what to write for yale essay

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Advice on putting together your application.

Students commonly want to know what part of the college application “carries the most weight.” The truth is, there are many parts to your application, and together they help us discover and appreciate your particular mix of qualities. Academic criteria are important to Yale’s selective admissions process, but we look at far more than test scores and grades.

Every applicant brings something unique to the admissions committee table. Perhaps one application stands out because of sparkling recommendations, while another presents outstanding extracurricular talent; maybe your personality shines through a powerful written voice, or maybe your keen mathematical mind packs more punch. Our goal is to assemble a diverse, well-rounded student body, and that means admitting exceptional individuals of all types. You may find this answer unsatisfying, but we assure you that it is true: the part of the application that carries the most weight is different from applicant to applicant.

This section of our website aims to help you submit the very best application possible. We asked admissions officers to weigh in with their own thoughts on each topic and we have compiled their responses below. We know that the application process can be confusing, daunting, even overwhelming, and we hope this page proves helpful as you compile your applications, not only to Yale but to every school on your list.

When you write your essays and short answer responses, write about something that matters to you. Use your own voice. Do not worry about making a special effort to include impressive vocabulary words or overly complex sentences. If you sound like yourself and discuss something you care about, your essay will be more effective.

We know that no one can fit an entire life story into a few short pieces of writing, and we don’t expect you to try. Pick topics that will give us an idea of who you are.  It doesn’t matter which topics you choose, as long as they are meaningful to you. We have read wonderful essays on common topics and weak essays on highly unusual ones. Your perspective – the lens through which you view your topic – is far more important than the specific topic itself. In the past, students have written about family situations, ethnicity or culture, school or community events to which they have had strong reactions, people who have influenced them, significant experiences, intellectual interests, personal aspirations, or – more generally – topics that spring from the life of the imagination.

Finally: proofread, proofread, proofread!  Share your essays with at least one or two people who know you well – such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend – and ask for feedback. Remember that you ultimately have control over your essays, and your essays should retain your own voice, but others may be able to catch mistakes that you missed and help suggest areas to cut if you are over the word limit.

Your record of activities outside the classroom should demonstrate a number of things:

• You engage your community beyond the classroom. Yale is home to hundreds of student organizations, and we want to admit students who will take advantage of these resources and contribute to Yale’s vibrant extracurricular community.
• You take leadership positions when they are available, and you invest your energies into the activities you choose. You do not need to be president of a national organization to impress the admissions committee. But, the committee would like to see that you have spent time pursuing meaningful opportunities and that you have had a positive impact on people around you.
• You demonstrate a deep commitment to and genuine appreciation for what you spend your time doing. The joy you take in the pursuits that really matter to you – rather than a resume padded with a long list of activities – will strengthen your candidacy.

Interviews are another way to help your application stand out. An interview is not required, but if you are offered the opportunity to interview, we strongly encourage you to take it. Yale’s policies regarding interviews can be found on the interviews page .  

Although the interviewer will get the ball rolling with questions, come prepared to be an engaged conversationalist. Rather than answering a question with a one-word, direct answer, approach each question as an opportunity to elaborate on various aspects of who you are. Share whatever additional information you feel the admissions committee should consider in order to fully appreciate your ideas, intellectual curiosity, character, and values. Interviewers can also learn about candidates from the interesting, thoughtful questions they bring to the table.

Recommendations

Recommendations tell us a great deal about the way you think and learn, how you contribute to your school community, and what you add to a classroom dynamic. The best recommendations are not always from the teachers in whose class you earned the highest grades, but rather from those teachers who know you best and can discuss the substance of your intellect and character. We are as interested in your intellectual curiosity and resilience as in your innate ability and work ethic. A string of generic superlatives is not as useful as a specific, thoughtful discussion of your strengths.

All applicants for first-year admission should request two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught the student in core academic subjects: usually Math, English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, or Science. Teachers who have taught you in your junior and/or senior years often write the most insightful letters. These teachers will best speak to your recent progress, your preparation for rigorous collegiate coursework, and your potential contributions beyond the classroom.

Supplementary Materials

Supplementary materials can provide broader context to some parts of your application, but they can just as often be superfluous and distracting. For example, a letter from someone who supervised your extracurricular research project may answer important questions about the work you’ve done. But a third recommendation that raves about you, just as your other letters do, will not necessarily enhance your application. In fact, it may dilute the effect of the two required recommendations. For more information visit our page on supplementary materials .

Transcript and Testing

Your transcript is a significant part of your application. We look at your overall record, from all four years of high school. We always remain mindful of context: what courses are available at your school? Did you take a rigorous curriculum given these course offerings? Are there patterns to your transcript that reflect on your academic potential? We rely on school profiles and guidance counselors to give us an understanding of your school and the ways in which you have been academically engaged.

We also consider your standardized test scores. Think of testing as just another part of the application. Only retake a test if you feel you will significantly improve your scores. If your testing is in the right ballpark, then it probably will not be the deciding factor for your candidacy. In other words, don’t worry about trying to get an extra few points. Instead, spend your time on things that will help you grow as a person: school work, extracurricular opportunities, time with friends — the things that will give you a stronger sense of yourself and, as a result, make you a stronger college applicant.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 tips for writing stellar yale supplement essays.

College Essays

Yale admits just over 4% of their total applicant pool every year. If you want to be one of those admitted students, you'll need to write amazing Yale essays as part of your Yale University application.

In this article, we'll outline the different types of essays you need to write for your Yale University application and teach you how to write a Yale supplement essay that will help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.

What Are the Yale Essay Prompts?

Yale University requires you to submit multiple short answer questions and one essay, depending on whether you are submitting the Common Application , QuestBridge Application, or Coalition Application .

You will choose from a selection of topics for the longer Yale supplement essay questions. The prompts are the same for both the Common and the Coalition application, but the number of prompts you'll choose to answer is different depending on which application you use to apply.

You'll also complete short answer questions regardless of which application you're using. It’s important to note that Common, Coalition, and QuestBridge applications all require short answer questions, but only Common and Coalition applications require a second set of short answer questions and a supplemental essay.

The short answer questions for the Yale essays range in word limit from 35 words to 250 words. These essays are specific to the Yale application—you won't find them on any other college or university's application.

Although they are short, the Yale supplement essays are just as important as the longer essays.

The Yale supplemental essay questions offer you plenty of opportunity to show off your qualifications as an applicant and wow the admissions committee.

2023-2024 Yale Essay Questions

Applicants who fill out the Common Application or the Coalition Application will answer one of the following three prompts:

Essay Prompt #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? (400 words or fewer) Essay Prompt #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’d like. (400 words or fewer) Essay Prompt #3: Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? (400 words or fewer)

Yale Supplement Essay Prompts Analyzed

Now that you've read through the Yale supplemental essay prompts, let's take a closer look at how to answer them. 

Essay Prompt #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? (400 words or fewer)

This essay asks you to reflect on your ability to engage with opposing ideas and to modify your own —or to hold firm, if need be! It's a tall order, but a very, very important subject. Whether you changed your mind a little, a lot, or not at all, this prompt asks you to explain why the discussion, itself, was meaningful to you. 

Yale admissions officers want to know that you can participate in a healthy exchange of ideas with others without compromising yourself or shutting down the conversation. This is very important , as it's a huge part of collegiate life!

For this essay, you'll need to think of a pretty specific scenario. Maybe you had a class conversation about a controversial subject, or maybe you talked to a parent, relative, or friend about a subject you disagreed on. Did you know going into the conversation that you disagreed? How did that affect the way you spoke? What was the tone of your conversation? How did it resolve (or did it)? Most importantly , what did you take away from the experience and how did it impact you?  How has it shaped your belifs and the way you interact with others who do not share them? 

Essay Prompt #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’d like. (400 words or fewer)

This essay provides a great place to let the committee see a side of you that has nothing to do with academics. There are so many possible answers here: family, sports teams, religious school, AV club, and even virtual communities are viable options to write about. Whatever community you choose, be sure to pick one that has made an impression on you and to which you feel connected.

Have fun with this Yale essay. Don't feel pressure to talk about how much charity work you do—chances are a lot of applicants will go that route and it will seem inauthentic. (Unless charity work is actually your jam. If that's the case, go for it!)

You also have the opportunity to define “community” on your terms here. If you have a unique experience with a group of people that may not look like a traditional community to outsiders, writing about that experience can help you stand out in the admissions process. For instance, if your football team came together with a rival team to provide hurricane relief and bonded in the process, that would be an out-of-the-box take on community connection to highlight in your essay. 

However you decide to define “community,” make sure to explain why the community you choose is meaningful to you . Before putting pen to paper, consider making a list and reflecting on why this particular community holds meaning for you. What values, traditions, or shared experiences within the community are special to you? How has this community impacted your personal growth? Your beliefs? Your worldview? Answering these questions about your community is a great place to start!

Let your voice shine through in this one and don't be afraid to be creative. Since you have a larger word allotment you can show off some of your prosaic chops. Don't try too hard though! Be yourself—the committee will appreciate you for it.

