribute most significantly to the Yale community?” The key to answering this question is to keep it simple and specific while making sure your knowledge of the school comes through. You want to be presented as a one-of-a-kind candidate. Since the word limit is tight, you must pinpoint one or two things that makes Yale special – not in general, but in connection to your interests.

Are you excited by the chance to explore your love for film and media through courses such as FILM 233: Children and Schools in Global Cinema and FILM 320: Close Analysis of Film, while becoming an active member of the Yale Film Society? Or are you more drawn by the chance to enrich your advocacy for global health care through the Health & Community: Globalization, Culture, and Care comparative study abroad program across five different countries?

Keep your scope narrowed to features that can only be found at Yale so the reader knows you’ve done your research and are applying for the school itself, and not just the Ivy League name. 

Check out all supplemental essay prompts here!

Applicants submitting the coalition application or common application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in 35 words or fewer:.

• What inspires you?
• Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What question would you ask?
• You are teaching a Yale course. What is it called?
• Most first-year Yale students live in suites of four to six students. What do you hope to add to your suitemates’ experience? What do you hope they will add to yours?

Based on your answers to these four very short questions, admissions officers hope to gauge how you think and who you are. There’s no need to spend hours coming up with the “perfect” response because it’s all about painting an authentic picture of your personality. For any of these responses, you should avoid the most basic or common answers such as inviting Bill Gates or Barack Obama to be the guest speaker or wishing to teach a course called “19th Century Literature.” Your goal is to stand out and 19th Century Literature courses already exist in every university. They won’t make you memorable!

“What inspires you?” is an extremely broad question. With 35 words in your hand, you cannot get too elaborate. Don’t mention random disconnected things that are all over the place. It is easiest to stick to one answer here – for example, a piece of media such as a song or movie, or a goal such as achieving success in the future.

For the second prompt, you should spend more time thinking about your question rather than about the guest’s identity. This is a good chance to show admissions officers where your interests lie, what you’re curious about and whether you have the ability to ask a good question. 

In answering the third question, think about something more niche within your area of interest. You aren’t locked within traditional boundaries of academics – you could teach a social media course or poster-making class!

For the fourth question, remember that Yale wants students who are both strong and personable . The reader wants to know whether you’re a candidate who is a friendly and considerate human being. Plus, nobody wants a selfish suitemate. Admissions officers want to know how you would engage with others and what you would share with your community. 

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to the prompt below in 250 words or fewer:

• Yale’s extensive course offerings and vibrant conversations beyond the classroom encourage students to follow their developing intellectual interests wherever they lead. Tell us about your engagement with a topic or idea that excites you. Why are you drawn to it?

Note that this question from the longer Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 has asked for a topic that’s “intellectually exciting” as opposed to academically interesting. So you can extend beyond subjects that you’d study at school and talk about pretty much any idea that causes you to sit up and engage in lively discussions.

What topics do you enjoy thinking about in school or in your extracurriculars? It could be related to sports, theatre, a mathematical equation. A good way to narrow down your options might be to ask yourself, “What can I give a five-minute presentation on right now?” 

In answering the why part of the question, think about how the topic is relevant to you. Do you have a personal connection with the concept? Is there a historical or cultural relevance in the subject that’s beyond what meets the eye? Show the reader your perspective on why everyone should pay attention.

Respond to ONE of the following prompts.

• Reflect on your engagement with a community to which you belong. How has this engagement affected you?

When answering this prompt in the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 , think about a group or place that has impacted you – it could be your ethnic or religious community or it could be a club at school, or an organization outside of school that matters to you. Think about the role you’ve played in the community, how it has shaped your perspective, and how you’d be different without it.

The heart of this prompt lies in clarifying the role you have played in this community. Were there situations where you had to lead the community? Have there been any changes that you’ve successfully implemented? Since the prompt doesn’t specify whether your engagement with the community should be positive or negative, you can take a nuanced route and talk about both – factors that you love about the community, and issues that you didn’t like and worked to change. 

• Reflect on something that has given you great satisfaction. Why has it been important to you?

If you write about a local or global topic broadly, with no obvious relation to you, admissions officers will see through you. The more specific and unique your selection, the more the essay will stand out to admissions officers.

Finally, you should tie your answer back to Yale in answering the second half of the question. Is there a course where you hope to learn more on the topic? Is there a student organization where you can meet like-minded peers to partake in ongoing discussions around the subject? Choose this prompt if there's something you can talk about for a while, that doesn't overlap with your personal statement. 

Engineering Essay

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application who select one of Yale’s engineering majors will also respond to the prompt below in 300 words or fewer:

Please tell us more about what has led you to an interest in this field of study, what experiences (if any) you have had in engineering, and what it is about Yale’s engineering program that appeals to you. 

This question has three parts, so start by understanding exactly what it is looking for:

• What has led to your interest in studying engineering
• What engineering experiences have motivated you 
• Why have you chosen Yale specifically to pursue this major

This leaves you only about 100 words to dedicate to each sub-topic. Ideally, the three parts would have a connection between one another. For example, if you wish to concentrate in Mechanical Engineering based on a childhood interest taking toy cars apart and your experiences have revolved around participation in mechanics competitions or interning at local labs, talk about how Yale can help you fuel your skills and enthusiasm around the subject. Don’t say you’re interested in Biomedical Engineering and then talk about how you wish to study Computer Engineering at Yale with no connection back to the biomedical aspect. That won’t make any sense.

