First-year applications include letters of recommendation, a transcript, and standardized test scores.  

Cross Campus

Step 1

Complete and submit the Common Application, Coalition Application on SCOIR, or QuestBridge Application, online. 

Step 2

Use the tools within the online application platform to ensure your application includes:

  • Letters of recommendation from two teachers and one counselor
  • School Report with transcript
  • Standardized test results (ACT, AP, IB or SAT)

Learn more below. For alternative ways to sending application material review our Contact Us page

Yale Admissions Status Portal

After submitting an application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to activate your status portal. The portal includes an application checklist, an application update form, and tools to update contact information.

Log into your Yale Admissions Status Portal

Letters of recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from two teachers who have taught you recently in core academic subjects. Core academic subjects include languages, math, sciences, and social studies. Teachers of elective courses in these areas, such as computer science, engineering, art history, philosophy, psychology, research, and journalism are also eligible to write. Letters from teachers of performing arts, studio art, or leadership will not fulfill Yale’s requirement but may be submitted as supplemental letters.

Also request a letter from your school’s college counselor. If your school does not have someone serving as a college counselor, please request a recommendation from a school administrator. 

School Report with official transcript

Ask your counselor or other school official to submit a School Report with an official transcript that includes all completed secondary school courses, including any courses completed at other secondary schools or college. If courses taken at other secondary schools or colleges do not appear on your current secondary school’s official transcript, request official transcripts from those institutions directly. 

High school seniors should also submit a Mid-Year Report with official grades from the first marking period of senior year once those grades are available - typically January or February.

Standardized test results

When completing the application, self-report scores from one or more of the following exams: ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or SAT on the application and respond to the Yale-specific question regarding which scores you want considered. 

If you are a non-native English-speaker graduating from secondary school where English is not the language of instruction, also submit results from an English proficiency test. 

Standardized Testing

Learn more about Yale’s test-flexible policy, options for including scores with your application, and English proficiency testing.  

Yale's Test-Flexible Policy

Fee waivers

Yale does not issue its own fee waivers, but it is easy to apply for free if you meet any of the eligibility criteria for your chosen application platform. Follow the instructions when completing the Common App or Coalition Application on SCOIR. The QuestBridge Application is always free. 

Veterans of the U.S. military and active duty service members are eligible for automatic application fee waivers.

Class at the Yale Art Gallery

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.