Essay Prompt #3

Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? (400 words or fewer)

This essay gives you an opportunity to consider your past, explore what you learned and how you grew, and explain how it will help you bring value to Yale . Just like with the last prompt, you have the freedom to pick from a wide range of experiences. This could be an event, a relationship, a passion, or even a challenge you faced.

Once you’ve picked the “element” you want to focus your essay on, take some time to think about how the experience impacted you. Did you learn a lesson from it? Were you able to build any valuable skills? Did it change or help you develop important personal values? You don’t want to choose just anything to write about, here—you want to choose something that had a profound effect on you and who you consider yourself to be.

Last but definitely not least: you’ll need to explain how Yale and its community will benefit from having you on campus . Draw connections between what you learned from your experience and how you’ll encounter classes, peers, teachers, and others on campus. Whether it’s contributing to academic discussions, participating in extracurricular activities, or fostering a positive campus culture, show how your experience will impact your time at Yale in a positive way.

2023-2024 Yale Short Answer Questions

There are three required Yale short answer questions.  Every student applying to Yale must answer these three prompts:

• 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)

Yale Short Answer Questions Analyzed

The longer short answer prompts listed above are required of all applicants. The prompts are the same for both applications. Remember, all three prompts are required.  

We’ll break down how to respond to each Yale short answer prompt next.

Yale Short Answer Question 1

Students at Yale have plenty of 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.

First off—follow the directions here exactly. ONLY use areas of study from the list provided in the above link and be sure to mention no more than three.

Here, Yale is giving you the opportunity to show some range in your interests, but keeping your writing brief and honest is key.

Less is more here—don't be afraid to only list one interest. Although it may be unrealistic to choose a major before you enter college, there is no harm in expressing what excites you right now. You will not have to stick to this major throughout your Yale career, unless of course you want to. Since you're just listing one to three subjects from the list provided and nothing more, this "short answer" question is just that: short! 

Yale Short Answer Question 2

This prompt asks you to show that you have independent intellectual interests and take the initiative to connect them to your academic goals. Your answer to this question should showcase the curiosity, passion, and drive that you’ll contribute to the Yale community!

A good answer to this question will include the following elements: 1) a topic or idea that you're curious about, 2) how you engage with that topic or idea, and 3) which major(s) you think will best help you pursue your topic or idea.

So, start out by describing your topic of interest or idea. For example, say you're interested in how tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons promote key education skills like literacy and mental math. Think about what excites you most about your topic or idea and explain those things in your response.

You'll want to briefly explain how you engage with your topic or idea as well. For instance, maybe you play Dungeons and Dragons at a local gaming store every weekend, and you notice lots of middle-schoolers are dropped off by their parents to play games. These observations could have sparked your questions about literacy learning and tabletop gaming! Including some of the context will help ground your response in a story that admissions counselors can connect with.

You also need to explain why you're drawn to your idea or topic. If it's the tabletop gaming we discussed above, maybe you'll talk about how you struggled with reading as a young student and playing tabletop games helped you develop your skills. Including an explanation of why you're drawn to your topic or idea is an important component of your response.

Finally, make sure you connect everything back to Yale. How will Yale help foster your commitment to studying tabletop gaming and literacy? Which major(s) or minor(s) would best support your intellectual endeavor? How will your curiosity help you make a significant impact as a Yale student? And why is Yale the only school that can foster your creativity and turn it into success? At the end of the day, admissions counselors want to better understand why Yale is the best place for you to explore your interests!

Yale Short Answer Question 3

This short answer question seems simple at first glance—and if you know how to hack it, it can be! Known as the “Why Yale?” essay, the question above is asking you to show Yale admissions why you’re a perfect fit for their school . Essentially, this is Yale's version of a "Why This College?" essay!

So how do you convince Yale that you absolutely belong there in 125 words or fewer? You do your research, take inventory of your future goals, and use your best writing skills to convey that your values are aligned with Yale’s values. 

To write an effective response to the “Why Yale?” question, start out by learning everything you can about Yale . You’ll want to focus your research on discovering things about Yale that really spark your excitement and feel truly meaningful to you. Doing your research on Yale’s identity and traditions will help you explain why you belong there!

Once you’ve done your research, think about the places where your values align with Yale’s values . Your answer needs to show that you and Yale make a perfect match—that you’ll play off of each other’s strengths, and that you’ll bring that missing piece that Yale needs to be complete. 

While you want to be honest and genuine here, the purpose of this essay is for you to convince Yale admissions that you’re prepared to support Yale’s mission and that Yale is the perfect place for you to grow and flourish. So pick a couple of specific, unique-to-you reasons why you want to go to Yale, and explain them in your best, error-free prose in this short answer response. This is your big opportunity to show why Yale is the only school for you!   

Are you using the Common App or Coalition App? There are additional short answer questions for you!

2023-2024 Yale Short Answer Questions (Common and Coalition Applications

Every applicant must respond to four Yale-specific short answers if you're using the Coalition or Common App.

The Yale short answer questions are just that: very short. Some only require 35 word answers. We will talk about how to answer these questions later. For now, let's take a look at the prompts themselves:

What inspires you? (35 words or fewer)

If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? (35 words or fewer)

Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? (35 words or fewer)

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (35 words or fewer)

All of these short takes must be 35 words or fewer and 200 characters (letters, spaces, and symbols/numbers) or fewer. That means you'll have to think hard—and edit harder!—to make word count.

2023-2024 Yale Short Answer Questions Analyzed (Common and Coalition) 

In this section, we'll be looking at the short answer Yale supplement essays in depth.

Remember, every applicant using the Coalition or Common Application must answer all essay prompts, so you don't get to choose which essay you would like to write. It is important that you answer each of the Yale essay prompts strongly as they are all of equal importance.

Let's take a look at each Yale short essay question and see how to write something meaningful for each.

Caution! Due to its small word requirement here, you may be tempted to be witty or sardonic in your answer. Resist the urge! Again, go with authenticity rather than cleverness. If something charming or funny arises from your answer naturally, check with your guidance counselor, English teacher, or another trusted editor before turning it in. Humor can read as flippant and the application committee could think that you are not taking your application seriously.

Good answers to this question range from inspirational people, to remarkable landscapes, to fine dining. There is no correct answer, so have fun answering!

Think about what this prompt is asking: what inspires you? What gets you excited and motivated? Avoid trite answers at all costs. Don't say how inspired you are by "the world in all its vastness." Instead look inward, and think about when you have felt the best about yourself, and most energized to do the things you love. What made you feel that way? Who? And how did you act on that inspiration?

Another fun one! Once again: no cliches, no obvious answers, and no comedy.

Here’s a chance to show off something you feel you have mastery over. Instead of projecting into the future when you are a famous playwright and have the chops to teach a class or write a book about fantastical realism in modern theater, pick something that you know about right now.

Maybe you speak a second language. Maybe you collect insects or press flowers. Maybe you are an expert at self-care for busy students. This question is not designed to get a better sense of your ambitions or goals. Here the committee wants to learn about the abilities and passions in which you already feel confident. 

This short answer is a snapshot into your character and the meaningful connections that have shaped your journey. There are two key limitations here: your response has to be 35 words or fewer, and you have to focus on someone you’re not related to. Think hard about influential people outside of your family: mentors, teachers, friends, or even people from your larger community.

For the best response, pick someone who has had an important impact on your life and who you’ve become. Focus on a quality this person has, a lesson they taught you, or an experience you had together that you can use to talk about how they’ve influenced you in an important way. Nothing is off the table here—this could be a piece of advice your academic advisor gave you, a hard-working coworker you modeled your work ethic off of, or a shared experience with your best friend that formed an unbreakable connection.

Whoever you choose to write about, remember to keep it short, authentic, and insightful!

Yale Short Answer Question 4

This question gives you the opportunity to (briefly!) share a part of yourself that you wish had made it onto your application. Maybe it's an event you coordinated that didn't quite fit into any category on the app, or maybe it's something you're deeply passionate about. Resist the urge to say something goofy or lighten the mood, and, instead, dig deep to think of an example that makes you quintessentially you.

How to Write a Great Yale Essay

Regardless of which Yale short answer question you're responding to, you should keep in mind the following tips for how to write a great Yale essay.

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Yale wants you to be.

#2: Avoid Cliches and Overused Phrases

When writing your Yale essays, try to avoid using cliches or overused quotes or phrases.

These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays that state, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Strive for originality.

Similarly, avoid using cliches, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work.

#3: Check Your Work

It should almost go without saying, but you want to make sure your Yale essays are the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Yale application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Yale essays, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

Recap: The Key to Yale Essays That Work

The Yale essays cover a wide range of topics. Regardless of the question you're answering, remember to follow these basic dos and don'ts as you're writing:

• Be authentic and honest
• Be specific when citing people, places and things
• Strive for brevity and simplicity; less is more!
• Be yourself, and do your research—both will shine through in your essays!
• Base your essays on what you think the Yale application committee wants to hear
• Use cliches or broad sweeping statements
• Try too hard to be funny and original—be genuine and your positive attributes will be visible to the committee.

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what to study in college? Have no fear— our guide will help you choose the best major for you, one step at a time .

Really want to get into Yale? Using an acceptance calculator will help you figure out your chances of getting into the schools at the top of your list so you know how to up your odds.

