How to Get Into Yale University: Requirements, Acceptance Rate, and Tips

Founded in 1701, Yale University is an Ivy League school and one of the most prestigious universities in the US. It is also one of the oldest colleges in the country, with famous alumni like actress Meryl Streep and broadcaster Anderson Cooper. Yale is the dream school of many. If you’re reading this article, chances are that you’re wondering how to get into Yale University too.

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University has a very tough admissions process. In this article, we will discuss Yale University’s acceptance rate and school requirements for admission. We will also give our top 10 tips on how to get accepted into Yale University. 

All About Yale University Admissions

Yale’s admissions process is quite selective and very competitive. It is one of the hardest colleges to get into in the US. If you are applying as a first-year undergraduate student, below are three ways to apply for admission.

• The Coalition Application. This application process allows prospective Yale students to upload a digital file of their personal information as well as answers to Yale-specific supplemental questions for application essays. Free tools and resources are provided to students to assist them during the application process.
• The Common Application. This application is valid for over 600 colleges and universities worldwide. Students are also required to submit short Yale-specific supplemental essays that will be evaluated by an admissions officer. Many schools and colleges use the common application process, so teachers and counselors are already familiar with how it works. 
• The QuestBridge National College Match Application. Yale University is a partner of QuestBridge, a program connecting students to a wide range of scholarship opportunities for college. Students who use the QuestBridge application platform must submit to QuestBridge and get selected as finalists. Finalists are given the option to rank Yale or apply directly for single-choice early action or regular decision. 

Yale University Acceptance Rate

Yale University’s acceptance rate for the 2020–2021 school year is seven percent. This means that only the stand-out students are accepted to study at this prestigious university. To qualify, you must have an impressive high school transcript and great letters of recommendation from your teachers. It would also help if your standardized test scores are in at least the 95th percentile, although there is no minimum score required. 

Yale University GPA

While Yale doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, its class of 2025 was in the top 10 percent of their high school class. This means that the majority of accepted students have excellent grades and a high GPA. Yale admissions are very competitive, with only six of every 100 applicants accepted. You can increase your chances of admission if you work hard and do well in advanced courses.

Yale University’s Total Enrollment 

Yale University has a total enrollment of 12,060. The undergraduate enrollment for the class of 2025 is 1,789, with a four percent admissions rate. A total of 68 countries and 48 states are represented, and 14 percent of enrollment consists of international students.

Yale University Requirements

• $80 application fee or a fee waiver. An $80 application fee is required for student applicants. Applications through QuestBridge are free of charge. An admissions officer can also waive the fee if they determine that it will be a significant burden to the student’s family.
• Letters of recommendation. Ask two teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects for recommendation letters. They should know you well enough to give a detailed description of your academic and personal strengths. A letter of recommendation from a school counselor or administrator is also required.
• Official transcripts. Your school counselor should submit your official transcripts. The transcripts should include high school or college courses you have completed. 
• Standardized test scores. SAT and ACT scores are optional. However, applicants who have already completed one of the standardized tests should still consider submitting their scores. Admissions officers will put greater weight on other requirements such as essays and recommendation letters in the absence of standardized test scores. 
• Mid-year report. If you are an applicant who has not yet graduated high school, you must submit a mid-year report with your official grades from the start of the academic year. A school counselor or official should submit these documents directly to Yale.

Is It Hard to Get Into Yale University?

Yes, it is hard to get into Yale University. Only six percent of applicants are accepted. However, the admissions rate is just one of the factors that you need to consider when applying to this prestigious school. 

Excellent test scores and a high GPA will increase your chances of admission. It is also helpful if you are a hard-working student. Yale University values students’ academic work and range of experiences while in high school. If you have a clear academic direction and full confidence in your ability, you will stand out from thousands of applications.

How to Prepare for a Yale University Interview

An interview is not required for all applicants. However, students are encouraged to connect with an interviewer whenever possible and as needed. Alumni and student interviewers will contact applicants if the Admissions committee would like more information. Below are sample interview questions from Yale’s website to help you prepare.

