Yale evaluates each applicant as an individual. Standardized test scores are just one of the many elements that Yale considers when reviewing applications.

You must submit scores from either:

• The SAT and any two SAT Subject Tests     - or -
• The ACT Plus Writing Test

Please note: Yale does not participate in Score Choice. Therefore, you need to report to Yale the results of all SAT and SAT Subject Tests or all ACT tests that you have taken. For more information, please review the Standardized Testing FAQs.

Also note: The ACT Plus Writing Test satisfies Yale’s standardized test requirement, and no additional SAT is necessary. Bear in mind, however, that some Yale departments may use the SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests for course placement.

• Plan ahead! You don’t need to wait to take the tests on the very last eligible date. Whenever you plan to take the tests, register well in advance to secure a spot at your preferred testing location.

The last possible test dates are:

SAT/SAT Subject Tests

If you choose to take the SAT and:

• apply through Single-Choice Early Action, you must take the tests no later than November.
• apply through Regular Decision, you must take the tests no later than January.

Please note the following:

• We will not receive scores from tests taken in March or April in time for consideration.
• Yale only accepts scores reported directly by the College Board. If you have not already requested that the College Board forward all of your previous test results, please do so immediately.
• Be sure to include Yale’s CEEB Code (No. 3987) on all future SAT test registrations.

ACT

If you choose to take the ACT and:

• apply through Single-Choice Early Action, you must take the test no later than October.
• apply through Regular Decision, you must take the test no later than February.

Please note the following:

• To fulfill the standardized test requirement with the ACT test you must also submit scores from the ACT Plus Writing Test. The ACT administers the Writing Test in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada on all test dates, and internationally on a limited basis.
• We will not receive scores from tests taken in April in time for consideration. We cannot guarantee that February ACT results will arrive in time for consideration. To increase the likelihood of a timely report, take the test in December or before, and list Yale as a score recipient.
• Yale will accept the ACT Plus Writing Test to fulfill the standardized testing requirement, with no additional SAT necessary. Bear in mind, however, that some Yale departments  use the SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests for course placement.
• Be sure to include Yale’s ACT Code (No. 0618) on all your ACT registrations.

Testing for Non-Native English Speakers

Students at Yale must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken and written American English.  If you are not a native English speaker and you haven’t received at least two years of secondary education in an English-medium curriculum, Yale strongly recommends that you take any one of the following tests for non-native English speakers.

TOEFL

The following minimum scores are required:

• 100 on the internet-based TOEFL
• 600 on the paper-based TOEFL
• 250 on the computer-based TOEFL

Please note that testing done in November (for Single-Choice Early Action) and January (for Regular Decision) may not arrive in time for the committee’s consideration. Be sure to include Yale’s CEEB code (No. 3987) on all test registrations.

IELTS

You may submit the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum acceptable score is 7.

*IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

You may submit the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic in lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum acceptable score is 70.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores

We strongly recommend that you report any AP or IB test scores when applying to Yale. You may self-report AP scores in the spaces provided on the Common Application or on the Yale Supplement. Only students who ultimately enroll at Yale and choose to apply for acceleration credit will need to submit an official score report.

Yale awards ‘acceleration credit’ to students for scores of 4 or 5 on most — but not all — of the AP exams; for scores of 6 or 7 on the Higher-level IB exams; and for A-level results of A or B. Acceleration credit may offer some students the option to graduate in fewer than eight terms. For further details see Yale College acceleration policies or the table of acceleration credit.