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Yale Supplemental Essays 2024-2025: Writing Tips + Examples

writing common app application essay

Yale University has an extremely competitive admissions process with a 3.7% acceptance rate. Fortunately, you can stand out among the pool of applicants by creating compelling essays. Yale requires eight supplemental essays overall,  but QuestBridge applicants will only need three.

For each prompt below, we’ll give brainstorming ideas, tips to structure your essay, and supplemental essay examples to help you write your own responses.

Yale Supplemental Essay Prompts

You can apply to Yale through QuestBridge, Coalition, or Common App. However, how many essay topics you answer depends on where you apply.

All applicants will need to 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)
  • What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Meanwhile, those who will submit their applications through Common App or Coalition will also need to answer the following:

  • What inspires you? (200 characters)
  • If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? (200 characters)
  • Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? (200 characters)
  • What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 characters)
  • Choose one of these prompts:
    • Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful? (400 words)
    • 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. (400 words)
    • Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? (400 words)

Don’t be nervous about the number of essays you’ll need to write. We’ll guide you through each of them below to show you how to write effective Yale supplemental essays.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #1

Prompt: 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.
Word count: N/A

This isn’t exactly an essay since Yale simply wants to know which academic areas from their list of programs interest you the most. It’s less about already locking in a specific major and more about showing that you have thoughtful, evolving intellectual passions.

Brainstorming ideas

Yale asks you to list up to three programs you’re eyeing. With over 80 majors to choose from, here are some tips to help you pick out the ones for you:

  • Reflect on your experiences. Think about classes, research projects, or independent studies that excited you. Which topics made you eager to learn more? You can also consider clubs, competitions, or hobbies that relate to academic subjects. What kind of books do you read? What are you curious about?
  • Think of your future goals. This doesn’t have to be a specific career if you don’t have something in mind yet. In the meantime, it’s okay to just think of what you hope to achieve with your education. Do you want to contribute to our understanding of the human mind? Or use your skills to address social inequality?
  • Look through the list. Go through Yale’s list of programs carefully. Which options naturally align with what you enjoy learning about? Once you have a few potential majors in mind, research the related departments at Yale. Look at the faculty profiles, course descriptions, research opportunities, and special programs to further sift through your options.

Essay structure tips + examples

This prompt calls for a simple list of one to three programs that interest you the most. For example:

  • Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Statistics & Data Science. Maybe you want to understand the human mind and how it interacts with technology. Your three chosen programs can give you tools to build intelligent systems, insights into how we think and learn, or analyze complex data sets to uncover patterns and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • English, African American Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. These can be your options if you believe that literature and language have the power to illuminate social injustices and inspire change.
  • Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, and Philosophy. Maybe you’re interested in the gap between scientific inquiry and philosophical reflection.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #2

Prompt: 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?
Word count: 200 words

This is the time to sort of defend the programs you listed for the previous prompt. Yale now wants to see genuine intellectual curiosity and your ability to connect your interests to specific areas of study.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you try to choose a topic you like that relates to your chosen programs, here are some brainstorming ideas:

  • Explore related areas. What specific topics or questions within the fields of your chosen majors excite you the most? You can also think beyond the core curriculum. What subfields, interdisciplinary connections, or emerging areas within your chosen majors intrigue you? Maybe it’s sustainable energy, digital privacy, or Renaissance art.
  • Think of your experiences. Think of anything that sparked your interest in this topic. Maybe reading about breakthroughs in artificial intelligence inspired your interest in computer science. Or a local conservation effort solidified your commitment to sustainable solutions.
  • Reflect on why. Why are you drawn to this topic? What makes it so interesting to you? Is it its complexity, its potential for change, or a personal connection you have with it?

