Veterans Application Checklist

Yale College encourages applications from U.S. military veterans. The checklist below has everything veterans need to know to apply.

Assistance with Applying

These free resources can assist in the college search and application processes.  

  • Service to School is a nonprofit organization that guides veterans through the college search process. 
  • Vetlink is a partnership between Service to School and a network of colleges committed to expanding access for student veterans. Yale was the first Vetlink college partner.
  • The Warrior Scholar Project, founded by Yale students, runs summer academic bootcamps that prepare veterans for higher education.

Application Checklist

  1. Review the information for veterans page and join the mailing list to receive admissions updates and invitations to virtual information session.

  2. Focus on preparing strong recent academic credentials. Many admitted veterans have completed coursework while on active duty or after discharge at a local community college or regional university. Strong recent performance can compensate for a weaker early academic record.
    • When selecting college courses, consider fields that emphasize analytical reading and writing (e.g. composition, history, literature, political science), mathematics and other subjects that build quantitative skills, social sciences (e.g. economics, psychology, sociology); humanities (e.g. philosophy, foreign languages); physical and natural sciences (e.g. biology, physics, chemistry).
  3. Determine your application pathway and review the application instructions carefully. The application fee is automatically waived for U.S. military veterans and servicemembers.
  4. Take time to prepare a thoughtful application and submit it by the application deadlines. All new Yale students enter in the fall semester.
    • First-Year: November 1 for Early Action or January 2 for Regular Decision
    • Transfer and Eli Whitney Students Program: March 1
  5. Use the essays and short answer questions to reflect upon what is important to you; what you are excited about; what you want to learn; and/or how your background or military experience has impacted you.  

  6. Request two letters of recommendation from recent academic instructors. You may also submit an optional reference letter from a military supervisor. For applicants who have not been recently enrolled employers, colleagues, or other individuals may write. 

  7. Request official transcripts from your high school and all colleges you have attended.

  8. If you have been discharged, include a copy of your DD214 form with your application.

  9. Include a résumé with complete educational and professional history to highlight your achievements. Avoid military acronyms. 

  10. Apply for Yale’s need-based financial aid, even if you plan to use military benefits. Yale’s financial aid meets 100% of a student’s calculated financial need. Veterans are usually considered independent; their parents’ financial information is not used to assess need. Applicants with complete financial aid applications will receive a financial aid letter when an admissions decision is released. 

If you have questions about how to apply or which application pathway is right for you, reach contact Patricia Wei, Director of Veterans Outreach.