The core of the essay lies in knowing why Yale is the place for you to hone your engineering skills. There are many other undergraduate engineering programs in the country – don’t just write an essay that could apply to Duke’s or Princeton’s engineering school as well. Do your research on Yale and let the reader know you’ve done so. Are you excited to engage with the wider New Haven community through programs such as Yale Funbotics and introduce robotics to underrepresented youth? Are you keen on Yale because of courses such as MENG 472, which would allow you to conduct your own independent project under the mentorship of the Mechanical Engineering faculty? 

Don’t go off-base and talk about the wider importance of engineering in the world or what is great about Yale in general. The engineering portion of the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 should demonstrate your capabilities as a prospective engineer and demonstrate the fact that you’ve actually done your homework when it comes to understanding the exceptional undergraduate offerings at Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 

Additional Tips for Writing the Yale Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

As you brainstorm and jot down ideas to compose your Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 , keep the following tips in mind:

• Be succinct but confident – None of the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 have a significantly high word limit. The word limit for the longer essay questions is only 250 words. So in a matter of 100-200 words, you have to confidently answer questions by convincingly telling a story, providing a clear picture of yourself, and outlining your goals in relation to the programs at Yale. Don’t beat around the bush. Get straight to the point and go through multiple drafts while actively reflecting on how Yale is the right school for you.
• Don’t misrepresent yourself – For questions that ask about your academic interests or ideas that you find exciting, it might be tempting to try and guess what Yale wants to hear. Definitely avoid that, as it’s neither fair to you nor your reader. Yes, there comes a lot of pressure with applying to a school as selective as Yale, but if you try too hard, you’re going to put a lot of effort into an application that is dishonest. You want the admissions officers to evaluate you based on your real interests.
• Make sure to be specific – For a few prompts in the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 , such as the role of the “Why Yale?” question, you might be misguided to list things straight from the Yale website to prove that you have done your research. Except, the website exists for everybody and if admissions officers wanted to read it, they’d pull it up on their web browser. Don’t just copy and paste cool features – tell the school something about yourself that they don’t know in connection to how you’d benefit from Yale’s resources. The goal of these essays is to see how you’d fit within the campus environment. Why do you think Yale is the best place for you ?

The best way to stand out from your peers in the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 is to emphasize qualities and experiences that are unique to you. If admissions officers come away from reading your responses knowing you’re making a well-informed decision, they’re more likely to go to bat for you. Ultimately, make sure your responses have highlighted the perspective you’ll bring and why Yale’s resources can help you achieve your goals. Best of luck!

Tags : yale university , yale supplemental essays 2021-2022 , yale essays , applying to yale , how to get into yale

Schedule a free consultation

to find out how we can help you get accepted.

MBA Video Essay Samples

Featured Expert: Aali Malik, MBA

Are you curious about the MBA video interview questions/MBA video essay? You're not the only one. This relatively new application component has become a part of the admissions process for several top business schools, including some  Ivy League schools  like Yale University's school of management and other prestigious institutions like MIT . MBA video interviews or essays can be challenging for applicants, mainly because most applicants are unsure how to prepare for them. Much like with other interview formats and essays, the key to success is practice! In this blog, we will share some common MBA video essay prompts so that you have some questions to practice with, and we will also provide some sample answers to those questions to help you prepare.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 6 min read

What are mba video interview questions/video essays.

MBA video interviews and MBA video essays are short, self-recorded videos where candidates answer questions given by the admission committee in a video instead of writing. This application component has simply been added to the admission process of some business schools; it does not replace any other written MBA admission essay or the final interview for admission. 

It's also important to note that because this concept is relatively new in the MBA application process, business schools refer to it by different names. For example, Kellogg Business School and London Business School both call it a video essay, while INSEAD refers to it as Video Interview, and MIT refers to it as a Video Statement. Ultimately, these are all the same thing. The only thing that may vary is the format of the video essay. 

There are two main types of MBA video essays:

This format asks candidates to record a short video answering a specific question or prompt given by the admission committee. The timeframe and questions or topics are usually provided beforehand, thus giving you more time to think through your answers and ensure that your video essay is of the best quality. ","label":"Pre-recorded video essays","title":"Pre-recorded video essays"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Kellogg Business School

Kellogg business school  is one of the pioneers of the MBA video essay. This component was added to their already thorough application process in 2013 and is here to stay. Kellogg no longer publishes their admission statistics, but in previous years, the acceptance rate was roughly 20%, making it one of the most selective business schools in the world. To apply to Kellogg’s MBA programs, applicants must submit two written  MBA admission essays , and answer 3 MBA video essay questions.

Kellogg Business School's acceptance rate

The Kellogg MBA video essay comprises three essay prompts. Applicants have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to answer each question. The first two questions are predefined, and the third question is usually randomized. It should be noted that this is subject to change. For example, not too long ago, the admissions committee was specifically asking students about their experience with COVID as a third question instead of using a random prompt. So, it is always best to verify the school’s website for the most up-to-date information.