Essay structure tips + examples

When you already have a topic in mind, here’s how you can write about it:

  • Introduce the topic. Start with a hook, then clearly state the topic you’ll be talking about. It can be something like this: “I’m fascinated by the intricate dance between language and thought. While English studies the mechanics of literature and rhetoric, Cognitive Science explores the underlying mental processes that allow us to generate and understand language.”
  • Explain your fascination. Describe what excites you about this topic. For example: “I’m particularly drawn to the question of how language shapes our perception of reality. Do the words we use actually influence how we see the world, or is language simply a tool for describing pre-existing thoughts?” You can also give specific moments or insights that sparked or deepened your passion. Maybe you read George Orwell’s 1984, which highlighted the power of language to control thought.
  • Connect to your majors. Connect the topic to one or more of the academic areas you selected previously. For our example, it can look like this: “I’m intrigued by the idea that different languages might encode different ways of thinking, and I’m eager to investigate this further whether as an English or Cognitive Science major. I’m also curious about how language acquisition impacts cognitive development in children and how language might be used to improve cross-cultural understanding.”

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #3

Prompt: What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?
Word count: 125 words

This Yale supplemental essay prompt is a very focused “Why This College?” essay. Yale wants to know what specific aspects of the university excite you.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of which aspects of the institution appeal to you the most, here are some brainstorming ideas:

  • Explore Yale’s website. Go beyond the homepage. Dive into department websites, research center pages, faculty profiles, and student life information. What makes Yale different? Is it a specific program, a renowned professor, a unique research opportunity, the student community, or a combination of factors?
  • Connect to your interests. How do Yale’s offerings align with your academic interests, extracurricular passions, and long-term goals? Does Yale’s emphasis on undergraduate research, small seminars, or residential college life appeal to your learning style?
  • Go beyond academics. What aspects of Yale’s community or culture resonate with you? Are you drawn to its commitment to social justice, its arts scene, or the diverse student body?

Essay structure tips + examples

If you’ve picked out what things about Yale excite you the most, here’s how you can talk about it:

  • Start strong. Give the reader the general main reason you’re applying to Yale.
  • Give specifics. Mention the specific programs, faculty, courses, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities that excite you. Explain how these offerings align with your academic interests, extracurricular passions, and long-term goals.
  • End with a purpose. End with a strong statement that reinforces your desire to be part of the Yale community. Show genuine excitement in attending Yale.

With those tips in mind, this could be a sample response:

  • “I’m very interested in the intersection of astrophysics and philosophy, and Yale’s resources in both fields are what made me want to apply. The opportunity to conduct research at the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, about exoplanets is incredibly exciting. I’m also drawn to Yale’s renowned Philosophy Department, where I hope to explore the philosophical implications of cosmological theories, particularly questions surrounding the nature of time and the universe’s origins. The interdisciplinary approach fostered at Yale, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with deep philosophical reflection, aligns perfectly with my academic aspirations. I’m confident that Yale’s intellectual community and its commitment to undergraduate research will provide the ideal environment for me to pursue my passion for unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and our place within it.”

This is a good essay since you mention from the start what exactly about Yale appeals to you. You also explain how you hope to interact with Yale’s departments and centers, and why you think Yale is the ideal institution for you.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #4

Prompt: What inspires you?
Word count: 200 characters

For the next few prompts, you’ll need to be very concise and impactful since you only have 200 characters to answer. In this certain supplemental essay prompt, Yale wants to see what you value and where you get your motivation from.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of what truly inspires you, here are some brainstorming tips:

  • Reflect on your values. What principles or beliefs guide you? What ideals do you strive for? What internal drives or motivations push you forward? Is it curiosity, creativity, or a desire to make a difference?
  • Think about role models. Who do you admire? What qualities do they possess that you aspire to? These could be historical figures, artists, scientists, or even people in your life.
  • Consider your passions. What activities or subjects ignite your enthusiasm? What are you naturally drawn to? Do you feel most inspired when you read books? Or when you paint?

