Anyone know details about Yale's REA process?

Hey there. I'm thinking about applying REA to Yale, but I'm not totally sure on what it entails. Can someone break down for me what this process is like, and how it might differ from regular decision? Thanks so much!

Absolutely, I'd be happy to help explain the Restrictive Early Action (REA) application process at Yale.

Yale's REA program is a non-binding early application option, meaning you can apply early to Yale but aren't required to commit if admitted. REA is different from Early Decision (ED) at other schools—ED is binding, which means if you're admitted, you have to attend that school. Since REA at Yale is non-binding, you'll have until the regular decision deadline of May 1 to decide if you want to attend Yale, even if you're admitted in the REA round.

In terms of timeline, the deadline for submitting an REA application to Yale is typically November 1, and you should receive your admission decision by mid-December. Regular decision applicants usually have a deadline of January 2 and hear back in late March.

One thing to note with REA is restrictiveness. While you can apply to other schools under their regular decision programs while applying REA to Yale, you cannot apply to any private colleges or universities under their early action or early decision programs.

Like with regular decision, REA applications are reviewed holistically, meaning the admission committee will consider your entire application, including your grades, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation. However, applying REA may raise your chances slightly, as the applicant pool is smaller and more committed to Yale.

Lastly, keep in mind that applying to Yale REA also means you have less time to improve your grades or extracurriculars during senior year, since you need to submit your application earlier. As soon as you decide to apply, you should start preparing your application.

Hope this helps! All the best with the application process.