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Are you wondering how to go about writing the Yale supplemental essays? Keep reading for your answers.
The Yale supplementary essay is your chance to shine in the competitive world of college admissions. It goes beyond grades and scores, allowing you to showcase your unique qualities and why you're a fit for Yale.
In the holistic admissions process, where they consider more than just academics, this essay is your opportunity to stand out and make a strong impression. It's your platform to express genuine interest in Yale and share your story, so make it count. Let’s get into how you can write an essay that stands out and helps you get into Yale.
Let's take a closer look at the Yale supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. These prompts give you a chance to share your story and what inspires you with the Yale admissions team. We'll break them down one by one to help you craft your responses.
“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)”
“What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer).”
Let's break down Yale's supplemental essay prompts for the most recent academic year. These prompts are your opportunity to let your unique qualities shine and show the admissions team who you are. Let’s get into it.
Analysis of Prompt #1: This Yale essay prompt asks you to think about academic areas that resonate with your interests or goals. Yale encourages intellectual exploration and flexibility in choosing your major fields of study. They want to know if you've considered which academic paths align with your passion. Here's a breakdown of how to tackle this prompt:
Analysis of Prompt #2: This prompt asks you to share a topic or idea that excites you and is related to the academic areas you've expressed interest in. In 200 words or fewer, explain why this particular subject captivates your attention. It's an opportunity to reveal your genuine enthusiasm for a specific area of study and clarify what draws you to it.
Analysis of Prompt #3: This prompt is your chance to tell Yale why you're applying. But there's a catch: you've got to do it in 125 words or fewer. So, get to the point and be specific. What is it about Yale that's drawing you in?
Is it their unique programs, renowned professors, or perhaps the vibrant campus life? Be sure to connect your reasons to your own aspirations and interests. This essay is like a snapshot that should capture your genuine enthusiasm for Yale. So, make every word count and let Yale know why you're a perfect fit for their community.
Rachel Woods, College Admissions Advisor at Cornell University, shared these tips for writing genuine college essays:
"To craft a standout essay, you really need to stay true to yourself. Write something that feels right for you. Writing about something that comes naturally to you or something that you're actually excited about will show. Focus on a narrative and consider starting your essay with a story to pull the reader in."
"There are definitely topics that students should avoid. If there is a situation that's unresolved in a student's life, they should steer clear of that. You generally want to make sure there's a hopeful tone rather than a sad undertone in your essays."
"Essays are definitely an important part of the admissions process. Of course, they are just one piece of the process, so it really is a holistic view. Essays are an area where the student can talk about something that's nowhere else in their application, show their voice, and tell a story."
Check out these real-life examples of Yale supplemental essays that hit the mark. These successful essays offer practical inspiration for your own responses, shedding light on effective strategies to tackle Yale's prompts with confidence and creativity.
Prompt: “Why do these academic areas appeal to you? (200 words of fewer)”
“Following my call to public service, which started when I first heard Barack Obama speak, I plan to run for office in the future, and the areas of ethics, politics, and economics plus political science will provide the quintessential lens through which I can prepare for becoming an elected official.
In today’s page of our proverbial history book, it’s critically important to study the voices of the unheard throughout history, as well as the laws that have enabled such structural violence - in order to ensure that it never happens again. To that end, I’m currently reading “A Black Woman’s History of the United States.”
Beyond the borders of these United States, global affairs appeals to me because of the varied ways in which education is approached around the world. During high school, I interviewed 15 students from different areas worldwide - UK, India, and Vietnam - to learn about global educational differences.
My conclusion? The rate-limiting factor for education is a hyperfocus on traditional Socratic rote memorization and testing rather than real-world application. In our digital world laden with mobile applications, perhaps the solution is technological implementation. Only time and further research opportunities (at Yale) will tell…”
This essay works well because it dives straight into the applicant's passion for academic areas like ethics, politics, economics, political science, and global affairs. It opens with a relatable story about being inspired by Barack Obama, immediately capturing the reader's attention.
The mention of the book "A Black Woman’s History of the United States" shows that the applicant is actively engaged in learning about historical injustices and is tying it to their academic interests. The essay's global perspective, gained from interviews with students from different countries, adds depth and a broader context to the applicant's interest in education.
Finally, the essay ends on an optimistic note, hinting at possible solutions and expressing enthusiasm about exploring these topics at Yale. It combines personal experiences, academic interests, and future aspirations effectively, making a strong case for the applicant's fit for Yale.
Prompt: “What are your reasons for applying to the Yale Transfer Program? (50 words or fewer)”
“Yale (and the Yale Transfer Program) comprehensively offers everything I’d need to rigorously explore every academic and extracurricular interest I’ve been developing for years: from Yale’s Startup Incubator and its dominant Parliamentary debate team to the truly unprecedented residential college system and the Independent Party of The Yale Political Union.”
This essay works because it succinctly and clearly conveys the applicant's strong motivation for applying to the Yale Transfer Program.
It highlights the specific aspects of Yale that align with the applicant's interests and goals, demonstrating a well-informed decision to transfer. The response is concise and to the point, effectively delivering the applicant's reasons within the limited word count.
Prompt: “Tell us about a time when you made a positive impact on others. (50 words or fewer)”
“In high school debate, our previous Debate Captain unfortunately focused exclusively on mentoring other [ETHNICITY] males who looked like him, which created little pipeline for young women like me. When elected to leadership, I immediately established equal mentorship opportunities for novices and centered our debate program around mentorship and collaboration.”