Essay structure tips + examples

With such a short limit, a traditional essay structure isn’t necessary. You can use a single, powerful sentence, a short series of impactful phrases, or even a concise list. Here are some examples:

  • “Hiking through dense forests and rugged trails sparks my creativity, fueling my drive to explore, understand, and protect the ecosystems that make our planet so diverse and alive.” This could show how the natural world inspires artistic thought and motivates a passion for discovery and learning. It also hints at a passion for the environment.
  • “My mother’s resilience inspires me to overcome obstacles and pursue my dreams. Her strength has taught me that, even in darkness, hope still lights the way. Her journey is a map to my own aspirations.” This highlights the impact of a personal role model whose strength in facing challenges empowers you to also persist and follow your aspirations.
  • “The rhythm of a perfectly crafted melody that moves the soul, the weight of words that change perceptions and ignite the imagination, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.” This response suggests you are emotionally moved by music, intellectually stimulated by stories, and passionate about fairness and equality.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #5

Prompt: If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
Word count: 200 characters

For this supplemental essay prompt, Yale wants to see your ability to think outside the box and envision something new. You’ll be revealing your intellectual passions, creative impulses, and the kinds of contributions you’d like to make to the world

Brainstorming ideas

To help you think of which of the provided options you’d like to do, here are some tips to get you started:

  • Think of your passions. What subjects or topics are you most passionate about? What questions do you constantly ponder?
  • Imagine your audience. Who would benefit from your course, book, or artwork? What do you want them to gain from it?
  • Think creatively. If you could create anything, what would it be? Don’t limit yourself to traditional formats. Think broadly about different forms of art, literature, or educational experiences.

Essay structure tips + examples

200 characters is enough space to be specific about the college course, book, or art you want to create. Here are some examples:

  • “An interactive installation with bioluminescent organisms entwined with scaled urban models. It explores sustainable, living architecture where buildings breathe and walls glow with natural light.”  This shows creativity, a concern for sustainability, and an interest in interdisciplinary art. The installation concept is innovative and suggests a blend of science and design.
  • “A children’s book that shows complex scientific concepts through whimsical illustrations and engaging storytelling. Imagine a universe where atoms have personalities, and gravity is a friendly giant.” This suggests a desire to make complex ideas more accessible.
  • “A course that dissects propaganda and fake news, tracing their impact on societies from ancient empires to the digital age. How manipulation shaped wars, elections, and revolutions.” This shows an interest in social issues and critical thinking.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #6

Prompt: Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? 
Word count: 200 characters

In this Yale supplemental essay prompt, you should be able to show your capacity for learning from others and recognizing the impact of mentorship or role models.

Brainstorming ideas

To help you pinpoint another influential figure in your life, here are some ideas:

  • Try to think beyond teachers. We can’t deny that teachers are influential to their students, but try to think of figures in your other circles. These may be coaches, mentors, community leaders, friends, older students, or even figures you’ve never met.
  • Reflect on the impact. How did this person change you? What did you learn from them? How did their influence shape your goals or aspirations? Because of the character limit, focus on just one clear way this person affected you, such as inspiring creativity, resilience, or empathy.

Essay structure tips + examples

To answer this prompt well, clearly say who the influential figure is, what you learned from them, and what the results of their influence are. Here are some examples:

  • “My coding mentor taught me not just programming skills, but also the value of perseverance and critical thinking and the joy of creating something new from nothing.” This shows that you learned technical skills, character development (in the form of perseverance), and the intrinsic reward of creation.
  • “A local artist’s dedication to their craft showed me the importance of believing in my skills and pursuing my passions with unwavering commitment, even in the face of adversity.” This shows that you were inspired by another person’s dedication and commitment to one’s craft, even amidst challenges.
  • “A friend’s unwavering optimism in the face of challenges taught me the importance of resilience and that positivity isn’t a denial of hardship, but a defiant embrace of hope.” This shows you learned the impact of a positive mindset and resilience by observing someone facing adversity.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #7

Prompt: What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?
Word count: 200 characters

This is a straightforward supplemental essay prompt that invites you to add a little something extra to round out your Yale application and reveal another aspect of your personality or experiences.

Brainstorming ideas

Not sure what else you want Yale to know about you? Here are some ideas:

  • Consider your quirks. What are your unusual hobbies, interests, or habits? Do you have any hidden talents?
  • Think about small moments. Have you had any personally significant experiences that didn’t fit into your other application materials?
  • Explore your background. Is there something about your cultural background, family history, or upbringing that you haven’t shared yet? Maybe there’s something surprising or unexpected about you that might intrigue the admissions committee. What principles or beliefs are important to you that haven’t been explicitly stated elsewhere?

