Yale University has some of the best educational and challenging pre-college programs for high school students looking to expand their knowledge. Yale programs for high school students offer learning and college credit, making them appealing to ambitious students.
Yale pre-college programs also allow students to study alongside actual college students. Through these pre-college programs, students gain invaluable experience in the college environment and can develop the academic effort needed to succeed in this Ivy League college environment. Read on below to learn more about Yale University’s various programs for high school students.
Why High School Students Should Attend a Yale Program
High school students should attend a Yale program to experience the college setting while adding to their learning. They may also take Yale online courses, which provide learning benefits, including hands-on experience, without being on-campus. Yale University overall has various engaging courses and programs, which are beneficial for high school students.
High School Student Requirements for Yale Programs
The requirements for each academic program at Yale can vary, but as a general rule, students must at least be 16 years old. The for-credit Yale pre-college programs require that students are entering their senior year in high school or their first year in college. Some targeted programs may have specific application requirements. For example, the conservatory for actors requires recommendations from drama teachers.
Can High School Students Attend a Yale Program Online?
Yes, high school students can attend a Yale program online. Some of their credit courses can also be taken as online courses if you’d rather forego the on-campus collegiate experience.
How High School Students Can Get Into a Yale Program
- Narrow down your search. There are so many interesting courses at Yale University that it’s easy to get lost, so be selective. For example, there may be an academic summer program best suited for your goals and skills. Consider whether the course you want is an online program or an in-person program.
- Ensure that you’re in the right age group. The majority of the summer programs at Yale accept ages from at least 16, but some only accept 18-year-olds and above or college students. Ensure that the programs you apply to have an age requirement low enough for high school students.
- Check other possible requirements. Aside from an age requirement, some programs may require copies of a high school transcript. Prepare the correct papers, records, and requirements for each program. For example, a specific requirement for the writing workshop is a piece of creative writing.
- Fill out the online application. Once you’re sure of your course choice and you’re ready with the requirements, it’s time to fill out the application form. Applications vary for each program and could include providing essays or financial information. Be sure to complete the application accurately and submit it before the application deadline.
- Await results and prepare for your program. After submitting your application, you will await the decision from the Yale University admissions team to provide an acceptance or rejection of your application.
Yale Educational Platforms
Yale Young Global Scholars
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is an academic enrichment program provided by Yale for college-bound high school students. The YYGS has four Yale programs for high school students, making it a great place to look for educational opportunities. Each program session lasts two weeks and usually costs a flat $3,500 one-time payment fee.
Popular Pre-College Programs
- Innovations in Science and Technology
- Literature, Philosophy, & Culture
- Politics, Law, & Economics
Yale Summer Session
The Yale Summer Session (YSS) is the only other source of pre-college courses aside from YYGS. Courses here target not just high school students but anyone who wishes to enrich their knowledge. They have a wide range of programs with varying costs that cater to many different types of people and disciplines.
Popular Pre-College Programs
- Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
- African American Autobiography
- The Conservatory for Actors
Popular Yale Programs for High School Students
| Program | Cost | Location | Duration |
| African American Autobiography | $4,650 tuition, $85 technology fee | Online | 5 weeks |
| The Black Radical Tradition | $4,650 tuition | New Haven | 5 weeks |
| The Conservatory for Actors | $9,175 total | New Haven | 5 weeks |
| Geographies of Freedom: Race, Space, and Gender in the Caribbean | $4,650 tuition | New Haven | 5 weeks |
| Innovations in Science and Technology | $3,500 one time fee | Online | 2 weeks |
| Literature, Philosophy, & Culture | $3,500 one time fee | Online | 2 weeks |
| Plantation, Prison, and Ghetto in the United States | $4,650 tuition, $85 technology fee | Online | 5 weeks |
| Politics, Law, & Economics | $3,500 one time fee | Online | 2 weeks |
| Solving Global Challenges | $3,500 one time fee | Online | 2 weeks |
| Yale Young Writers’ Workshop | $850 | Online | 5 days |
The Best Yale Pre-College Programs
African American Autobiography
- Discipline: Humanities, Writing
- Learning Method: Online course
Students examine African American autobiography in this humanities-focused pre-college course for credit. They will learn about the genre’s perspective on the relationships of fellow humans and the historical issues that formed this perspective. This pre-college program comes with one credit that can be transferable to other colleges.
