Journey to Yale: What are the requirements?

Hey fam, throwing myself into this wild ride of college apps. Yale's been a dream, and I know it's super-competitive. Comprehensive list of requirements to make it into Yale, anyone? Academics, activities, essays - you name it. Thanks y'all, love this community :)

Of course, happy to help detail the requirements to get into Yale! Remember, every component of your application contributes to building a snapshot of who you are as a student and an individual.

Academics:

- High school coursework should reflect rigor and dedication, with challenging classes like Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

- GPA-wise, Yale does not mandate a minimum, but more than 90% of its incoming students are in the top 10% of their high school classes, indicating strong academic performance.

- As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Yale requires the SAT or ACT and does not have a preference for one over the other. For your reference, their middle 50% range for the SAT is 1370-1590 and the ACT is 33-35. They super score both tests, meaning they take the highest score from each section across your tests.

Extracurriculars:

- Yale looks for depth, not breadth, in the activities you've participated in. Engaging in 8 - 10 extracurriculars, spending significant time on few of those and demonstrating leadership or accomplishment is key. Ideally, you should include some of your "spike" activities, or areas where you've made a significant impact or achieved at a high level.

- These activities are generally sorted into four tiers, with tier 1 being the highest -- activities at this level would include national/international competitions or distinctive leadership roles.

Essays:

- Yale's application includes a few supplemental essays, including two 250-word prompts and several shorter ones. Make sure to avoid cliché topics and instead focus on more unique aspects of your experience. This is your chance to showcase your personality, experiences, and the unique attributes you'll bring to the Yale community.

Recommendations:

- Yale requires two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in credit-granting, college-preparatory courses.

- A counselor recommendation is also required, which generally comments on your overall high school career and personal growth.

Lastly, do keep in mind that while Yale does consider demonstrated interest, it's not a major factor. So be genuine in expressing your interest in Yale, but don't fall into the trap of believing that visiting the campus or engaging in many Yale-driven events will significantly boost your chances.

Finally, remember—these are just guidelines! There will be students who are accepted to Yale that fall outside these ranges. Yale takes a holistic view of your application and will consider all elements when making admission decisions. Good luck!