My name is Angela Faye, and I am a corporate lawyer from New York City. I was born in Normandy, France, but I moved to the United States at the age of eighteen to attend university. I quickly fell in love with the melting pot of cultures found in New York and the different aspects of American culture. So, I decided to stay and make a life for myself here. I am a wife and mother to two beautiful children who look up to me and for whom I'd like to set a good example by doing what it takes to accomplish my goals. One of those goals is to open a law firm of my own, and I believe that the next step for me on my journey to making that happen is to gain more knowledge and experience in business administration and management. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

I aim to own and operate an affordable, sustainable clothing brand that caters to women of all sizes and body types. I have been working towards this goal for the past five years. I own a personal shopping business, and I have noticed how limited the options are for ethically made clothes, especially for women with different body shapes. In the past five years, I have taken the time to research and learn about the logistics of the clothing industry, study the market and begin gathering funds for this project. The next step for me is to gain even more knowledge about what it takes to successfully and ethically run a business while networking with some of the best business minds in the world. Based on my research, the best place for me to do that is at Kellogg business school. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

This is the power that the main character of the sci-fi show Heroes possesses. This power allows you to learn and replicate the abilities of those in close proximity to you. This means that you would be able to learn a wide array of abilities, including flight, invisibility, and anything else that exists. To succeed, you need to be prepared and have multiple tools at your disposal. This superpower definitely gives you that. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Be sure to read some Kellogg MBA essay examples for inspiration! Here are a 10 additional common Kellogg MBA video essay questions that you can use to practice:

• What piece of technology could you not live without and why?
• Who do you approach when you have a problem for advice and why?
• What accomplishment are you really proud of?
• What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?
• If you were given a chance to meet anyone, current or historical, who would you meet and why?
• What was the most interesting class you took at university? 
• How have you changed in the last five years?
• What risk have you taken, and what did you learn?
• What impact do you have on your co-workers?
• What inspires you?

The  University of Toronto  is not only one of the best  universities of Ontario , but it attracts candidates from all over the world yearly. So it is not surprising that Rotman school of management is an increasingly popular choice for MBA hopefuls. To get into Rotman, you need to ace the MBA video interview/MBA admission essay. 

The university uses the  Kira talent  platform, which uses both video and text. Applicants will answer two different questions on video and one question in writing. For the video portion of this MBA video interview, candidates will hear the question, have 30 seconds to think, and then 90 seconds to answer. The questions used during the interview will vary, but we looked at a few past prompts so that we can share sample answers and questions for you to practice with.

I decided to cut back on my hours at the tutoring center, and I enlisted the help of a different student so that I could delegate some tasks and have more time to study. That experience taught me a lot about time management. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

I would much rather be good and on time than perfect and late. Nothing is perfect. We can try to get as close to perfect as possible, but there comes the point where chasing perfection becomes a waste of time, and time is far too valuable to be wasted. If something is good and on time, then it will stand out, and you may even have a chance to improve on it and \"perfect\" it while it is already operational. For example, recently, I was assigned to design the logo for a new client, and when the deadline came, I found that the product was not perfect. I wanted to fix it up a little more, but I realized that it would be best to give my clients something good on time and get their feedback so that we can work together to perfect it. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab6" template="BlogArticle">

Here are a 10 additional MBA video essay questions from Rotman that you can use to practice:

• Who is your mentor outside your family, and why?
• Apart from money, what else would keep you in your current organization?
• What is one good habit, and what is one bad habit of yours?
• If you had to delete all apps but three from my phone, which ones would I keep and why?
• If you got a chance, what subject would you teach?
• Out of the four seasons, which do you like the most and why?
• What is one good habit and one bad habit that you have?
• If you had no financial downsides from quitting your job, what job would you prefer to be doing?
• Which of the following aspects of your life are you most in touch with: emotional, spiritual, or physical?
• If you could have anyone over for dinner, who would it be?

Yale University  is an Ivy League institution with a worldwide reputation and a highly selective admissions process. The video interview component for Yale School of Management uses a set of randomized, previously recorded questions. This means that applicants will likely not have the same set of questions in one interview cycle. The school's website states that the questions asked are similar to typical interview questions. In other words, while the video essay may not have "trick questions," it will have some tricky ones. One tip we can give you is to  prepare for your MBA interview  early. This will not only improve your chances of doing well during your MBA interview, but it will also help you with your performance on this MBA video essay component. 