Essay structure tips + examples

Be very specific here. Instead of saying “I’m creative,” describe a specific creative project you’ve worked on. Here are some examples for your reference:

  • “I collect vintage maps, first for their beauty, then eventually because of an interest to trace the shifting borders of history and imagine the lives lived within them.” This reveals a unique hobby and connects it to historical curiosity and empathy, showing depth beyond typical activities.
  • “I’m a self-taught baker, specializing in sourdough bread. The process has taught me patience, the delicate balance of chemistry, and the satisfaction of creating something yourself.” This highlights a practical skill, a love for a specific craft, and a connection to scientific principles, revealing a blend of creativity and discipline.
  • “I can easily identify constellations by sight, a skill I learned from my grandfather. Each star is a story passed down that connects me to generations and the vastness of the night sky.” This reveals a connection to family history, an appreciation for astronomy, and a sense of wonder, adding a personal and evocative detail.

How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essay #8

For this essay, you’ll choose to answer one prompt out of three options. We’ll talk about each of them below:

Prompt option 1: Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful? 
Word count: 400 words

For this supplemental essay prompt, Yale wants to see your open-mindedness, willingness to engage respectfully and listen, even when your opinions are different, and capacity to reflect on the experience

Brainstorming ideas

We’re sure you’ve experienced opposing views multiple times in your life already. However, to help you choose the most meaningful one, here are some brainstorming ideas:

  • Identify the issue. Think of issues that are both personally significant and have sparked discussion—this could be political, social, cultural, environmental, or ethical topics. Who was the person with the opposing view? Was it a family member, friend, teacher, or stranger on the internet?
  • Think of the process. What were the core points of disagreement? How did the conversation unfold? Was it heated, calm, respectful? What was your initial reaction to the opposing view? Were you defensive, curious, or dismissive? What was the other person’s reaction to your view? How did you communicate your ideas?
  • Reflect on the impact.  What, if anything, changed as a result of the conversation? Did anyone’s perspective shift? Did you find common ground? Even if no one changed their mind, did you gain a better understanding of the other side? Did the experience challenge your assumptions? Did it broaden your understanding? Did it make you more empathetic? What did you learn about your own communication style?

Essay structure tips + examples

Once you’ve chosen what you want to share, here are some tips for structuring your essay:

  • Set the scene. Briefly introduce the issue and the person you discussed it with. Set the scene for the conversation. You can also say why the issue matters to you. For instance, you can set the scene with this: “Over Sunday dinner, the aroma of roasted chicken mingled with the tension in the air as my uncle and I clashed over the proposed expansion of a local highway through a protected wetland.”
  • Talk about the experience. Detail the conversation. How did you feel during the exchange? In our example, you can explain how your uncle argued that the economic benefits outweighed the environmental costs, while you countered with studies on habitat loss and the long-term consequences of ecological damage. You can say you felt very hurt and disappointed since you’re a vocal advocate for the environment in your family.
  • Focus on your insights. How did this conversation change your way of thinking? Maybe you realized the complexity of balancing economic needs with environmental protection. Maybe, while you still believed protecting the wetland was crucial, you began to see the genuine need for economic development in your community. Maybe you realized that you both agreed that the community’s well-being was important, but differed on how to achieve it.

Remember that this Yale supplemental essay is about your growth and self-awareness. Even if you didn’t change any minds, it’s more important that you show how you engage with ideas and learn from diverse perspectives.

Prompt option 2: 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.
Word count: 400 words

In this Yale supplemental essay prompt, you should reflect on the reasons behind your connection to a particular community. How has your involvement shaped your identity, values, and perspective on life?

Brainstorming ideas

To help you better reflect on how you connect to your communities, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • List your communities. Think broadly about what “community” means to you. This can be your neighborhood, a club, an ethnic group, your family, or a group of friends who share a passion.
  • Think of their significance. What are the defining characteristics of this community? What brings you together? What are the shared values, goals, or interests? What memorable experiences have you had with them?
  • Reflect on growth. Consider how interactions within this community have challenged you or broadened your perspectives. Has it helped you discover something about yourself? What do you gain from being a part of this community? Is it support, opportunities for growth, or a platform for your voice?