This essay works well because it responds to the prompt by sharing a clear and impactful example of the applicant's positive influence. It highlights a specific problem within the debate program and demonstrates the applicant's initiative in addressing it.
The language is straightforward and concise, making it easy for the reader to understand the situation and the applicant's role in making a difference.
Prompt: “Outside of your family, who has been your strongest advocate? Why has this relationship and connection been important to you? (50 words or fewer)”
“[NAME], the teacher who encouraged me to join her high school entrepreneurship class, has been my strongest advocate. Though the deadline for adding classes had passed, [NAME] had administrators make an exception for me to join. And [COMPANY], a startup that makes financial literacy accessible, was born.”
Essay #4 conveys a meaningful connection between the applicant and their advocate. It's not just about mentioning the advocate, but showing their dedication by going to great lengths to help the applicant join a high school entrepreneurship class.
The essay's brevity adds to its impact, and the mention of the startup being born as a result of this connection, provides a clear and tangible outcome. This essay effectively follows the prompt's word limit and delivers a concise yet compelling narrative.
Prompt: “Please reflect on how your past experiences have transformed or strengthened your personal values, opinions, or goals. (Maximum 600 words or 4200 characters).”
“I’ve always led with my heart. In kindergarten, my teacher used to recognize students for diligence or intelligence with a prize: the monthly STAR student award. One day, she picked me. Except it wasn’t for my diligence or intellect; this time, she explained that she’d picked me for exemplifying selflessness. At the time, I didn’t know what that meant. But that moment has acted as a driving force behind my identity and the core of my character ever since.
Born in the [NAME OF REGION], my parents actively pushed me towards STEM fields - a stable, lucrative path. But for as far as I can remember, I resisted because I knew I wanted to do something where I worked with people on a day-to-day basis, fighting to make the world a better place. I didn’t know what exactly that looked like, but I’d soon find my “Life’s Task,” as Robert Greene calls it.
I was seven years old the first time I watched former President Barack Obama. I felt the stirrings of something powerful whispering “this is it.” And so I announced my future profession to my parents: “Amma, Nanna, I’m going to be like Obama! I’m going to be President of the United States.”
And it wasn’t just my parents whom I told. At school, I was reduced to tears as my STEM-inclined classmates mocked me: “You? What part of you is Presidential?” And that was when I first learned that President Obama had been the first colored President - and there had yet to be a woman in the Oval Office.
When my parents immigrated to America, it was their promised land. At the dinner table, my parents told me how lucky I was every single day, every meal even! But they didn’t have to tell me; I already knew. Both my grandmothers had been forced to drop out of school at 11 years old, as they were married off and bearing children by the same age I started middle school.
On family trips to [COUNTRY], I was treated like a princess - and I hated it, because with that treatment came the expectation of fragility: a feeling like I was being treated as a possession, a Barbie doll, rather than a human being with ideas, with hope, and aspirations to serve not dinner, but America, and not as a housewife but as a leader.
Just like it was for my parents before me, America was my promised land. It was my salvation, my freedom. It was the apple of my starry eyes as I’d pledge allegiance each morning in school.
My freedom came after generations of fighting for equality - but the fight was far from over. So, at the age of seven, I committed: to do my part in moving America towards progress, to represent and lead my people, and to be President of the United States.
Anytime I’ve told someone of my aspirations, their first reaction is one of shock; the second, protection. Their initial reaction is shock because I don’t come across as “snaky” - like a “true politician” would - and their second is protection because I’ve been told I’m “too good of a person,” “not tough enough,” or “too nice“ to run for office more times than I can count.
Coming full circle, what I was lauded for at five-years-old - selflessness - is now the very thing that supposedly disqualifies me from the political path. And it is my life’s mission to change that perception. It is my firmest belief that leaders should come in all colors and genders, but they should all share one commonality: a love for service.”
Essay #5 works exceptionally well because it takes the reader on a personal journey. It starts with a heartfelt childhood memory and traces the applicant's evolution from that moment to their present aspirations. The story is easy to follow, and the applicant's determination to make a difference in the world shines through.
They address the importance of representation and challenge stereotypes about leadership, making a compelling case for their own path. By sharing their family's history and personal experiences, the applicant adds depth and authenticity to their narrative.
The essay is concise yet powerfully conveys the applicant's commitment to service and equality. Overall, it's a well-crafted and impactful response to the prompt.
Now, take a look at our quick guide on getting into Yale University! We'll cover key admissions stats and requirements and offer actionable tips to boost your application. Let's get started on your path to Yale!
Let’s get into some commonly asked questions regarding Yale supplemental essays.
Yale University's application includes multiple short answer questions. For applicants using the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application, there are three short answer questions and one longer essay prompt.
Coalition and Common Application users must also respond to five even shorter questions. This array of questions provides applicants with opportunities to convey various aspects of themselves.
Yale evaluates essays based on clarity, effective communication of ideas, and the expression of the applicant's unique personality and perspective.
To write a Yale essay, start by understanding the prompt, reflecting on personal experiences and goals, planning the essay's structure, writing and revising drafts, seeking feedback, and proofreading before submission.
The "Why Yale" essay is significant as it allows applicants to demonstrate their fit with the university, aligning their academic and personal goals with what Yale offers. It shows thoughtful consideration and can positively impact the application.
In wrapping up our guide on how to tackle the Yale supplemental essays, remember this: your true self is your strongest asset. These essays are your chance to show who you are and why Yale suits you.
Just remember, be genuine, and make those connections with Yale's offerings. This is your time to shine. Best of luck on your journey to become a part of the Yale community!