Yale University Interview Questions

• General: Have you ever been in a position where you found it difficult to do something you love? What is something that doesn’t come naturally to you but you would like to explore more of?
• General: What is your expectation of your undergraduate experience? What do you want to gain from it?
• For theater buffs: Would you rather play the protagonist or the antagonist?
• For writers: What’s your creative process and where do you get inspiration for the things you write?
• For scientists: What are you most intrigued about in current events? What new technology or innovation do you find most fascinating?

10 Tips for Getting Into Yale University

Yale University is an institution that has a high standard when it comes to student acceptance. Fulfilling the requirements is one way to get your application considered. Below are 10 tips you can use to gain an advantage in your college applications.

1. Take Challenging Courses and Get Excellent Grades

One of the factors that can help you get into Yale University is to take and pass difficult classes to help yourself stand out in the applicant pool. Great scores on your high school transcript, especially in advanced classes, speak to your academic performance, which is one of the first things Yale looks at during the admissions process.

2. Get Recommendations From Teachers Who Know You Well

Your high school teachers and school counselors can help you impress the admissions team. Their letters of recommendation will give life to your application documents. Letters of recommendation should discuss your performance, energy, intrapersonal relationships, and your overall impact on the class environment in depth. 

3. Take College Prep Programs 

Yale University has extended its test-optional admissions policy for another year. If you have taken a standardized test and received modest scores, it is best to take challenging college preparatory courses. As mentioned above, Yale values academic performance, and scoring high on an optional standardized test will have little bearing on your application. 

4. Take Essays Seriously

As with the recommendation letters from your teachers and school counselor, your supplemental essays will give more personal insight about you. Write openly and honestly about the things that interest you and the experiences that have had a great impact on your life. Try to get your voice in your essay and avoid generic writing and templates.

5. Arrive on Time and Alone for Interviews

Some student applicants will be called for an interview. This is usually held in public places so make sure to arrive on time and dress appropriately for the interview. Some students will want their parents to accompany them, but this will make it seem that you are incapable of making decisions on your own. Your interviewer will want to get to know you, not your parents.

6. Pursue Activities Outside of the Classroom

Getting excellent grades is just one of the things that admissions officers will look for in the admissions process. Yale wants students who have a wide range of experiences outside school. If you have an inclination for the sciences, participating in research opportunities and getting published in journals would be great. Artistic students should have made significant achievements in the arts.

7. Join Yale-Sponsored Programs and Online Courses

Getting onto Yale’s radar early can help give you an edge. Join Yale-sponsored programs and have vibrant conversations with guests representing the university during school visits. Likewise, there are many free and paid Yale online courses available that you can look into while applying. Impress the admissions committee by utilizing resources available to you.

8. Research Undergraduate Programs Offered

Before submitting your application, you should research the academic programs offered and the scholarships available to you, if needed. There are many types of degrees available and choosing which subject to get your bachelor’s degree in is one of the biggest steps you are going to take. Having a clear direction and knowledge of your choice school is a huge advantage before applying. 

9. Do Not Go Overboard

You may be tempted to submit other non-supplemental materials such as an additional letter of recommendation. The required recommendation letters you already have will suffice. Stick to the given application requirements and wait for the admissions committee to consider your application.

10. Apply Early

Yale receives thousands of applications, so it is best to apply early. It will ensure that you are in the first group of students who will be receiving an admissions decision. However, you should take note that applying early could bar you from applying to other universities. It will also not affect the likelihood of acceptance so you should still take note of the above tips and requirements.

What Does It Take to Get Into Yale University?

Yale University selects future students who have demonstrated the ability and desire to go above and beyond. A student who wants to get into Yale University must not be afraid to stretch their limits and make use of their talents and all the resources available to succeed.

How to Get Into Yale University FAQ