Essay structure tips + examples

When you have a community where your involvement has significantly impacted your life, here’s how you can talk about it:

  • Introduce the community and its significance. Introduce the community and define it in your own terms. Clearly state why it matters to you and hint at the personal growth you experienced.
  • Show your connection. Describe the community in more detail. What are its defining characteristics? What do you do together? Share a specific anecdote or moment that captures your experience.
  • Talk about its impact on you. Explain how your membership has influenced your identity, perspective, or future goals. Why is it so important? What do you gain from it? What do you contribute? How has it shaped you?

Let’s say you’re part of a volunteer organization that works with underprivileged children. You can start with a vivid image or sensory detail that captures the essence of the community center. Briefly introduce the organization and its mission, and hint at how it impacted you.

Continue by describing the community center—the general atmosphere, the children and other volunteers you interact with, and the activities that you do. Introduce your role in the community. Maybe you started out as a tutor but quickly became a mentor and friend to others as well. Share anecdotes that show your connection to the children. Maybe you helped a shy girl read a whole page aloud without stumbling. Or helped a group of kids create a mural for the center.

What do you gain and give to this community? In exchange for your time, skills, enthusiasm, and belief in the children’s potential, maybe you learned patience, empathy, and the importance of truly listening to others. Maybe it made you more aware of the challenges faced by underprivileged communities, motivating you to become more involved in making a difference.

You can end the essay by briefly summarizing your connection to the community center and reiterating the significance of this community in your life. How do you plan to carry this experience to the future?

Prompt option 3: Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? 
Word count: 400 words

Yale wants to see how well you understand your own growth and your ability to connect your personal experiences to the broader context of a college environment.

Brainstorming ideas

Your formative experiences don’t have to be something dramatic or extraordinary. To help you think of options and eventually narrow your choice to one, here are brainstorming ideas:

  • Identify defining moments. List experiences that have left a lasting impression on you—this could be overcoming a personal challenge, a meaningful travel or cultural experience, a leadership role, or a passion project.
  • Assess their impact. Think of how these experiences have altered your perspective, influenced your values, or developed your skills. What personal qualities did you develop? How did this shape your goals and outlook on life?
  • Connect to campus life. Reflect on how your growth will contribute to the diverse community at Yale. Which aspects of your experience align with the community’s values? Think about specific ways you can share your insights, whether through classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, or community service.

Essay structure tips + examples

Once you’ve chosen a part of your personal experience, here’s how to share it:

  • Start with an engaging hook. Capture the reader’s attention and introduce the element of your personal experience.
  • Detail the experience and what you learned. Describe a specific moment or series of events that clearly show why this element of your experience is important. Discuss the challenges you faced, the insights gained, and the personal qualities that emerged.
  • Talk about how it can help you in college. Explicitly connect your experience to the Yale community. How will the qualities you gained from this experience contribute to the campus? What specific clubs, activities, or academic areas are you interested in, and how will your unique perspective enrich those areas?

Maybe you’ve been deeply involved in a debate club, which has significantly shaped your communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to see multiple perspectives. Start the essay with a hook that captures the essence of debate. For example:

  • “The crisp rustle of paper, the focused silence before the gavel falls, the electric tension as two opposing arguments collide—these are the moments that defined my high school experience and sparked a passion within me for the art of persuasion.”

Introduce your involvement in the debate club and hint at the skills and perspectives you gained.

Next, talk about specific challenges you faced in debate, from struggling with impromptu speaking to defending a position that was different from your personal opinions. Show how you grew from these challenges. Maybe you learned the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, even under pressure. Or you learned to really understand a perspective that was different from yours.

What did you learn from your debate club experiences? You can say it honed your critical thinking skills and fostered empathy. How can your experience help you at Yale? Maybe critical thinking and an empathetic approach to discussions in classes can create a richer and more inclusive learning environment.