Yale video essay comprises three questions. Applicants will have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to answer the first two questions. For the third question, applicants will have 30 seconds of preparation time and 90 seconds to answer. Let's take a look at some of the prompts that have been used for Yale MBA video essays in the past:

I have wanted to pursue a Master's in Business Administration for a few years now, but I needed to accomplish a few things before embarking on this journey. First, I needed to get a few years of practical experience after spending most of my undergraduate years learning business theories. Secondly, I wanted enough savings to cover most of the tuition fees and expenses. I plan on giving my studies my full attention for the next two years, and I find that the best way to do that is to pace yourself and remove as many distractions as possible. Having enough money to ensure that my tuition is paid gives me more choices and allows me to focus on that instead of anything else. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab7" template="BlogArticle">

As a business owner, I often find myself in a position where I have to make difficult decisions or handle challenging situations. Recently, I had to decide whether it was time to let go of our office building and become a fully remote company or for a hybrid model for my employees. Everyone, from the senior management staff to the part-workers, had a different opinion. In the end, even though I listened to what they had to say, I had to compare what they were saying to what the numbers showed. Our statistics showed that most of the team was actually performing better from home and that we would save considerable money if we kept working online and spent some money on communication networks that would allow us to communicate better as a team. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab8" template="BlogArticle">

\"Without Arts, an education can not be accomplished.\" I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. People learn in different ways, and many of those ways include various pieces of art. For example, I am a visual learner. So Whenever a presentation, poster, or textbook includes images, I tend to remember it better. Furthermore, because artists and the world of arts, in general, are a big part of our culture, one cannot claim to be educated about the world without at least understanding some of it. ","label":"Sample answer","title":"Sample answer"}]" code="tab9" template="BlogArticle">

Here are a 10 additional Yale SOM MBA video essay questions that you can use to practice:

• What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
• Tell us about a creative solution you designed
• Please respond to the following statement: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." Do you agree or disagree? why?
• Do you agree or disagree with the notion that the chief executive's first priority should be a profit for shareholders?
• What accomplishment are you most proud of?
• Tell us about a shortcut you and a team could have taken, but decided not to
• If we asked your colleagues about your weaknesses and strengths, what would they say ?
• How will you resolve a conflict with your future classmates at the program?
• Tell us about a difficult decision and how you handled it?
• "The People who we remember most are the people who break the rules." Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

MBA video essays should not be underestimated. While the questions and format used by the business schools are not designed to trick you, they are definitely intended to challenge you. This means that it gives you a chance to rise to the challenge and the admissions committee a chance to find out which candidates took the time to research and prepare for this application component. If you're reading this blog, then you have already taken a step in the right direction by looking at common video essay prompts and sample answers. To prepare further, we recommend using the questions we listed to practice. Remember that these video essays are timed, so familiarize yourself with the time limits by using a timer while practicing. You should also take the time to set up and test your equipment before your interview, to make sure it is stable and that your background is appropriate. If you truly want to maximize your chances of success, you should consider working with an  MBA essay consultant  or participating in  MBA mock interviews. 

The level of competition will depend on the specific school you're applying to, but MBA programs are generally quite selective.

This is a relatively new application component used by a few business schools. Essentially, they are short videos during which candidates answer essay questions given by the admission committee.

The admission committee typically provides questions or prompts for your video essay. You should verify the admissions information of the school you are applying to, as some schools make the questions to the video essay available in advance.

No, not all of them do. Video essays and Video interviews are still a relatively new practice. They are only used by a few business schools in the world, but the practice is rising in popularity, so it is best to be prepared.

There are a few schools around the globe that require MBA video essays, including Yale, Kellogg, MIT, Rotman, London Business School, INSEAD, etc.

Yes. Most business schools ask for both written essays and video essays. Some schools also include a written essay in their MBA video interview process, like Rotman, for example.

The video essay serves a similar purpose as the  MBA personal statement  or  MBA diversity essay . If you meet the standards set by the admission committee, you may still get called for an in-person or virtual interview.

You can prepare by planning or structuring your answers in advance, timing yourself when you rehearse, participating in mock interviews, and investing in  MBA admissions consulting.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webclass: 

How to improve your mba interview practice score by 28%.

Using the Proven Strategies They Don’t Want You to Know

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get into your dream MBA program or you don't pay.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

Yale College Undergraduate Admissions

• A Liberal Arts Education
• Majors & Academic Programs
• Teaching & Advising
• Undergraduate Research
• International Experiences
• Science & Engineering Faculty Features
• Residential Colleges
• Extracurriculars
• Identity, Culture, Faith
• Multicultural Open House
• Virtual Tour
• Bulldogs' Blogs
• First-Year Applicants
• International First-Year Applicants
• QuestBridge First-Year Applicants
• Military Veteran Applicants
• Transfer Applicants
• Eli Whitney: Nontraditional Applicants
• Non-Degree & Alumni Auditing Applicants
• What Yale Looks For
• Putting Together Your Application
• Selecting High School Courses
• Application FAQs
• First-Generation College Students
• Rural and Small Town Students
• Choosing Where to Apply
• Inside the Yale Admissions Office Podcast
• Visit Campus
• Virtual Events
• Connect With Yale Admissions
• The Details
• Estimate Your Cost
• QuestBridge

Search form

Applying to yale college.

Ask your school counselor or other school official who will be assisting you with your college applications to address any special circumstances in the Counselor Recommendation. You may also write about particular challenges in your personal statement or the Additional Information section of the application, but an explanation from your counselor or another school official is especially valuable. Remember that Yale’s review process is holistic and contextual. If you believe there is important information the Admissions Committee should know when evaluating your application, please share that information with your counselor.

When applying to Yale, there is no difference. All candidates submit the same application materials regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The application will prompt you to list your country or countries of citizenship, and this information is used for reporting purposes. Your citizenship or immigration status will not negatively affect your chances of admission or your eligibility for Yale financial aid.