It's a great time to start researching scholarships . It's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to pay for college!

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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How To Answer Yale's 2023/24 Supplemental Essays: Tips & Insights

What's New in 2023/24

What Are Yale's Essay Prompts?

Answering the Short Answer Questions

Answering the Short Essay Questions

General Guidelines

Dive into Yale's 2023/24 supplemental essay updates, grasp the intricacies of each prompt, and garner insights on penning standout answers with our comprehensive guide, enriched with expert advice and links to exemplary Yale essay samples.

Yale’s 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Securing a spot at Yale University , with its acceptance rate between 3-4% , is undeniably challenging . In such a competitive landscape, your supplemental essays become instrumental in distinguishing your application.

Every academic year, elite institutions like Yale refine their application process to ensure they holistically understand their applicants. For the '23/24 admissions cycle, Yale University has introduced some significant changes to its supplemental essay questions .

Previously, applicants were posed with questions about hosting a guest speaker in Yale's residential colleges and suggesting a title for a new Yale course they envision teaching. These have now been replaced.

The current cycle invites you to highlight personal academic interests and directions, and share unique insights into who has inspired you or influenced your personal growth.

The longer essay section appears designed to help Yale see how you engage with campus and community life. While this section retains two past themes — discussing opposing viewpoints and community involvement — a fresh prompt has been added. This third option encourages applicants to reflect on personal experiences that would enrich the Yale community .

These modifications underscore Yale's ongoing commitment to understanding its applicants' personal narratives, values, and potential contributions to a dynamic university environment.

What Are Yale’s Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, Yale University has introduced specific supplemental essay prompts to delve deeper into the profiles of its applicants in tandem with the Common App or Coalition App questions. These prompts are designed to uncover your academic interests, personal insights, and your unique connection to Yale.

Short Answer Questions — Academic Interests & Motivations

All applicants are required to address three core questions: one asks you to identify three academic disciplines of interest, another is a short essay about a topic of interest related to one of those academic disciplines, and the third is about your reasons for choosing Yale. The word limits are 200 words for the second item, and 125 words for the third item.

• Academic Exploration: Students at Yale often evolve their academic directions. As of now, which academic areas align with your interests or goals? Please select up to three from the provided list .
• Topic of Interest: Discuss a topic or idea related to one or more academic areas you selected above that genuinely excites you. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)
• Connection to Yale: What aspects of Yale have motivated you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Short Answer Questions (Common & Coalition App Applicants)

For those using the Coalition or Common Application, additional short answer questions are capped at roughly 35 words or 200 characters. These questions probe into personal inspirations, potential academic or artistic contributions, influential figures outside of family, and unique aspects of one's identity not mentioned elsewhere in the application.

• Inspiration: What inspires you? (Approximately 35 words)
• Creative Endeavor: If you could teach a college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art, what would it be? (Approximately 35 words)
• Significant Influence: Other than family, who has significantly influenced you, and how? (Approximately 35 words)
• Unique Aspect: What's something unique about you not mentioned elsewhere in your application? (Approximately 35 words)

Short Essay

Lastly, in the essay section, Coalition or Common Application users will select one of three prompts , responding within a 400-word limit . The options in this section include discussing opposing viewpoints, reflecting on community ties, or narrating a personal experience that you believe will help you enhance the college community.

• Discussing Opposing Views: Reflect on a time you discussed a vital issue with someone holding a contrary view. Why was this experience significant to you?
• Community Connection: Reflect on your membership in a community that resonates with you. Why is this community meaningful?
• Personal Enrichment: Reflect on a personal experience that you believe will enrich your college community. How has it molded you?

These prompts provide you an opportunity to present a comprehensive picture of your personality, background, values, and aspirations — ensuring Yale gets a multifaceted view of who you are.

Seeking some inspiration? Explore these Yale essay examples to understand what makes an application stand out!

How This Student Got Into Yale

How to Answer Yale’s Supplemental Short Answer Questions?

Three short answer questions about academic interests.

• Academic Exploration: 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 select up to three from the provided list .

Short Answer Question 1

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 select up to three from the provided list. please select up to three from the provided list. please indicate up to three from the list provided., academic exploration — choosing one to three disciplines from the list provided..

Yale's reputation for academic rigor and intellectual engagement is renowned. The university fosters an environment where students are encouraged to explore various academic interests before settling into their major(s) . This flexibility is a testament to Yale's commitment to producing well-rounded individuals who are not just experts in their fields but also possess a broad knowledge base.

Be genuine when deciding whether to indicate one, two, or three disciplines from the list. There’s probably little to gain from selecting a discipline if it won’t tie into responses to other questions or essay prompts and doesn’t have any connection with academic interests and motivations you want to emphasize.

You may want to preview the other two questions in this section, as well as the remaining short answer and essay prompts — making sure to select a discipline from the list if you anticipate talking about it in other responses.

Short Answer Question 2

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.

The subsequent question offers an opportunity to delve deeper into a specific academic topic or idea . This is your chance to demonstrate genuine passion. Instead of providing textbook answers:

• Discuss unique perspectives or insights you've developed about the subject.
• Share personal experiences or projects that have enriched your understanding.
• Reflect on contemporary issues or debates within the subject and where you stand.

1. Unveiling Your Academic Passion

Yale's second short answer question is a direct invitation to showcase your academic passion. The university, renowned for its intellectual vibrancy, seeks students who are not just academically competent but also deeply passionate about their chosen fields of study .

2. Diving Deep into Your Chosen Topic

This question is your space to "nerd out" and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for a specific topic or idea. Reflect on:

• Personal experiences or projects that deepened your interest in this topic.
• Contemporary debates, research, or developments in the field that excite you.
• Unique perspectives or insights you've developed about the subject.

Avoid merely regurgitating textbook knowledge. Instead, offer a fresh take or a personal connection to the topic.

3. Connecting Past, Present, and Future

While the previous prompt may have focused on your broader academic interests, this question allows you to home in on a specific topic . You can:

• Draw connections from past experiences or studies that ignited your interest in this topic.
• Discuss how your current engagements (like readings, projects, or discussions) have further fueled this passion.
• Envision how deepening your understanding of this topic at Yale will benefit your future aspirations.

Yale's second short answer question emphasizes depth over breadth. It's an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of a specific academic topic that excites you . You can convey to the admissions committee why this topic resonates with you and how it aligns with your academic journey at Yale by showcasing genuine passion, thoughtful engagement, and a clear understanding of the subject.

Short Answer Question 3

What is it about yale that has led you to apply, - 125 words or fewer, 1. decoding the "why yale" question.

Yale's third prompt is a classic " Why this school? " question, albeit phrased with a twist. It's not just about why you want to attend Yale but what specific aspects of Yale resonate with your aspirations and interests .

2. Beyond the Generic

Avoid generic answers that could apply to any top-tier university. Yale's admissions officers are looking for applicants who have genuinely understood what makes Yale unique .

3. Research is Key

To craft a compelling response:

• Dive deep into Yale's academic programs. Are there specific courses, professors, or research opportunities that align with your interests?
• Explore Yale's extracurricular landscape. Are there clubs, organizations, or events that you're excited to join or initiate?
• Reflect on Yale's community and culture. What aspects of Yale's student life or traditions resonate with you?

4. Envisioning Your Yale Journey

Discuss how you see yourself fitting into the Yale community:

• How will Yale's offerings help you achieve your academic and personal goals?
• In what ways do you plan to contribute to the Yale community, both in and out of the classroom?

The "What is it about Yale?" question is an opportunity to demonstrate your genuine interest in the university and how it aligns with your goals . By showcasing a deep understanding of what Yale offers and articulating how it fits with your aspirations, you can convey a sincere desire to be a part of the Yale community.

5 Tips for the "Why This School?" Essay

Additional Short Answer Questions (35 words)

For applicants using the Common or Coalition App only.

Short Answer Question 4

What inspires you, - approximately 35 words, 1. understanding the question's intent.

The question aims to delve into your intrinsic motivations and passions . Yale wants to understand what drives you, what makes you tick, and what fuels your academic and personal pursuits. This is not just about what interests you but what deeply moves and motivates you.

2. Being Authentic and Specific

While it might be tempting to provide an answer you think the admissions committee wants to hear, it's crucial to be genuine. Reflect on moments, people, books, artworks, or experiences that have profoundly impacted your perspective or aspirations .

3. Connecting to Your Broader Application

Your answer should ideally resonate with other parts of your application. Discussing a related inspiration can create a cohesive narrative if you've mentioned a particular interest or activity elsewhere.

4. Avoiding Clichés

Steer clear of overused phrases or generic inspirations unless you can provide a unique twist or a deeply personal reason for why something commonly cited truly inspires you.

Question 4 offers a window into your inner world. By sharing what genuinely inspires you, you give Yale a glimpse of your passions, values, and potential contributions to their community . Ensure your response is both authentic and reflective of your unique perspective.

Short Answer Question 5

If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be, 1. channeling your creativity.

This question is a playground for your imagination and intellectual fervor. Yale is keen to understand the depth of your interests and how you might bring a unique perspective to their campus.