How will you contribute to the Yale community? Maybe you plan to join the Yale Debate Association to hone your skills and mentor younger debaters. Maybe your experience in debate led you to be interested in exploring the intersection of law and rhetoric. End the essay by showing your enthusiasm for engaging with the Yale community.

Asian beautiful woman thinking idea with laptop computer in coffee shop

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Yale Supplemental Essays

You have to be really careful when writing your essays since mistakes can make admissions officers lose interest or easily forget your content. Below, we’ll discuss some common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Generic praise of Yale

Don’t just say Yale is “prestigious” or has “great academics.” Yale knows that—after all, they’re part of the Ivy League. Yale wants to know specifically what about them resonates with you.

Make sure your essays contain concrete details and personal reflections and how they relate to Yale. Consider this response:

  • “Yale’s Directed Studies program, with its emphasis on close readings of classic texts and small seminar discussions, aligns perfectly with my desire to explore the foundational questions of philosophy and literature.”

It’s a good one since it mentions a specific program and why it’s appealing. The program is also connected to your intellectual desires.

2. Ignoring the character limit

Four of Yale’s prompts have character limits (not words!) Going over that limit might make the admissions officers think you lack attention to detail or don’t respect guidelines. The trick here is to create a concise but powerful statement that gives them an idea of who you are. 

For example, this is too long: “I’m particularly interested in exploring innovative solutions to climate change, especially in the area of renewable energy technologies, and I believe Yale’s resources and faculty in this field are unparalleled, making it the ideal place for me to pursue my studies.”

Edit ruthlessly, and you can get this: “I’m driven by a passion for sustainable energy. The Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale has technologies and facilities that make it possible to explore solutions to climate change.”

It conveys the same message but in a shorter and more powerful way.

3. Not answering the prompt

Wandering off-topic or providing information that doesn’t address the question can signal an inability to properly articulate your thoughts and a lack of attention to detail.

Carefully read and understand each prompt to create responses that answer the specific questions being asked.

For example, for the prompt “What inspires you?” this isn’t a good response: “I’m inspired by my experiences volunteering at the hospital.” That’s because it doesn’t directly answer the “what.”

What were those experiences? This would be a better response: “The resilience of patients I met while volunteering at the hospital, their unwavering hope in the face of adversity, inspires me.” This statement connects the experience to a source of inspiration.

4. Poor writing mechanics

Proofread carefully! Even with the short format, grammar, spelling, and punctuation matter since they show you have attention to detail and you really spent time looking your essays over.

Another aspect of writing mechanics is organization. A disorganized essay can be confusing and can undermine your professionalism. A well-organized statement is concise and free of errors, showing both enthusiasm and clarity.

Let mentors, family, and friends read your essays and ask for feedback. A college essay expert will be especially helpful since they can guide you in crafting concise and powerful responses that can intrigue admissions officers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Yale have supplemental essays?

Yes, Yale has supplemental essays. Seven are short answer questions (with four being only a few characters long) and one is a longer essay.

2. How many supplemental essays does Yale have?

Yale has eight supplemental essays overall. However, if you’re applying through QuestBridge, you’ll only need to respond to three of the prompts.

3. How important are Yale supplemental essays?

Yale’s supplemental essays are highly important. They let you show your personality, passions, and fit with Yale beyond grades and test scores. A well-crafted essay can also distinguish you from other applicants by highlighting unique experiences, insights, and personal growth.

Takeaways

Supplemental essays reveal your unique perspective and prove why you’d be a valuable addition to the Yale community.

  • Yale requires three supplemental essays from all Common App, Coalition, and QuestBridge applicants. However, Common App and Coalition applicants also need to submit five additional essays.
  • Some mistakes to avoid when writing Yale supplemental essays are giving generic praise of Yale, ignoring the character limit, not answering the prompt, and having poor writing mechanics.
  • Getting into Yale can be tough because of its very low acceptance rate. However, writing compelling essays can make you stand out from the thousands of other applicants. A private consultant can help you boost your college application in many ways, such as crafting great essays.

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