Although the Coalition Application, Common Application and QuestBridge National College Match Application limit the number of activities you may report, there is typically more than enough space for most competitive applicants to communicate their most important and relevant commitments. Please note that it is not necessary to report all of the activities you have ever participated in. You should only report your most recent activities, generally from grades 9-12, and you should focus on activities that you have spent the most time on, those that have meant the most to you personally, and those that are most relevant to your college plans and goals. Generally speaking, applicants should not submit additional résumés, except in the case of professional employment experience in the performing arts.

No. All applicants submit the same materials and are evaluated through the same processes regardless of their intended major. Applicants are not admitted to any specific major or undergraduate program. All matriculating students enroll in Yale College with access to the same 80 undergraduate majors. Yale College students do not declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. 

Yes. Undergraduate admissions office staff conduct random audits of application information from both applicants and admitted students. Audited information includes, but is not limited to, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, awards and distinctions, and academic records. The audit process involves proactive communication with secondary school teachers and counselors, searches of publicly available information sources, and, in some cases, requests for additional verifying records.    

Absolutely not. An applicant’s ability to pay for a Yale education is not considered during the admissions process. This policy is called “need-blind admission.” Yale is strongly committed to equality of opportunity, and need-blind admission ensures that the College will be open to students of personal and academic promise from all segments of society and all parts of the world. An application for financial aid has no effect on the Admissions Committee’s decision. This policy applies to all candidates, regardless of their citizenship.

Please contact Yale’s Student Accessibility Services  at sas@yale.edu or 203-432-2324.

No. An admissions officer cannot provide an estimate of student’s chances of being admitted to Yale. This is not simply a matter of office policy; Yale’s holistic and contextual review process requires that an applicant’s candidacy be evaluated on the basis of all of the information provided in the application, and within the context of the full applicant pool. When choosing where you will apply to college, remember that admission to Yale is highly selective, even for the most academically accomplished applicants, but no one thing alone determines who is offered admission and who is denied. For more information and advice, review the extensive Advice to Candidates section of this website.

No. Yale does not track “demonstrated interest” in any form for the purpose of evaluating applications. Visiting campus or attending an information session can be an excellent way to learn more about Yale, but it will not affect your chances of admission. 

We do not set a minimum GPA, nor do we attempt to re-weight GPA’s to any standard other than what a school provides. An applicant’s complete secondary school transcript (not just the GPA or class rank, if they are provided) is evaluated during the admissions process. We understand that every school and every grading system is different. Admissions officers evaluate a student’s course rigor and academic accomplishment in the context of the school the applicant attends.

No. There are no specific high school courses required for admission. There are also no specific high school courses required for applicants who express interest in any particular major. Please reference our Advice on Selecting High School Courses for more information.

Yale requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught you in credit-bearing classes during the academic year in core academic subjects (English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies). We recommend, but do not require, that applicants solicit recommendations from 11th and 12th grade teachers, as they are typically able to provide the best insights into your most rigorous academic work. Yale does not require that these recommendations come from teachers of particular academic subjects. Choose teachers who know you well and can give us a sense of your academic and personal strengths.

The best writing in an application is thoughtful and reflective, conveying a specific idea related to your personal or intellectual life. We understand that in a mere 200 or 500 words you cannot possibly tell us everything about yourself, and the essays and short answer responses in the application are not meant to create a comprehensive autobiography. Take some time to think about what you want us to know about you. Consider the essay’s brevity to be a challenge: it’s often more difficult to say what you mean with economy. Choose topics that express who you are and allow you to share something important about you. Don’t feel the need to come up with a “gimmick” or an original topic. Many successful candidates write about fairly common topics, such as music, sports, community service projects, jobs, and family relationships. Take the time to carefully review your essays before submitting them. Additional information can be found in our Advice to Candidates section.

Please work to keep your essays and short answer responses to the provided word limits. In some instances, if your responses do not adhere to the given word limits, you will not be able to submit your application. Remember, concise and simple writing is often the best writing, so adhering to the word limits and the space provided will work to your best interest. 

Admissions officers are familiar with various types of advanced coursework, including AP, IB, A-Levels, Dual Enrollment, and others, but have no preference for one advanced curriculum over another. We also understand that the availability of advanced coursework varies significantly from school to school. For matriculating students, top scores on AP or IB exams can, in some cases, be used for the purposes of course placement or acceleration (i.e. completing the requirements for an undergraduate degree in fewer than 8 semesters). Details of the Yale College policies on acceleration are available in the Yale College Programs of Study .

Yes, but please note that supplementary letters are neither recommended nor required. The writer of a supplemental letter should know you personally and/or have mentored you closely in some capacity. For example, if you have engaged in advanced scientific research, you should consider asking your research mentor to write a supplemental letter of recommendation for you. Please ask that person to include the following at the top of their letter: your full, legal name as it appears in your application, the name and location of your high school, and your date of birth. See the guidelines about Supplementary Materials .

The vast majority of our students are admitted on the basis of required documents alone. For a very small number of exceptionally talented researchers, artists, musicians, dancers, or filmmakers, supplementary material may be useful to communicate information that cannot be conveyed adequately in the rest of the application. See the guidelines about Supplementary Materials for more information.

