Yale University

New Haven, CT · private nonprofit

Official site ↗

Admissions

Admit rate3.9%
Applicants57,517
Middle-50% SAT1480–1560
Middle-50% ACT33–35
Avg GPA
Test policy
Avg net price / yr$27,818
Grad rate96%
Median earnings (10 yr)$100,533
Sourcecds · 2024

Application requirements

Restrictive EA2025-11-01
Regular / Rolling2026-01-02
Application fee$80 (US) · $80 (intl)
Personal essayRequired
Test policyflexible
Teacher recommendations2
Counselor recommendationRequired
Mid-year reportRequired

Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.

Supplemental essays

Answer 3 of 1 — max null words each.

  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 indicate up to three from the list provided.
  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)· ~200 words
  3. If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
  4. What is one aspect of yourself that you hope to grow or develop during college?
  5. What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?
  6. Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?
  7. 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.
  8. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).