2. Intersecting Passions

Reflect on the subjects or hobbies that resonate with you. This question allows you to merge different areas of interest to create something novel. If you're a history buff with a penchant for drama, perhaps you'd write a play set during the Renaissance. If you're passionate about biology and art, maybe you'd create an intricate sculpture representing cellular structures.

3. Beyond the Ordinary

While authenticity is key, strive to think outside the box. Consider topics or ideas that aren't just personal but also bring a fresh perspective or address contemporary issues. For instance, if you're intrigued by psychology and technology, you might design a course on "The Psychological Impacts of AI on Human Interaction."

4. A Nod to Yale's Ethos

Yale is a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary exploration. Your response should echo a spirit of inquisitiveness and a hunger to delve deep into subjects, reflecting how you'd enrich the Yale community with your unique insights.

Yale's Question 5 is more than just a query; it's an opportunity. You're offering a window into your intellectual and creative soul by suggesting a course, book, or artwork. Craft a response that's not just distinctive but also deeply reflective of who you are and what you'd bring to Yale.

Short Answer Question 6

Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you what has been the impact of their influence, 1. identifying your influencer.

This question seeks to understand the people and experiences that have shaped you outside your immediate family . It's a chance to highlight mentors, teachers, friends, or even public figures who have left an indelible mark on your life.

2. Depth Over Popularity

While it might be tempting to choose a well-known personality, ensure that your choice genuinely reflects a deep personal connection . It's not about the prominence of the influencer but the depth of their impact on you.

3. Narrating the Journey

Discuss specific moments, lessons, or interactions that encapsulate the essence of their influence.

• Did a coach instill resilience in you?
• Did a teacher ignite your passion for a subject?
• Or did a friend's kindness redefine your understanding of empathy during a tough time?

4. Beyond the Obvious

While the direct influence is essential, it also reflects on the ripple effects. How did their influence shape your actions, decisions, or perspectives in broader areas of your life?

Yale's Question 6 is an introspective journey into the people who have molded your character and values . Yale aims to understand the external forces that have shaped your journey through this prompt. As you craft your response, focus on authenticity, detailing who influenced you and how their influence continues to resonate in your life.

Short Answer Question 7

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application, 1. unearthing the hidden gems.

This question offers a unique opportunity to share a facet of your personality, experience, or aspiration that hasn't been covered in your application. It's a chance to provide a fuller picture of who you are.

2. Beyond Academics and Extracurriculars

While your academic achievements and extracurricular activities are essential, this prompt seeks insights into your character, passions, or experiences that aren't necessarily tied to school or structured activities .

3. Personal Anecdotes Shine

Perhaps there's a hobby you're passionate about, a quirky tradition you uphold, or a personal project you've embarked on. Whatever you share, find a way to make your short response shine a spotlight on something unique, about yourself — perhaps something ingratiating, humorous, or compelling .

4. Reflect on the Why

It's not just about stating the 'what.' Be sure to share how this aspect of your identity, psychology, experiences, or personality shapes your values, your aspirations, or how you interact with others in friendships or in community settings.

Yale's Question 7 is a canvas for you to paint a more comprehensive picture of yourself . It's an invitation to share something special that make you unique. As you respond, ensure that what you share is relevant to an admissions context and offers a fresh insight into something that makes you unique and may make your application more memorable.

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How to Answer Yale’s Supplemental Short Essay Questions?

Applicants submitting the Common App or Coalition Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer.

Essay Prompt 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, - 400 words or fewer, 1. the essence of intellectual engagement.

Renowned for its academic rigor, Yale University values students who can engage in meaningful discussions , especially when faced with opposing views. This question seeks to understand your ability to engage in such dialogues, emphasizing your intellectual curiosity and interpersonal skills.

2. Narrating the Experience

Begin by setting the stage.

• What was the issue at hand?
• Why was it important to you?
• Who were you discussing it with?

The depth of your reflection on this experience is crucial. It's not just about the disagreement but about understanding and learning from it .

3. Showcasing Growth and Understanding

Discussing an opposing view can be transformative. Reflect on how this conversation changed or solidified your perspective . Did it teach you the value of understanding different viewpoints or the importance of effective communication?

4. Beyond the Conversation

This prompt isn't just about a single discussion; it's about how you approach disagreements and challenges in general . Reflect on how this particular experience is indicative of your broader approach to challenges and learning.

Yale's Question 1 is an opportunity to showcase your ability to engage in meaningful, constructive dialogues and to learn from them . It's about demonstrating intellectual curiosity, respect for diverse viewpoints, and personal growth.

Essay Prompt 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., 1. defining your community.

Begin by clearly defining the community you're discussing . This could be based on ethnicity, shared interests, geographical location, a shared challenge, or any other binding factor. Remember, the definition of 'community' is broad, and Yale gives you the freedom to interpret it in a way that's most meaningful to you.

2. Your Role and Connection

Discuss your role or membership within this community . Have you been an active member, a leader, or an observer? How have you engaged with this community, and how has it shaped your identity or perspective?

3. The Significance of the Community

Delve into why this community is meaningful to you . Is it a source of support, a platform for shared experiences, or perhaps a space where you've faced challenges and grown from them? Reflect on the emotions, experiences, and lessons this community has offered you.

4. Personal Growth and Reflection

End by discussing how your connection to this community has influenced your personal growth . Has it taught you the value of diversity, the importance of support, or perhaps the strength in unity? Reflect on the broader implications of your membership in this community and how it might influence your future endeavors, especially at a place like Yale.

Yale's Question 2 is an opportunity to showcase your understanding of community, your place within it, and the personal growth that arises from such connections . It's about demonstrating empathy, understanding, and the ability to connect with diverse groups of people.

Essay Prompt 3

Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. how has it shaped you, 1. identifying the experience.

Start by pinpointing a specific personal experience or element of your life. This could be a unique cultural background, a challenging obstacle you've overcome, a hobby or passion you've pursued, or any other experience that has significantly impacted your life.

2. The Value to the College Community

Discuss how this experience or element of your life will enrich the college community . Perhaps your unique background offers a diverse perspective, or maybe a challenge you've faced has equipped you with resilience and adaptability. Consider how your experience can contribute to classroom discussions, group projects, extracurricular activities, or casual dorm conversations.

3. Personal Transformation

Reflect on how this experience has shaped you as an individual . Has it instilled certain values in you? Has it changed the way you approach challenges or interact with people? Dive deep into the personal growth and self-awareness that emerged from this experience.

4. Future Implications

Consider how this element of your personal experience will influence your future at college and beyond . Will it drive you to join certain clubs, advocate for causes, or pursue specific academic interests? How will it continue to shape your journey?

Yale's Question 3 is an invitation to introspect and share a facet of your life that not only defines you but also adds value to the diverse tapestry of a college community. It's about showcasing self-awareness, growth, and the potential for future contributions.

General Guidelines for Answering Yale's Supplemental Essay Questions

• Research and Specificity : Yale's prompts often ask about your interest in the university or a specific program. Always back your claims with specific details. Mention professors, courses, clubs, or traditions that resonate with you. This shows genuine interest and that you've done your homework.
• Show Self-awareness : Yale values introspective students who can reflect on their experiences. Whether discussing an intellectual interest or a community you belong to, always tie it back to your personal growth or what you've learned about yourself.
• Diversity of Thought : Like many top-tier institutions, Yale values diversity in all its forms. This doesn't just mean ethnic or cultural diversity but also diversity of thought, perspective, and experience. Highlight experiences or viewpoints that make you unique.
• Be Authentic : It's tempting to write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear, but they can spot inauthenticity. Be genuine in your responses, even if it means discussing failures or weaknesses. Authenticity often resonates more than a polished facade.
• Quality Over Quantity : With word limits on these essays, it's essential to be concise. Focus on depth rather than breadth. Dive deep into one or two experiences or ideas rather than skimming over several.
• Narrative Storytelling : Engage your reader with narrative storytelling when possible. Instead of just stating facts, weave a short story that captures the essence of your experience. This makes your essay memorable and showcases your writing skills.
• Proofread and Revise : Always proofread your essays multiple times. It's not just about catching grammatical errors but also ensuring that your essay flows well and effectively conveys your message. Consider getting feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors.
• Connect to the Bigger Picture : Always tie your responses back to how you'll contribute to the Yale community and how Yale will facilitate your personal and professional growth. This shows forward-thinking and a commitment to being an active member of the university.

Remember, the supplemental essays are an  opportunity to showcase aspects of yourself that aren't evident in other parts of your application . Use them wisely to provide a holistic picture of yourself and why you'd be a great fit for Yale.

Looking for inspiration? Dive into these  Yale essay examples  to see what successful applications look like!

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to Yale is about more than showcasing academic excellence; it's about weaving a narrative that deeply resonates with the admissions committee. Your supplemental essays offer a unique lens into your character, aspirations, and the distinct contributions you'll make to the Yale community.

Every Yale hopeful possesses a unique story. This is your golden opportunity to narrate yours. Approach your essays with authenticity, introspection, and a genuine enthusiasm for your narrative.

