Prompt database · 2026-27 cycle
Yale University
Deadlines
source| Early Action | November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | January 2, 2027 |
Essay prompts (8)
- academic interestAll first-year applicants2026-27
Source details
All first-year applicants (Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge); QuestBridge applicants complete this question via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire on the Yale Admissions Status Portal
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.
- academic interestAll first-year applicants2026-27200 words
Source details
All first-year applicants (Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge); QuestBridge applicants complete this question via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire on the Yale Admissions Status Portal
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?
- short answerCommon Application and Coalition Application…2026-2735 words
Source details
Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; limit is 200 characters (approximately 35 words)
If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
- short answerCommon Application and Coalition Application…2026-2735 words
Source details
Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; limit is 200 characters (approximately 35 words)
What is one aspect of yourself that you hope to grow or develop during college?
- short answerCommon Application and Coalition Application…2026-2735 words
Source details
Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; limit is 200 characters (approximately 35 words)
What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?
- otherCommon Application and Coalition Application…2026-27400 words
Source details
Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; respond to one of the three 400-word essay 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?
- communityCommon Application and Coalition Application…2026-27400 words
Source details
Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; respond to one of the three 400-word essay prompts
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.
- identityCommon Application and Coalition Application…2026-27400 words
Source details
Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; respond to one of the three 400-word essay prompts
Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?
The school's published AI policy
Submitting personal statements or other written application responses composed by text-generating software may result in admission revocation or expulsion. ... Using an AI platform to review one's grammar or spelling, or to seek general advice or topic suggestions at the start of the writing process does not constitute application fraud.
the school’s published policyChecked Sep 8, 2026
Our reading
Yale treats submitting AI-composed application writing as fraud punishable by admission revocation or expulsion, while explicitly stating that using AI to review grammar or spelling, or to seek general advice or topic suggestions at the start of the writing process, does not constitute application fraud.
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