Essay Topics

First-year applicants complete Yale-specific short essays. Review the 2025-2026 essay topics for all applications.

Students in the dining hall

Short answer questions

All first-year applicants will respond to the following short answer questions:

  • Students at Yale have 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.
  • 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 words or fewer)
  • Reflect on how your interests, values, and/or experiences have drawn you to Yale. (125 words or fewer)

If applying with the QuestBridge Application, complete the above questions above via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after your application is sent to Yale. 

If applying with the Common Application, complete the above questions and those below in the “My Colleges” section. 

If applying with the Coalition Application, complete the above questions and those below on the Yale Coalition Application Supplement, accessible on the Yale Admissions Status Portal. 

Short takes 

Common Application and Coalition Application only: 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?

Essay

Common Application and Coalition Application only: respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. 

  • 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?

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

    First-year and transfer applicants must include scores from the ACT or SAT when applying.

  • Supplements

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