What are the Requirements for Yale University?

Hello people! I'm applying to Yale next year and I'm kinda nervous about it. Can anyone break down their requirements and any tips on what they value the most in applicants?

Sure! Yale is one of the most highly selective schools in the nation, so they're looking for applicants who distinguish themselves in several ways.

Firstly, Yale values academic achievement. All applicants must be able to demonstrate a high level of academic rigor and success. This includes GPA, class rank, and academic honors or awards. While considering your academic achievement, they also place emphasize the rigor of your course load. Taking challenging courses such as APs and honors shows your initiative and willingness to challenge yourself. They also look closely at your transcript for improvement or consistency in your academic performance.

Next, Yale takes a keen interest in your Extracurricular Activities. They are particularly interested in applicants who have made meaningful contributions consistently across a few areas of interest. These might be related to sports, community service, leadership roles, arts, or internships, etc., that you've shown commitment to over a significant period of time in high school. Indeed, they are more interested in depth over breadth.

Then, we can't forget about Letters of Recommendation. In most cases, you will need two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. These are influential components of your application because they provide insights into your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and ability to contribute positively to a community, which Yale greatly values.

Yale also requires a number of Essays like the Common App Essay and a series of shorter, supplement essays specific to Yale. These written parts often prove to be great places for you to express your personality, values, and passion. Make sure to tailor your responses to highlight your unique perspectives, experiences, and values.

Yale has recently reinstated its standardized Testing requirement. They now require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. It's worth noting that they do consider the highest score from each section across all sittings of the same exam.

They do not consider demonstrated interest, so attending an information session or speaking with an admissions officer won’t give you a boost in the admissions process.

Regarding more specific requirements, you should check Yale’s admissions website for any updates related to application deadlines and additional forms that may be needed.

Remember, while fulfilling these requirements is crucial, there is no definitive "formula" for getting into Yale. They use a holistic approach in admissions and every year is different in terms of who gets admitted. Good luck with your application!