If you have completed external examinations such as the AMC, AIME, or academic Olympiads and know your score(s), please self-report the score(s) when completing your application. When completing the Yale-specific questions for the Coalition Application or Common Application, you will see the option to “list any additional academic examinations you have taken or will take.”

Civic engagement on issues of public concern is consistent with attributes the Office of Undergraduate Admissions seeks in the high school students it admits. Yale considers each disciplinary action reported by a student or a student’s school in the context of the student’s full application, and students who are disciplined for missing school for any reason will certainly have an opportunity to explain the circumstances to the admissions committee. Admission decisions will not be rescinded as a result of an absence to participate in peaceful civic engagement, regardless of the issue or cause.

The Yale Admissions Status Portal  will allow you to view an  Application Checklist of all required material and, eventually, your admissions decision.  You can also use the Status Portal to request a change of address, change of primary email, etc.

No. Students may only begin a course of study at Yale in the fall semester.

Yes, but Yale has a longstanding policy that a student may not apply to the College more than three times. This includes first-year, transfer, Eli Whitney, and non-degree applications.

Want To Get Into The Ivy League? Here’s How Long The Application Process Really Takes

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

One of the main gates on the Brown University campus, decorated with the University crest. (Photo by ... [+] Rick Friedman/Corbis via Getty Images)

While the college admissions process begins in earnest during a student’s junior year of high school, a standout college admissions profile is the result of years of strategic and intentional planning. This is especially true for students with Ivy League dreams—joining the ranks of students at Yale, Princeton, and Harvard requires time, dedication, and consideration long before students start their applications. Even the most talented, qualified students underestimate the amount of time that goes into planning for and completing the application process. Starting early and planning ahead are crucial for crafting stand-out Ivy League applications.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much time you should realistically expect to invest in the Ivy League admissions process, from start to finish:

Developing Your Hook: 4 Years

A “ hook ” is the element of a student’s profile that “hooks” the attention of admissions officers—it is the X factor that distinguishes a student from thousands of other applicants. It should be the anchoring interest around which all other elements of an application coalesce. Developing this defining passion requires time and dedication, so the earlier a student starts intentionally exploring their interests to develop this hook, the better. Beginning in freshman year, students should explore activities, courses, and volunteer opportunities in their schools and communities, thoughtfully weighing what they most enjoy as they do so. Over the next few years, students should hone their hook through continued involvement in extracurricular or volunteer opportunities that align with their guiding interests, seeking leadership opportunities when applicable.

Building an Independent Project: 2 years

One of the most effective ways to showcase a hook is through an independent passion project. Sophomore, junior or fall of senior year, students should craft an initiative that uses their passions to better their communities, as this will demonstrate self-motivation, genuine passion, and leadership acumen to Ivy League and other top colleges. Their project could take the shape of scientific research, a nonprofit, a community initiative, or a startup business. Students should spend a few months brainstorming, planning, and setting clear goals before entering the implementation stage. They should be sure to document their progress meticulously as they overcome hurdles and meet their goals, as this will enable them to relay their successes clearly and specifically on their applications in the future.

Researching Colleges & Structuring College List: 6 months–1 year

During their junior year, students should consult a variety of resources and rankings and begin to develop their college lists. As they do so, they should keep in mind that every ranking system takes unique factors into account—for instance, while U.S. News and World Report focuses on metrics related to academic quality such as academic reputation and graduation rates, Forbes is heavily focused on financial metrics , considering ROI, average debt, and alumni salary. In addition to weighing schools’ rankings, students should also seek to balance their college lists by comparing their academic standing with the academic profile of admitted students. If a student’s GPA and test scores fall within the middle 50% of admitted students, the school is a match; if they are above the 75th percentile, that school is likely a safety, and if their scores are below the 25th percentile, the school is a reach.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Studying & Taking Standardized Tests: 6 months–1.5 years

Typically, students will have completed the mathematics coursework needed to take the SAT and ACT by the spring of their sophomore year and should sit for diagnostic ACT and SAT tests around that time. Once they receive their diagnostic scores, students should create a study plan that will enable them to reach their goal score, which should be set relative to their college aspirations; students with Ivy League dreams should aim to earn a 34+ on the ACT or a 1550+ on the SAT. The amount of time needed to prepare for and ace standardized tests often varies greatly depending on students’ diagnostic scores, goal scores, and how much time and effort they devote to studying.

Writing Essays & Assembling Applications: 6 months

Finally, completing the actual application is perhaps the shortest stage of the process—though it is the most important. Students who have dedicated time and effort to building their applicant profiles throughout their high school careers will reap the benefits of their long term planning; they will be able to approach the process with a clear understanding of the unique story they wish to convey through their application components. Students should kickstart the process in the spring of their junior year by requesting recommendations from their teachers, school counselors, and other non-academic mentors. The summer before senior year is a critical time to work on the personal statement, which tends to be one of the most time consuming elements of the application process as it requires lengthy brainstorming, drafting, and editing. Supplemental essay prompts for specific schools are generally released in August, so students should plan to devote the remainder of their summer and fall to completing those essays. Finally, with focus and dedication, students can complete the activities list in one to two weeks, but they should devote concerted attention to the activities list like all the other elements of their application and be sure not to save it until the last minute.

