Write about something that matters to you. Share your unique perspective. Use your own voice.
We know that no one can fit an entire life story into a few short pieces of writing, and we don’t expect you to try. Pick topics that will give us an idea of who you are. It doesn’t matter which topics you choose, as long as they are meaningful to you. We have read wonderful essays on common topics and weak essays on highly unusual ones. Your perspective – the lens through which you view your topic – is far more important than the specific topic itself. In the past, students have written about family situations, ethnicity or culture, school or community events to which they have had strong reactions, people who have influenced them, significant experiences, intellectual interests, personal aspirations, or – more generally – topics that spring from the life of the imagination.
Share your essays with at least one or two people who know you well – such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend – and ask for feedback. Remember that you ultimately have control over your essays, and your essays should retain your own voice, but others may be able to catch mistakes that you missed and help suggest areas to cut if you are over the word limit.
Yale-specific essay topics for the 2025-26 admissions cycle
Short answers
Applicants submitting the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application will respond to the following short answer questions:
- As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three.
- 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)
Short takes
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?
Yale essay
Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will 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?