Apply to Yale as a First-Year Student

Your Yale Journey Starts Here

Find everything you need to apply for first-year admission. 

Yale welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Here’s how to apply.

Application options

First-year applicants choose from three application platforms. Select the one that is right for you.

Students submit one, and only one, application per admissions cycle.

Additional Requirements

In addition to one of the above applications, Yale requires recommendation letters, a school report with transcript, and standardized tests.

Review all first-year application requirements

Application deadlines

First-year applicants opt to apply through one of three admissions programs: 

  • Single-Choice Early Action (Deadline: November 1)
  • QuestBridge National College Match (Deadline: November 1)
  • Regular Decision (Deadline: January 2)

Yale does not advantage students who apply through any program. Learn more about admissions timelines for first-year applicants.

Learn more about first-year admission

  • Requirements

    Yale requires letters of recommendation, a school report with transcript, and standardized test scores.

  • Timelines

    Learn about single-choice early action, regular decision, and the QuestBridge National College Match.

  • Testing

    Yale’s test-flexible policy requires applicants to submit scores from one or more of the following exams: ACT, AP, IB, or SAT.

  • Supplements

    Applicants may submit supplementary material showcasing Visual Art, Dance, Music, Film, or STEM research.

Additional pathways

All undergraduates enroll in Yale college. 

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