If you're uncertain whether your essay truly encapsulates your essence or if it will distinguish you amidst the sea of applications, our essay review service is here to assist. Our seasoned experts will meticulously review and provide feedback, ensuring your essay strikes a chord with admissions officers. Explore our ebook , which features essays from students who secured places at elite institutions for added inspiration. And for those aiming for Yale, our collection of successful Yale essay examples will offer invaluable insights.

For those at the onset of their college application journey, consider booking a free consultation with our experienced college counselors. We're committed to guiding you in crafting an application that amplifies your chances of walking through Yale's historic gates. Your dream of becoming a Yalie is attainable, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Everything you need to know about US Application Supplemental Essays
• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

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Command Education Guide

How to write the yale university essay, updated for 2023-2024, yale’s main essay:.

What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)*

Explanation:

The classic “why Yale” question only allows you 125 words to describe both why you want to attend Yale and how you would be a good fit for the school. In order to answer this question, research is going to be vital. With such a short amount of space to work with, you’ll want to pick 1-2 specific opportunities to write about. Include details about unique resources, eminent professors whose work you’re familiar with, extracurricular and academic programs you’re interested in pursuing, or something that draws you to Yale’s student life and community.

Double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy at Yale will enable me to explore my interests in applied ethics: I am particularly interested in how philosophical ethics shape modern political thought and policy. I’m drawn to Yale for its flexible and interdisciplinary academics. Double majoring will allow me the freedom to explore philosophical ethics through the lens of anthropology, history and international relations.

I particularly look forward to working with Scott Shapiro, whose research lies at the intersection of philosophy and politics. Grounding real-world problem-solving in theoretical ideas is my passion and the primary inspiration to continue my education at Yale. As I further my academic journey, I believe that Yale will equip me to use my education to impact social and political change.

Short Takes

Please respond in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words or fewer), to each of the following questions:

1. What inspires you?*

The key to answering all of these 35-word questions is specificity. For this question, stay away from broad, vague or cliched answers such as “world peace” or “my grandmother.” Think of what motivates you every day – what motivated you to apply to Yale, for example – and write about it in specific detail.

Mr. Moore, my history teacher, first encouraged my interest in philosophy, and helped me found a philosophy reading group on campus. I hope to emulate his unabashed curiosity and drive in my college pursuits.

2. If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?*

To answer this question, choose a topic about which you are either intensely curious or already very knowledgeable. If you choose a course, stay away from courses that you would see in a standard course listing, such as “Economics 101.” If you choose a book or an original piece of art, don’t worry about it being too serious or too silly, what matters is that it is something really creative and specific to you!

Starting your course name with both a department label and number that mimics Yale’s course catalog will add specificity and detail that will impress your admissions officer! Classes in the course catalog are labeled with a departmental label, like PLSC and the number representing the class, like 101, 207 or 403, which represents the courses’ rigor. Your example should do the same!

PLSC307: Gorgias, the Sophists, and Their Impact on Modern Politics in the West. This course explores the ways in which ancient Greek philosophy shapes the modern political landscape

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

While this prompt requires you to write about a person other than yourself, Yale admissions is actually seeking to understand more about you and your values by asking this question. Whose opinions, thoughts or behaviors do you hold in high enough regard that they influence your own? Think critically about why this person has an influence on you: what about them do you value, admire or want to learn from? When you draft your response, be sure to mention who the individual is, the influence they have had on you and how this influence has modified your behaviors, beliefs or values.

When the macroeconomics elective filled up last year, I found myself in theater. My inspiring teacher Mrs. Li brought out my gregarious side. I now enjoy myself when speaking in front of an audience.

4. What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?*

This prompt allows you to share any information that you believe is important to your application, but has not yet been conveyed through your essays, grades, or test scores. Have you started your own passion project or initiative to help others? Perhaps you’d like to elaborate on an aspect of your application that would require more context to fully understand. Whatever you choose to write, be sure to use this answer wisely—you shouldn’t brag about all your amazing accomplishments, but rather, give more context or add information that you think would be valuable to your application. Feel free to let your sense of humor shine through!

I rank everything. Fast-casual restaurants, Taylor Swift songs, NFL draft picks, most resilient plants: you name it, I’ve ranked it. I see competition where none exists, and there’s always room to argue for a winner.

Yales Three Essay Prompt Choices

Please respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. Please indicate the number of the prompt you choose.

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?

With this prompt, Yale admissions officers are seeking to understand how you handle disagreements, conflicts, debate, and internal questioning through a specific encounter you have had. A key word here is meaningful. Yale is looking for students who have a hunger to stretch their own limits—who are teachable and curious about others’ experiences, and yet are still self-assured and confident in their own perspectives and viewpoints. They want to ensure that you not only can get along with people who disagree with you, but understand the educational value and importance of diversity of thought. Think particularly of an experience of disagreement you have had over a belief that is particularly defining for you—strategize how you might convey more about yourself through the experience you choose to share with the admissions committee. Did you recently question one of your core beliefs about racial, religious, or economic tensions? Remember to clearly and fairly portray the other side’s argument, and include plenty of context about how this conversation occurred and the personal significance of the person with whom you discussed the topic.

At the start of junior year, I was thrilled to start junior year Mock Trial season. Despite being the only female member of the six person leadership team, I didn’t initially think much about the gender disparity in the group.

We met after school to assign witness and lawyer roles for the case. I proposed to stick with last year’s successful roster: myself and my fellow leaders would play the roles of lawyers. I was shocked when the leadership team instead voted 5 to 1 to relegate me to the role of witness so that another male teammate could take on two attorney roles.

I was confused, hurt, and frustrated. The previous year, I had relished watching my rookie scores rocket to match those of the experienced members around me. Self doubt crept in and I no longer felt like an equal. I pressed the group for an explanation,

“We just think you’re not aggressive enough, and you seem to be better at the emotional aspects of mock trial.”

As the words washed over me, I realized that they didn’t have any solid evidence to support their claims— breaking one of the most fundamental rules of Mock Trial. They were simply relying on gender stereotypes.

This explanation felt so demeaning that I decided to ask our coach for a mediated discussion. My friends shared their goal—doing whatever it would take to win. While winning was important to me, I brought up other things to consider: fairness, commitment, and team members’ growth.

As we struggled to understand each other’s perspectives, the conversation flourished into an honest discussion about sexism and my experience as the only woman in the group. My friends listened, slowly coming to understand my viewpoint, and offered genuine apologies.

Rather than fracturing the team, the discussion instilled empathy and generated meaningful discussion. We left the meeting discussing other ways we could further gender equality in the team.

Our team was in danger of collapsing, but we chose to find a way to save the season—and, in the process, saved our friendships as well.

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.

This prompt asks you to reflect on the community you come from and why it is meaningful to you. In order to answer, first consider the communities that have shaped you—your immediate and extended family, your religious community, your neighborhood, your political party, your racial or ethnic community. Which would you identify as the most formative and central to your identity today? In which of these spheres are you most active? Once you have chosen the community you want to write about, be descriptive and specific about your work within the community—this is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you better, so share a particular contribution or effort in the community that is most relevant to your values, personal formation, and worldview. Have you volunteered alongside your religious community? Do you find yourself helping to care for your siblings? Do you spend holidays in the kitchen with your grandmother learning special family recipes? As you tackle the second part of the prompt addressing why these efforts have been meaningful, think about specific insights you have gained from your involvement in the community. This is another opportunity for you to demonstrate your curiosity and show the admissions committee how you contribute to a diverse community and are willing to learn and grow by being a part of that community as well.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” This quote from William Butler Yeats came to serve as my mantra as I founded my organization, RiseUP, which seeks to help students develop media literacy and become more engaged citizens from a young age.

When I started the organization, I was driven by my passion for education and my desire to see students impact positive social change. But as months went by, I became discouraged. It didn’t feel like the middle school students I was working with were making as much progress as I wanted—I had hoped they would take a more active role in leading their peers and getting excited about community events. Instead, students were a bit timid and struggled to build a strong group dynamic. As their leader, I looked to myself to fix the issue.

I realized that, in my eagerness to share my own perspectives and passions, I had not allowed students to share theirs. I had an intended goal for the organization, but I had lost the educational philosophy—expressed so eloquently by Yeats—that inspired RiseUP’s founding in the first place. I needed to give the students the space to explore ideas and discover their own desires for the group without the pressure to meet the goals of the organization.

Now, after four years leading the team, I’ve increasingly seen the power of building trust and encouraging independent thought and expression. Social change begins first with individuals and then with small groups. By overcoming challenges in the organization, both me and the students I work with are better equipped to advocate for positive change in our community.

3. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?*

This is a chance to dive in a bit more to your roots. While this question may feel similar to the previous question, it is more focused on how these elements of your personal experience have shaped the way you view the world. How does this make your perspective unique, and how will you bring that perspective with you to the campus? Feel free to interpret “element of your personal experience” broadly: you can choose to write about your geographic or cultural upbringing, or a particular challenge you overcame, for example.

As you begin brainstorming, start by considering aspects of your identity and how they might be expressed in a particular moment or experience that was meaningful to you. Are you the child of an immigrant? Did you grow up in a relatively homogenous cultural community? Are you an oldest child or youngest? Do you identify with a certain group based on your race, gender identity, or sexual orientation? How do these aspects of your identity bleed into the rest of your life?