The Black Radical Tradition
- Discipline: Humanities
- Learning Method: In-person classes
The Black Radical Tradition is a for-credit pre-college course focusing on the social and political contexts of the African and Afro-diasporic movements. Students earn a one-semester credit as they learn about a wide range of movements and ideas related to the history of black radicalism. Subtopic discussions include African anti-colonialism, slave revolts in the Americas, and third worldism.
The Conservatory for Actors
- Discipline: Theater
- Learning Method: In-person classes
The Yale Conservatory for Actors is a five-week program focused on educating students with a foundation in theater. Through the conservatory, students are nurtured for artistic growth and skill development. This program uses various methods and practices, such as text analysis sessions, clowning sessions, and collaboration with fellow students.
Geographies of Freedom: Race, Space, and Gender in the Caribbean
- Discipline: Humanities
- Learning Method: In-person classes
This for-credit humanities course focuses on Caribbean thought. Students will explore Caribbean concepts of race, gender, and sexuality while earning a one-semester credit. Subtopics include the slave trade colonization and more.
Innovations in Science and Technology
- Discipline: STEM
- Learning Method: Online course
The Innovations in Science & Technology (IST) is part of the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) academic enrichment program. In this specific course, students gain an educational background in the STEM field and go in-depth about topics like astrophysics. This course is of great benefit to future generations of STEM professionals, which can be helpful to medical students and mathematical students alike.
Literature, Philosophy, & Culture
- Discipline: Arts and Culture
- Learning Method: Online course
Literature, Philosophy, & Culture is also a part of the YYGS. This course is for students interested in creativity and significant texts in culture. The course will be an educational experience about fiction, philosophy, music, and visual arts. Through this course, talented students in the field of arts can hone their craft and deepen their understanding.
Plantation, Prison, and Ghetto in the United States
- Discipline: Humanities
- Learning Method: Online course
This course offers an insight into the political economy of slavery and ghetto origins, with subtopics about colonialism and domination. Students learn about the theoretical and historical considerations of racial differences in the US through this course while earning a one-semester credit.
Politics, Law, & Economics
- Discipline: Social Sciences
- Learning Method: Online course
Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) is another course or session under the YYGS. Students can learn about economic theories and various practices of the government. They may also become well-versed in critical thinking, analysis, and analytical writing, enabling them to examine and verbalize present-day social issues carefully.
Solving Global Challenges
- Discipline: Interdisciplinary
- Learning Method: Online course
Solving Global Challenges (SGC) is the last program offered under YYGS. It focuses on educating students with an interdisciplinary approach that enables them to create solutions for global issues. A wide range of topics is covered, including global health, poverty alleviation, artificial intelligence, and cyber security.
Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
- Discipline: Writing
- Learning Method: Online course
The Yale Young Writer’s Workshop is an online one-week summer writing workshop. Students aged 16 to 18 choose from four genres and attend workshops, open mics, and student readings. It is one of the best career-building experiences for young writers as it explores career options and introduces students to professionals.
Next Steps After Your Yale Program for High School Students
After you’ve finished your pre-college Yale program, the best thing you can do is retain this knowledge and add to it. As a high school student, taking additional programs such as a free coding course and participating in community engagement can benefit your college applications.
Yale Programs for High School Students FAQ
Yes, Yale’s summer programs are great to take as pre-college programs. They offer insight into college-level education, and students also get a campus experience when they attend in-person summer programs. There are plenty of summer opportunities for students who want to study outside of the regular school year.
Yes, acceptance into the Yale Young Global Scholars program is a competitive process. Yale is one of the most prestigious universities in the US and countless students work to get an opportunity to attend this well-known university. However, students can earn a spot in the program with the right skills and determination.
Yes, the Yale pre-college programs can be academically challenging. Students may have to write high-level college essays with exposure to college courses. In the long run, this benefits students because they’re given experience and study ethics before entering college.
Yes, some Yale programs for high school students include classes with college students. An example of this is Yale’s collection of for-credit courses, which are all in classrooms with college students and college-bound high school students alike. High school students benefit from the opportunity to find mentorship and guidance from college students and professors.
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