Yale Supplemental Essays Guide (2025–2026)

1. Academic Areas of Interest (selection from list)

This is not a commitment — Yale expects students to change their minds.

Choose up to three areas that:
• match what you actually enjoy thinking about
• align with your classes, activities, or reading habits
• connect naturally to your intellectual curiosity

Avoid picking areas just because they “sound Yale.” Admissions readers want honesty, not optimization.

2. Academic Topic Essay (200 words)

Prompt:
Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above.

This is a curiosity essay, not an achievement essay.

Strong responses:
• focus on a specific question, concept, or tension
• show how your interest developed over time
• reveal how you think, not just what you know

Structure that works well:
• opening moment or question
• what pulled you in
• how you’ve explored it (classes, reading, projects, conversations)
• what you’re still wondering

End with openness. Yale values students who are still thinking, not those claiming mastery.

3. Why Yale (125 words)

Prompt:
Reflect on how your interests, values, and/or experiences have drawn you to Yale.

This is about fit, not flattery.

Instead of listing programs, show:
• what kind of learner you are
• what kind of environment helps you thrive
• how Yale naturally supports that

The best essays feel like:
“I already live this way — Yale just gives me room to go deeper.”

SHORT ANSWERS (≈35 words each)

These should feel human, not polished.

What inspires you?
Think moments, people, or ideas — not abstract traits.

If you could teach/create anything…
This is about imagination and curiosity, not résumé padding.

Who influenced you (non-family)?
Focus on how they changed your thinking or actions.

Something not elsewhere in your application
Share a small truth, habit, or perspective that rounds you out.

Be specific. Small details go a long way here.

400-WORD ESSAY (Choose ONE)

Option 1: Disagreement Essay

Focus less on winning the argument and more on:
• listening
• growth
• changed perspective
• maturity in handling conflict

Option 2: Community Essay

Define community broadly — it can be intellectual, cultural, online, or personal. Show your role within it.

Option 3: Personal Experience Essay

Choose something that reveals how you think, respond, or grow — not just what happened.

Across all three options, Yale is looking for:
• reflection
• self-awareness
• intellectual humility

If you want personalized feedback on your Yale supplemental essays, I also offer one-on-one essay reviews where I read through your drafts carefully and leave clear, specific suggestions. You can learn more here!