Guide to Applying to Yale University as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree
Founded in 1701, Yale University is an Ivy League university in the US. This private research institute is located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is also the third oldest university for higher education in the US. The university is famous for its music and drama programs, besides hands-on research and development. Yale is also one of the top-rated institutes which makes the admission process more competitive. Here are the requirements you would need to fulfill while applying to Yale University for an undergraduate degree.
English Proficiency Test Requirements
To be admitted as an international student whose primary language isn’t English, you would need to submit English proficiency test scores to the university. Here are the test scores that Yale University currently accepts:
- 100 and above on the TOEFL iBT
- 120 and above on the Duolingo English Test
- 7 and above on the IELTS Academic
- 70 and above on the PTE Academic
ACT/ SAT Requirements
Good grades aren’t the only things required to improve your chances of getting admission. A good score in ACT/SAT is also required. To help you get your application selected for admission in any course at Yale, the following are considered good scores:
Test | Score Range | Average Score Required |
ACT | 1-36 | 32-35 |
SAT | 400-1600 | 1490-1600 |
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Yale admits the largest number of international students. The university is affordable and offers scholarships. Below are the tuition fees and the estimated cost of living. Always make sure you confirm the tuition fee on the university’s official website.
Annual Cost | In US Dollars | In Indian Rupees |
Tuition Fee | $53,395 | ₹ 37,37,650 |
Living Expenses | $16,557 | ₹ 11,58,990 |
Total | $69,952 | ₹ 48,96,640 |
The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1 = ₹70. The cost may vary with the varying exchange rate.
Application Portal
All freshmen applying to Yale University have to submit one of these three applications: the Coalition Application, the Common Application, or the QuestBridge Application. Yale University doesn’t have a preference on which application you submit and treats applications from each of the portals equally.
Essay Prompts
Essays are an important part of the application. Applicants submitting either of the Coalition or Common applications need to answer the question as essays. Some of the titles required to answer in 250 words or less are:
Short Answer Essays
Students applying through the Common Application, Coalition Application, and the QuestBridge Application portal are required to answer these short 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.”
- “Why do these areas appeal to you?” (125 words or fewer)
- “What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?” (125 words or fewer)
Students applying through the Common Application and Coalition Application portal can answer these additional short-answer essay prompts which are optional:
- “What inspires you?”
- “Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What question would you ask?”
- “You are teaching a Yale course. What is it called?”
- “Most first-year Yale students live in suites of four to six students. What do you hope to add to your suitemates’ experience? What do you hope they will add to yours?”
All applicants are required to submit these essays:
Prompt 1:
Word Limit: 250 words
“Yale’s extensive course offerings and vibrant conversations beyond the classroom encourage students to follow their developing intellectual interests wherever they lead. Tell us about your engagement with a topic or idea that excites you. Why are you drawn to it?”
Prompt 2:
Word Limit: 250 words
Respond to one of the following prompts:
- “Reflect on your membership in a community. Why is your involvement important to you? How has it shaped you? You may define community however you like”.
- “Yale students, faculty, and alumni engage issues of local, national, and international significance. Discuss an issue that is important to you and how your college experience could help you address it.”
- “Tell us about your relationship with a role model or mentor who has been influential in your life. How has their guidance been instrumental to your growth?”
Engineering Applicants
Engineering applicants applying through the Common Application and Coalition Application portal are required to submit an essay on the following prompt:
Word limit: 250 words
“Please tell us more about what has led you to an interest in this field of study, what experiences (if any) you have had in engineering, and what it is about Yale’s engineering program that appeals to you.”
College Application Deadlines
Application Deadline | Decision | |
1st Early Decision | November 1 | – |
Regular Decision | January 2 | April 1 |
Conclusion
With the percent of international students admitted to Yale University standing at 22%, there’s no reason to delay your admission process. There is a great chance for more than half of the students to get financial aid. Moreover, Yale prefers students who are proactive in co-curricular activities in addition to academics, and no wonder it’s famous for Arts and Sciences.
To explore more and to clear all your queries, get in touch with your counselor at UniRely. You will be assigned a student mentor studying at your dream university and they will help you out in your admission process. For more information, visit UniRely.