“NO!” My 外婆 (Mandarin for maternal grandmother) exclaimed as I reached with my chopsticks to turn the fish over in the pan. “If you flip the fish, you flip the boat.”

I look back at the photos of that trip to Qui Lin and cringe, wishing I’d had the cultural knowledge to behave according to my grandmother’s customs and expectations. However, I now consider that trip to China one of the most formative experiences of my life. The strong connection I built with my grandmother on that visit inspired me to truly embrace my half-Chinese identity for the first time.

At the same time, the term “half-Chinese” does not fully describe me. My grandfather was Filipino, and my mother grew up in the Filipino-Chinese community in the Philippines. She was an activist who was tear gassed at protests against the Marcos regime. Only within the last few years did I learn that my mother is considered an “other” in the Philippines because of her Chinese heritage. In the same way that I have felt torn between cultures in the U.S., my mother felt torn between two cultures in the Philippines.

Through conversations with my mother about our shared experiences, I have learned to celebrate the beautiful intersectionality that characterizes our family heritage. The beauty of that heritage is evident at the dinner table—in shared portions of my grandmother’s Chinese lion’s head meatballs, in Mandarin banter and my Mom and Aunties taking us out for Ube ice cream and Halo-Halo afterward.

Now, I sit just as comfortably at meals surrounded by other Chinese friends and family members as meals with my Filipino friends. My favorites however, bring both together; conversations at these meals often surround our cultural similarities and differences. Being a member of the Filipino-Chinese community fills my plate, both metaphorically and literally. Most importantly, it fuels my curiosity to learn about others’ backgrounds, traditions, and unique experiences.

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Yale University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Yale supplemental essays are an important part of your Yale University application. Not sure how to approach the Yale essay prompts? With tips from Ivy League graduate Laura Frustaci, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Yale supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Yale essays and maximize your chances of admission.

For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Yale,  click here . Want help crafting your Yale supplemental essays? Create your  free account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 505-4682.

Yale  Supplemental Essays Guide Quick Facts:

• Yale has an acceptance rate of 6%— U.S. News  ranks Yale as a  highly competitive  school.
• We recommend answering all Yale supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does Yale require supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to the  Common App  personal essay, there are several Yale supplemental essay questions. Some of these Yale essay prompts are longer than others, while the shortest Yale essays only require 35 words!

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

How many supplemental essays does Yale have?

There are a total of eight Yale supplementals: two Yale essays of 250 words maximum, two Yale supplements of 125 words maximum, and four Yale essay prompts called “Short Takes,” which are just 200 characters maximum (about 35 words). That’s around the length of a tweet!

What are Yale’s supplemental essays?

The  Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022  are on the Common App site, but you can also visit  the main Yale website  for a full list of application requirements.

Let’s start with the first type of Yale supplemental essay— the short essay.

Short Essays:

Yale supplemental essays—short essay question 1 (required):.

Yale’s extensive course offerings and vibrant conversations beyond the classroom encourage students to follow their developing intellectual interests wherever they lead. Tell us about your engagement with a topic or idea that excites you. Why are you drawn to it? (250 words max.)

How do I approach a Yale supplemental essay?

At 250 words, the “short” Yale essays are the longest you’ll write for the Yale supplements. Due to the limited space on Yale essay prompts, you should brainstorm specifically what to cover beforehand.

With Yale supplemental essays like this, try listing out 3-5 topics that really excite you, and then think about specific anecdotes for each topic. What got you interested in this activity? How do you pursue it? Whom do you talk about it with or engage in it with? Once you have topics and detailed anecdotes written down, choose the one which you feel you can discuss the most comprehensively and passionately for this Yale supplemental essay.

This Yale supplemental essay specifically references Yale’s “extensive course offerings” and Yale’s “vibrant conversations beyond the classroom.” Rather than just writing about how much you like to read, for example, try offering a specific aspect of reading that you love. Maybe it’s absurdist modern fiction, maybe it’s the novella, maybe it’s the translation of a text from one language to another. Whatever topic you decide to write about for this essay, try to get very specific about what  exactly  you like about it.

Unlike the longer Yale supplemental essays, shorter Yale essay prompts require you to pay strict attention to your descriptive language. Don’t use more words than necessary to describe the topic. Rather, you want to focus on how much the topic means to you, and especially  why.

Yale Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your draft clearly communicate the topic which excites you?
• Do you articulate why your chosen activity matters to you, and how it has influenced your growth and identity?
• Does your supplement provide information not present in the rest of your application?

Yale Supplemental Essays—Short Essay Question 2 (Required):

Respond to one of the following prompts:

2A. Reflect on a community to which you feel connected. Why is it meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

2B. Reflect on something that has given you great satisfaction. Why has it been important to you? (250 words max.)

This is the only of the Yale essay prompts where you have options. If you’re struggling to decide which of these Yale supplements to answer, try  this writing exercise . Set a timer for 10 minutes and write as much as you can about the first prompt. Then do the same for the other. Which answer came more naturally to you? Go with that one!

For 2A, this Yale supplemental essay specifies that you can define community in any way. You could write about your family, a club at school that has been meaningful to you, or perhaps your coworkers at a part-time job. Anywhere you feel bonded with those surrounding you is a community.

Once you’ve defined your community, you’ll want to spend the majority of this Yale supplemental essay talking about why this community is important and how it has contributed to your understanding of the world around you. Perhaps this community changed your mind about a personal belief you once had. Describe specifically  how  you have been impacted by this community if you respond to this Yale supplemental essay.

For 2B, you should first define  what  satisfaction means to you. Then, describe why your chosen event, relationship, action, or accomplishment was so impactful to you. Maybe it’s a relationship with someone who is very important to you or a possession that represents something you value about yourself. Maybe you organized a bake sale that raised money for a charity that was important to you.

Like most universities, Yale is looking to build a creative, diverse community on its campus. Yale supplemental essays, and particularly this one, should reflect an individual who understands the meaning of community and how to function successfully in one. Success can look like many different things; just make sure you don’t spend too much time with descriptive language. Describe the  why  instead of just the  what.

• Do you focus on the  why  and not just the  what ?
• In 2A, do you clearly define the community you are writing about?
• Are your details concrete in 2B about what satisfied you and how?
• Does your response teach the reader something new about you?

Yale Supplemental Essays—Short Answer Question 1: Two Parts (Required):

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.

Why do these areas appeal to you? (125 words max.)

These Yale essay prompts comprise a joint question. First, you’ll want to read the list linked in Part One of this Yale supplemental essay question thoroughly and write down any academic areas that interest you. Then, eliminate until you have three areas remaining.

It would be best to not choose just one, since Yale essays place a specific emphasis on the school’s interdisciplinary nature. Instead, choose two or three areas and discuss them together. Explore their similarities and differences and consider what about each of them interests you.

This is an opportunity to discuss your academic goals at Yale. This Yale supplemental essay gives you space to indicate why Yale is the best option for you and how you will contribute to Yale student academic life. Try not to regurgitate the question back to the Admissions Officers. They already know that Yale encourages students to explore multiple intellectual pursuits, so try to avoid sentences like “Yale’s academic flexibility is so beneficial because it allows students to explore many different subjects; the three subjects I would be most interested in are…” Instead, cut the first half of the sentence and dive right into your chosen subjects.

• Is equal time dedicated to each subject you selected?
• Do you explain why each subject sparks your interest?
• Do you address the potential overlap between subjects?
• Does your response supplement and/or complicate the other aspects of your application, with special regard to academic preferences?

Does Yale have a “Why Yale” essay?

Yes. This is the classic supplemental essay question, and Yale supplements are no exception—all colleges want to know what makes them special to you. Yale supplemental essays are your chance to showcase any research you have done about Yale. This Yale essay prompt in particular is the perfect space to lay out your motivations for wanting to attend Yale.

Check out the following section for more details on the “Why Yale” supplemental essay.

Yale Supplemental Essays—Short Answer Question 2 (Required):

What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words max.)

Your responses to the Yale supplemental essays should both introduce you to the admissions officer, AND create a strong case for why you should attend Yale. For this question, avoid over-generalizing with statements like “Yale’s campus is beautiful” or “I just feel like I belong there.” Instead, offer concrete examples of  why  you belong there. Maybe you’re a literature fiend and you’re dying to perform research in Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Maybe there’s a specific Professor you really want to learn from.

This is the space to name-drop courses, clubs, professors, and research opportunities only available at Yale. Colleges can tell when you swap out their name for another University and submit the same “Why here?” answer. Your application will be stronger if your answer to this Yale supplemental essay could  not  be swapped interchangeably with any other schools.

Yale Essay Draft Tips:

• Do you prove that you’ve done research on the school?
• Do you explain what unique opportunities Yale would provide you that you could not get anywhere else?
• Does your draft provide specific details about what you hope to do while on Yale’s campus?

Short Takes:

Yale supplemental essays—short takes question 1 (required):.

What inspires you? (200 characters or fewer; approximately 35 words)

These Yale essays are called “Short Takes” for a reason—the college is pushing you to distill your thinking into just a few short sentences.

