Yale's Supplemental Essay Prompts

Yale University, a member of the Ivy League, consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the nation. For the 2023-24 application cycle, to get to know their (many) applicants, Yale requires students to respond to a variety of short-answer questions, ranging from just 35 words to a more robust 400-word essay.

Firstly, Yale requires all applicants to indicate up to three academic areas of interest and explain why a certain topic in that field of study excites them (200-word limit).

Next comes the infamous “Why ____ college?” question, albeit in a different format. Yale asks students: “What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?” (125-word limit) This might sound like a no-brainer, but when it comes to answering the Why Essay prompt, your answers should demonstrate your knowledge of that college’s specific opportunities and strengths — and how they relate to what you have already done.

Try to avoid vague statements such as “academic rigor” or “institutional prestige.” Your answer should prove to the admissions office that you know why Yale would be a good fit for you and why you would be a good fit for Yale.

TTA Top Tip: Have an upcoming college interview? BECOME YOUR WHY ESSAY. In other words, be prepared to speak to the specific reasons why this school is the perfect place for you to deepen your academic interests and continue making an impact. Your questions should show you have done your homework (and aren’t easy to answer with a Google search)!

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While the long list of supplemental essay questions for Yale this year might seem daunting at first, it’s actually a great opportunity that can work in your favor. Essays, especially these short and quirky prompts, are where students can really highlight their experiences and demonstrate how they would meaningfully contribute to a campus community.

It’s also a great space to reference things that probably won’t show up elsewhere in your application.. This might include your hobbies, family responsibilities, or any academic disruptions you may have faced.

The rest of the prompts are only for students using the Common Application or Coalition Application.

There are 4 required short-answer questions limited to 200 characters each (about 35 words). Students will then choose one of 3 essay questions for a longer response (400-word limit).

YALE’S SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS

Students at Yale have plenty of time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided. (Required for all applicants)

Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200-word limit)
What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125-word limit)

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words):

What inspires you?
If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence?
What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to one of the following prompts (400-word limit):

Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?
Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.
Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

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Is Yale University one of your top choices? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of supplemental essay prompts? Not sure how to approach these questions strategically? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp.

By working on your applications NOW, you will be ready to reap the benefit of increased odds in the early round of admissions.

Top Tier Admissions is tracking supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!