While every student is different and will need to assemble their own timeline, the college admissions process is a demanding one—particularly for students determined to gain admission to the most elite universities in the country. Students should begin preparing early in order to give themselves some leeway and submit applications that they are truly proud of.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert: Jean Webb

Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Jean Webb works as a Law School Expert at InGenius Prep, an expert admissions consulting service that helps students get into the college, law school, medical school, or business school of their choice. Jean previously served for 17 years as the Director of Admissions at Yale Law School, where her duties included management, planning, strategy, file-reading, and pre- and post-admissions recruitment.

How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a law school application?

Jean: Assuming you are starting senior year and that this does not include LSAT study time, I would recommend spending three hours a week from mid-September until you submit your application. Activities included in these three hours are researching and visiting schools, speaking with your pre-law advisor, creating and editing your resume, brainstorming and writing your essay, and strategizing your letters of recommendations. It’s important to carve out time in your schedule during which you can completely focus on the application for hours at a time, instead of time here and there.

What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application?

Jean:  Applicants should focus on the question: Do I really want to go to law school? Ask yourself, and keep asking yourself, this question. You don’t have to know the answer for sure, but the question has to be in the back of your mind. The answer, or the quest for the answer, will wrest your strengths from within and make for a compelling application.

What are the biggest mistakes a student can make on a law school application?

Jean:  It’s a big mistake to spend too much time saying how much you love the schools to which you are applying. Admissions officers at top law schools already know that you want to go there and statements like this do not add any value to your candidacy.

Instead of simply stating that you want to go Yale Law School, for example, you should mention the undergraduate research you did at Yale with a law school faculty member. Talking about a research project will trigger a better result than just saying you want to go to the school.

Remember: show, don’t tell.

What do law school admissions officers look for most in an applicant’s essays/personal statements?

Jean:  Admissions officers look for evidence of strong writing, thinking, reasoning, and editing. Applicants must demonstrate the strengths they will contribute to law schools. It’s not always about the topic; rather, it’s that you write about the topic well. As an admissions officer, you don’t know what kind of law an applicant is going to study. Everything can change once a student gets to school. What makes a student succeed as a student and eventual lawyer is good writing, thinking, reasoning, and editing.

Is there anything on a student’s application that would automatically disqualify him or her from being considered for the program?

Jean:  Misconduct without remorse—in the past or on the application.

I’ll add that being too far below the LSAT and GPA median will also disqualify applicants. People tend to think that the LSAT and GPA are just numbers. In reality, the GPA represents four years of academic work; the LSAT reflects skills gained over a lifetime. There is an intense focus on these scores because they are distillations of a person’s academic ability. While there are no formal cut-offs, admissions officers rarely seriously consider someone whose numbers are way below the median.

What about the law school admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions?

Jean:  Law schools are not necessarily looking for well-rounded people or students who will contribute well to the social life of the law school. As the Director of Admissions at Yale Law School, I looked and advised my staff to look for people who would be strong contributions to class and who wanted to be involved in the law.

While schools do have personalities—like Northwestern, which has strong ties to the business world—admissions officers are not necessarily looking for a diversity of interests.

At the undergraduate level, admissions officers are looking to fill all types of slots—the cellist, the athlete, the debater; this is not the case at law school.

What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise him or her not to apply?

Jean:  If there is no evidence that a student is a good fit for the law, I would advise him or her not to apply. This evidence can take many forms. On the academic side, if there is no academic experience related to legal work—history, political science, economics, international relations, philosophy, government classes or majors—I would ask myself, “Why does this person want to go to law school?” On the extracurricular side, if there is no evidence of skills or experiences showing you are a good fit for the law—debate, summer internships, mock trial, community service—I would ask myself the same question.

That being said, I’ve seen math majors make excellent law school applicants. Some faculty members at Yale Law School even told me that math is the best preparation for law school because of the precision it requires to succeed. In cases like this, students will need to focus on weaving their unique background and skills into a story that shows they are a good fit for the law.

Is there anything you might see on a student’s application that would quickly put him or her ahead in the running?

Jean:  When I was at Yale Law School, all else being equal, excellent writing and insightful letters of recommendation quickly put students ahead in the running. If a distinguished faculty member with a lot to do raves about a student in a way that is not boilerplate, I would pay special attention. More on recommendations below!

What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep?

Jean:  I advise students to take LSAT practice tests under timed conditions. Use officially released tests and study books. If you aren’t getting the scores you want, consider a LSAT tutor or test prep course.

What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters?

Jean:  Admissions officers look for corroboration of a grade well-deserved. A professor or TA can give you an “A”, but as Director of Admissions, I wanted to see more. I wanted to see the reasoning behind the A and statements like, “this was the best paper I’ve read in 10 years.”

Letters should also contextualize excellent performance. In order to fully understand the student’s academic success, admissions officers need context. Letters should tell readers about the school, the cohort, the strength and competitiveness of major, etc. Was this student the top-performer in class? Was this class competitive? Do students have to apply to even get into this class? This is the type of context that helps set the scene.

Letters should also speak to what kind of student this person would be in the classroom.