For this question, you’ll want to give a quick description of what it is that inspires you and then move quickly into why it inspires you or how. That information will tell Admissions Officers a lot more about you than a detailed depiction of just the “what” of this question.

With these Yale supplements, be a ruthless editor. Save your flowery, descriptive language for the other Yale supplemental essays. Any time you see words that could be condensed, edit them down. This might take longer than expected, and it will be especially helpful to have another set of eyes on these shorter Yale supplements. When you’re tweeting, for example, you only say the most important part of your idea because of the character limit. That doesn’t mean your Tweet won’t go viral! It’s the same idea here. Sometimes shorter is better!

Yale Supplemental Essays—Short Takes Question 2 (Required):

Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What would you ask them to discuss? (200 characters max; approximately 35 words)

Here is an opportunity for you to talk about someone you really look up to, who has perhaps influenced your academic and career path or inspired you to pursue an extracurricular you really love. Again, you’ll want to mention the name of the person in the first short sentence and then move immediately into what you would have them talk about. This can be a query you’ve long pondered, or perhaps you could ask for an expansion on previous research they’ve done or elaboration on a speech they’ve made. This is another good opportunity to show off your expert research skills.

Yale Supplemental Essays—Short Takes Question 3 (Required):

You are teaching a new Yale course. What is it called? (200 characters max.; approximately 35 words)

This is a chance to mention a subject (or two) that you really care about, ideally something not already offered by the Yale syllabus. Remember, Yale supplemental essays are your chance to showcase the research that you’ve done on the school. Pitching a Yale course that is identical or too similar to a current course is a glaring error. It might be helpful to look at some of their  course offerings  to get an idea of what types of classes Yale already offers. Or, you could combine two of your passions into one niche subject.

Yale Supplemental Essays—Short Takes Question 4 (Required):

Yale students embrace the concept of “and” rather than “or,” pursuing arts and sciences, tradition and innovation, defined goals and surprising detours. What is an example of an “and” that you embrace? (200 characters max.; approximately 35 words)

Here is where Yale emphasizes their desire for interdisciplinary academia. To answer this question, you might think about two disparate pieces of your identity or two subjects you love that are at odds with each other. You can also consider a contradiction you face in an extracurricular club or at an after-school job. This question is a chance to be more creative and abstract—while some of the Yale essays are concrete in what they ask of you, this one is more open-ended. Something to remember for this essay—Yale supplemental essays should tell a story about you as a candidate. Be careful about introducing completely new information that isn’t explored or explained elsewhere in the application.

Yale Supplemental Essays—Concluding Thoughts

Completing the Yale essay prompts can seem daunting, but don’t let that discourage you from applying. The Yale supplements are a great opportunity to demonstrate who you are to Admissions Officers. These Yale essays can boost your application if you have a lower than average GPA or  SAT score .

Use this guide as a step-by-step aid when approaching the Yale supplemental essays 2021-2022, and start earlier than you think you should. Especially with the shortest Yale essay prompts; you might think it will be easy to write 35 words in 35 minutes, but sometimes the shortest prompts can be the most challenging. Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions from someone; it’s helpful to have another set of eyes checking your Yale essay prompts for grammatical errors, tone, and clarity. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide for Yale University was written by  Laura Frustaci , Harvard  ‘21.  For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Yale,  click here . Want help crafting your Yale supplemental essays?  Create your free account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 505-4682.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, yale essay prompt: what inspires you.

Hey guys! I'm working on my Yale application, and there's an essay prompt about what inspires me. Do any of you have examples or tips on how to approach this essay? I want to make sure I'm conveying my passion effectively. Thanks!

Hey! It's great that you're working on your Yale application. Tackling the "What inspires you?" essay prompt can be an excellent opportunity to share your unique passions and experiences. Here are some tips on how to approach this essay:

1. Reflect on your interests: Start by reflecting on what genuinely inspires and motivates you. What are you passionate about? It could be related to academics, extracurricular activities, social issues, hobbies, or anything else that fuels your curiosity and drive. Remember, the essay should be personal and genuine, so pick something that truly resonates with you.

2. Be specific: Once you've identified your inspiration, be specific about why it excites you. Don't just give a general description. Instead, try to think about the particular aspects, instances, or people that kindled your interest. Providing specific examples can effectively convey your passion and make your essay engaging.

3. Show, don't tell: When writing about your passion, rather than just stating what you feel, try to show how your inspiration has influenced your actions, choices, and accomplishments. This will not only make your essay more persuasive but also provide a clear picture of your personality and values.

4. Keep it concise and focused: This prompt is a short answer question. Stay focused on the prompt and ensure that the essay is well-structured and easy to follow. While you may feel tempted to connect your inspiration to Yale, you have the "Why Yale" essay to write about the school itself, so focus on your inspiration here.

Here's an example: maybe you’re passionate about competitive weightlifting and computer programming. You love the two very different activities because they allow you to constantly push your limits. You can always lift more, and create a more efficient program. Your response to this prompt might focus on your desire to continually improve yourself and what you’ve built.

Here's what the short answer could look like: "Sweat inspires me—the sweat on my brow when I'm weightlifting or writing a computer program. Sweat means I'm working towards something, constantly improving myself and the things I'm building."

Check out this CollegeVine blog post with more in-depth guidance on how to write the Yale essays, including this prompt: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-yale-university-essays

Good luck with your essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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September 15, 2023

Tips for Answering the Yale University Supplemental Essays and Short Answer Questions [2023-2024]

Not surprisingly, Yale University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It accepts the Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge Application. All three applications require a personal statement essay, and to apply to Yale using any of them, candidates must also submit additional Yale-specific short answers and a writing supplement. This prestigious Ivy League school prides itself on providing undergraduates with an exceptional foundation in liberal arts education that focuses on cultivating knowledge and leadership skills. The supplemental writing responses are a chance for you to convey how the Yale experience might augment your passions and perspectives in terms of learning, living, and preparing for the future. 

If Yale is your first choice, it offers a Single-Choice Early Action program (also known as Restrictive Early Action) for freshman applicants that has a November 1 deadline. Check the Yale admissions website for details. Under this program, Yale will notify you of its admissions decision in mid-December. The deadline for submission of applications for regular action is January 2. 

Before you begin writing your essay(s), thoroughly research all Yale has to offer and consider how those opportunities bolster your objectives. This is the time to get excited about the prospect of attending Yale! Visit the website and/or campus, speak with students and alumni, and envision yourself as a part of the school’s exceptional learning community. The curriculum at Yale is designed to provide both breadth and depth of study as the foundation for students to pursue inspired lives and careers. The university strives to foster independent critical thinking. Yale is one of the only universities that allow you to try your classes before you finalize your schedule. The first ten days of each semester are an opportunity to visit a number of classes to determine which are most interesting to you! Also, keep in mind that applicants are not admitted to a specific major, and students do not declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. 

Located in the small town of New Haven, Connecticut, in an urban setting that is primarily a residential campus, Yale offers a supportive community feel through its system of 14 residential colleges. This configuration, complete with its own residential deans and masters, creates a sense of intimacy within the larger university. Residential deans serve as primary personal and academic advisors. Masters work with students to shape the residential community. This is a powerfully dynamic way of bringing together students and faculty. Think about how this structure can support your intellectual growth. 

Short Answer Questions– Applicants submitting the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application will respond 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.

This is not a trick question. With approximately 80 majors to choose from, Yale is trying to gauge your unique interests. Indicate a maximum of three of your top academic areas of study.

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)

This prompt allows you to explain how your academic interests relate to the fields of study available at Yale. The challenge in this response is to discuss your rationale for your selected areas in less than 200 words. Consider your experience thus far in these areas. What sparked your interest? What burning question or issue motivates you? How might these concentrations support your long-term goals? Provide some context to support your interests and convey your enthusiasm.

What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer) 

Here again, you are under significant word limitations. Don’t underestimate this prompt. It is extremely important to demonstrate good fit in your discussion – what unique aspects of an education at Yale attract you? This is an opportunity to convey your enthusiasm for a potential Yale experience.  Sometimes making a list can help you get started. Then review your list and make sure each reason relates specifically to Yale. Consider both what Yale has to offer you and what you might be able to offer the Yale community. 

The Yale site notes that QuestBridge applicants will complete these short answer questions via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, which candidates can access through the Admissions Status Portal after their application has been received.

Additional Short Answer Questions– Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will also respond to respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words): 

What inspires you?

This response touches on what motivates you as well as what you find valuable. Discuss something that makes a difference in your way of thinking and subsequently influences your actions and/or behavior. Think about what your response might convey about your character. 

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

Use your imagination! Consider a creative title to set the tone for your course, book, or art piece. This is a chance to infuse some fun and creativity into your response. Do you have a unique set of skills or interests that might contribute to some expertise on a particular topic? What is your specialty? Be careful to avoid any controversial statements. You never know how your suggestion might be interpreted, so try to steer clear of potentially offensive topics.

