Yale University

Essay prompts (10)

1. academic interest2026-27

   Applies to: 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.

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

2. academic interest2026-27200 words

   Applies to: 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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

3. why us2026-27125 words

   Applies to: 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

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

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

4. short answer2026-2735 words

   Applies to: Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; limit is 200 characters (approximately 35 words)

   What inspires you?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

5. short answer2026-2735 words

   Applies to: 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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

6. short answer2026-2735 words

   Applies to: Common Application and Coalition Application applicants only; limit is 200 characters (approximately 35 words)

   Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

7. short answer2026-2735 words

   Applies to: 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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

8. other2026-27400 words

   Applies to: 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?

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

9. community2026-27400 words

   Applies to: 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.

   This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

   source

10. identity2026-27400 words

    Applies to: 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?

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Yale University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

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When you request a review for a Yale University supplement, the feedback is grounded in exactly what you see here: the prompt itself, its word limit, and what the school publishes about its values and programs. That's the whole claim — calibrated to the prompt and the school's own published guidance, scored against a consistent rubric. Not insider knowledge, and never a rewrite: Second Read is a coach, not a ghostwriter. It flags weaknesses and tells you what to fix and why; it never writes a sentence of your essay.

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