Letters should include evidence that an applicant would be a good lawyer. These are letters that typically come from the field—internship supervisors, mentors, or coaches.

My InGenius Prep students often ask me who should write letters of recommendation. The answer is: someone who knows you and your work should write your letters. Your letters need to be intimate. When I tell students that it might be better to receive a letter from a teaching assistant over a professor, they look at me like I’m crazy. In reality, if a professor has no idea who you are and cannot speak to your work, ability, and potential, your letter will not have the impact you are looking for.

Visit InGenius Prep for more information.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Get Started Today

Maximize Your Potential

Unlock your learning opportunities with Varsity Tutors! Whether you’re preparing for a big exam or looking to master a new skill, our tailored 1:1 tutoring sessions and comprehensive learning programs are designed to fit your unique needs. Benefit from personalized guidance, flexible scheduling, and a wealth of resources to accelerate your education.

Related Posts

On The Site

Stamp by India Post, Government of India via Wikimedia Commons

• Writing a Life

June 5, 2024 | ceb95 | Biography , Essays , Politics

Chitralekha Zutshi —

For historians, writing biographies can be challenging. We are trained to think in terms of broader social and political processes, not individual lives. But while writing the life story of the Kashmiri political leader Sheikh Abdullah, I came to recognize how valuable such a narrative can be in terms of interpreting and understanding local events as well as wider regional, even global ideologies and processes. For figures whose legacies are deeply contested in the present, untangling their thought processes and resultant actions from the simplistic labels assigned to them is part of the challenge. One must also untangle their own attempts to shape and reshape their images to get a glimpse into their character, politics, and worldviews.

Biographers are always concerned with their sources. They may face one of two scenarios: one in which the subject has left behind a large corpus of writing or not very much at all. Both scenarios pose their own issues. In the former case, it becomes difficult to extricate oneself from the individual’s views and runs the risk of a one-sided biography told from the perspective of its subject alone. In the latter case, it becomes difficult to access the thoughts and ideas of the individual, leaving the historian to cast a wider net and to bring in associates, critics, relations, friends, enemies, and other interlocutors into the picture. In both cases, the individual in question and those around them become part of the larger tapestry of a life. After all, we all exist as members of families, faith and national communities, as well as countries.    

Accessing the sources provides yet another challenge. More fortunate biographers have only to visit one or two libraries or an archive that houses a collection of their subject’s neatly catalogued papers. But the less fortunate must visit multiple sites scattered across different countries and continents to access fragments that are then stitched together (thus turning them into adventurous scavengers). These sites are not just formal institutions such as libraries and archives, but also people’s homes where private collections are preserved and maintained. While the former requires the navigation of several bureaucratic hoops before one is allowed access to the documents—such as when I filed a Right to Information request in India to gain access to a set of documents—the latter requires delicate maneuvering that is sensitive to and respects the feelings of the individual or family to whom the documents belong. This becomes especially important if the documents in question are divided among the descendants of the subject of the biography or involve a family member (usually parent or grandparent) who was directly connected to the subject of the biography. Often, the biographer has to turn away disappointed at being denied access to family documents.   

Oral histories form an important source for a biographer, especially if they are narrating the life of an individual who lived in the not-too-distant past. Besides the formal interview that this entails, simply listening to people speak of their impressions of the subject and their times adds critical texture that ultimately informs the larger work. I have come to appreciate the act of listening as an important part of my work as a historian. Thus, in cases where I was denied access to a private collection or turned down for a request for a formal interview, I still learned a great deal about the rich web of relationships that form a life by listening to the reasons for the denial. The oral histories themselves that I found most useful were with ordinary men and women who told stories and recounted their memories of the subject, giving new meaning to Abdullah’s public life and his impact on a range of people.

Bringing together these disparate sources—press reports, letters, poetry, folk songs, interviews, informal conversations, government documents, photographs, and his own autobiography and other writings—to draw the contours of Adullah’s life and then filling them in was a delicate task. As the narrator of a life, one must make numerous choices regarding how to contextualize the individual and their actions without becoming their mouthpiece in the present and which events and people in the subject’s life to include. At all times, one has to remember to center the subject so that they can act as a prism through which larger themes and ideas—such as, secularism, federalism, and socialism—become more comprehensible for readers. Ultimately, if narrated with the right mix of involvement and detachment, biography can become a powerful form of historical writing.           

Chitralekha Zutshi  is Class of 1962 Professor of History at William & Mary. She is the author of multiple books, including  Kashmir’s Contested Pasts , which received Honorable Mention for the Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Book Prize. She lives in Williamsburg, VA.

Recent Posts

• Why Does Paris Look the Way it Does?
• America’s Reckoning with Gaza at Home and the Great Rupture in International Relations
• Sargent Claude Johnson and Black American Modernism
• A Watershed Moment in Naval History
• Ep. 136 – All About Portraits

Sign up for updates on new releases and special offers

Newsletter signup, shipping location.

Our website offers shipping to the United States and Canada only. For customers in other countries:

Mexico and South America: Contact TriLiteral to place your order. All Others: Visit our Yale University Press London website to place your order.

Shipping Updated

Learn more about Schreiben lernen, 2nd Edition, available now.