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

You can select just about anyone, other than a family member! This could be someone famous (dead or alive) or your next-door neighbor. The essential component is explaining how they influenced you and the extent of their impact. Is there something you admire about them? Did/do they motivate or inspire you in some way? Have they changed or encouraged you in some way? Keep the focus on you and the result(s) of their impact. Remember to consider what your response might reflect about your values and character.

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Before you respond, take some time to review your overall application materials for Yale. You should share something meaningful about yourself that you didn’t mention elsewhere. Your response provides a glimpse into the sort of person you might be within the Yale community, so consider what you might contribute and what you hope to gain. You might mention something you always wanted to explore or learn how to do – perhaps something you are not very good at but love to do. Whatever you select will reflect something about your character. How might what you shared relate to attending Yale? 

Essay 

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer.

• 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 prompt asks you to reflect on a time when you dealt with conflicting views. This discussion might have made you feel vulnerable expressing your viewpoint. How do you engage in a civil exchange about controversial or emotional issues? What was the issue, and why was it important to you? Explain both your position and that of the other person involved. What was at stake? How did you work through the conflict and come to an understanding of the other person’s perspective? Were you able to convey your perspective? What was the outcome? Did you change your stance or clarify and strengthen your position? Most importantly, why was the experience you shared important to you? What did you learn from this process? Your response to this prompt helps to shed light on how you learn, the topics you are drawn to, how you interact with others with diverse perspectives, and how you process the world around you. 

• 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 prompt asks you to place yourself within the context of a particular community. What is this community? Consider how being a part of this community shapes or supports you. The focus is on why you feel connected to this community. This is an opportunity to discuss your role in just about ANY community and the impact you had on it and vice versa. It also allows you to demonstrate your ability to reflect on your community from different perspectives. Topics can vary from a school club to a larger cultural or religious community to the global community, but community is however you define it. Your goal is to EXPLAIN your relationship to the community and convey WHY that community is valuable to you. What did you learn about yourself through your connection to this community? How might this community inspire, support, or ground you and vice versa? What might this reflect about your character or place in the world? How might these experiences prepare you for this next stage of your life?

• Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

If you haven’t already done so, take a detailed look at Yale’s residential college system. The 14 residential colleges strive to create a more intimate living and learning atmosphere that fosters a stronger sense of community connection. Incoming students are assigned to a college and remain affiliated with that college for the duration of their time at Yale.  As stated on the school’s website, “each college is a microcosm of the larger student population.” Identify something about your personal experience that might provide a different or unique perspective to enhance your college community. Then discuss how what you shared shaped you, motivated you, influenced your sense of identity, or reflects something essential about you.

The tone of your essays should convey your drive and enthusiasm for learning in general and at Yale in particular. Share your perspectives in your own voice. Be thoughtful and reflective. 

Applicants to Yale have an exceedingly competitive profile. Yale received 52,250 undergraduate applications for the Class of 2027. Overall, only 2,275 or 4.35% of applicants were admitted, and 95% of them ranked in the top 10% of their high school class. Although Yale continued to offer test optional admissions for the Class of 2027, you can consider the test scores from the Class of 2024 – average SAT scores over 1500 and average ACT scores of approximately 33 – to get a sense of your likely cohort. 

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers. At this point, it is heartening to bear in mind that Yale is dedicated to a holistic application evaluation process for admission. Your short answer responses and supplemental essay(s) facilitate a more comprehensive review of you as a prospective student at Yale. The admissions committee takes the time to read your responses carefully. Make sure you allow yourself appropriate time for thoughtful reflection and effective writing. Use your writing supplement to set you apart from your peers. The best approach is to be true to yourself and communicate your thoughts, experiences, hopes, and dreams in a way that highlights your genuine enthusiasm for the extraordinary educational journey at Yale!

Marie Todd has been involved in college admissions for more than 20 years. Marie has counseled applicants to top colleges and evaluated more than 5,000 applications for the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts; College of Engineering; School of Kinesiology; School of Nursing; and Taubman College of Architecture. Want Marie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch .

Related Resources:

• Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
• Common App and Supplemental Essay Tips
• Make the Most of Your Common App Activities Summary

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Yale Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Yale is a popular Ivy League school located in New Haven, Connecticut. The Yale campus is known for its overall striking architecture, especially the beauty of its older stone buildings. Since Yale is an Ivy League school, that means it is extremely competitive in terms of admissions. Yale’s acceptance rate lies around 5% . The best way to make your application rise above the rest is through your Yale supplemental essays! 

Yale University’s supplemental essays

Yale’s supplemental essays are one way Yale gets to know their applicants and ultimately reach an acceptance decision. Fortunately, Yale asks candidates to respond to a wide selection of supplemental essays through the Common or Coalition Application.  

Applicants are able to share multiple sides of their personalities and experiences. When complete, responses should give admissions officers a good sense of “who you are” as a person. Read more in this guide on how to nail the Yale supplemental essay prompts!

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

Breaking down the Yale supplemental essays 

All applicants to Yale have to complete the Yale supplemental essay questions. The Yale supplemental essay questions differ slightly depending on the application platform you choose to apply to Yale with. The options depend on whether you apply through the Coalition Application , Common Application , or QuestBridge Application. 

Short answer questions

Yale asks applicants to respond to both short answer questions and essays. The short answer questions range from 250 words to only 200 characters or 30 words. Therefore, it is best to not overthink these short answer questions! Rather just write what comes to mind. Just be sure to review your responses after to ensure you are not repeating yourself or leaving out any critical information. 

Essay responses 

The Yale essays must be 400 words or fewer. Once again, that does not leave a lot of room for lengthy sentences. Therefore, be short and concise. If you struggle with cutting down your responses, ask a trusted friend to help you cut out words.  Be sure to write an outline of the main points you want to include in your response and get rid of the filler words in your response. 

Short answer questions for Coalition Application, Common Application or QuestBridge Application applicants

“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 a pretty straightforward question. What do you want to major in or study while at Yale? It is best to be honest in this response. If you know what you want to major in, describe it. Be sure to double check the list of majors that Yale provided to ensure you are not selecting an area of study that is not available. 

Not sure about your major?

If you do not know exactly what you want to major in at Yale, do not worry! As  mentioned in the question, students often change their minds about what they want to study, so don’t pressure yourself about deciding your future right now. Rather, write about a few majors that truly interest you. Describe how they fit your interests and goals, and discuss what you hope to accomplish with a degree(s) in this field. 

Questions to consider

• What is your intended major at Yale? 
• What are you interested in academically? 
• Why do you want to get a degree? What are your future career goals? 

“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) 

This is a continuation of prompt #1. Your goal for this prompt is to tell a cohesive story about what piques your intellectual curiosity. To begin, try to recount a story from your past that illustrates your long-held interest in your chosen academic field. For example, perhaps you broke your ankle playing soccer when you were in middle school and became fascinated by your physical therapist’s care. Whatever the reason behind your intended major, describe its significance! Make sure that you connect back to yourself as you relate to your selected major(s). 

The best way to approach this prompt is through a story or anecdote! Be as specific as possible when describing how you became drawn to your chosen academic area. 

• Why are you interested in your major? 
• Are there people in your life who studied what you want to study? 
• What excites you about your intended major? 

“What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?” (125 words or fewer)

This question differs from the two previous short essay questions because it wants you to discuss “why Yale?” This is a great place to detail how Yale’s location, academic programs, and extracurriculars appeal to you. Make sure that you are not just listing the great things about Yale, but rather, explain how these aspects will benefit you. For example, you can write about how Yale offers a particular major that they are highly regarded in. Is there a particular professor you would like to study under, or a project that you want to be part of? If so, be sure to share! The most important thing is to connect your interests and future with what Yale offers. 

Try to avoid cliche answers such as describing how Yale is a prestigious Ivy League school. Rather, be specific and descriptive about what truly drew you to apply to Yale.

• What makes Yale stand out from other colleges? 
• Why did you choose to apply to Yale? 
• Why is Yale a dream school for you? 

Additional short answer questions for QuestBridge applicants

Applicants applying with the QuestBridge Application will complete questions that will be available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after an application has been received. 

Additional short answer questions for Coalition Application or Common Application applicants

The following short answer questions are for Coalition and Common Application applicants only and should not exceed 200 characters or 35 words. 

What inspires you? (200 characters or fewer)

This question can ultimately be answered in any way. You can write about a person, a time you failed, a television show, and so much more. The most important part is that you are being true to yourself in your response! 

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 or fewer)

This question aims to gain some insight into your interests and passions. What do you absolutely “nerd out” about? You want to select a subject or topic that you can lecture about for hours, write hundreds of pages or paint for days. Once again, you have a lot of creative freedom with this response. Be sure to not choose something that is already a course at Yale, a book or a piece of art! Yale wants to see that you have interests beyond just the “typical” of these subjects. 

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 or fewer)

Whoever you immediately thought of while reading this prompt – write about them! It can range from a high school teacher to a famous athlete to an Instagram model! As long as it is not a relative you are discussing, anyone you choose is fair game. Make sure you are describing the relationship between you and this person if it is not obvious. Also, detail what this person means to you and how they have helped you thrive thus far in your life. 

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 character or fewer) 

This prompt is very straightforward and is the perfect opportunity to make sure your Yale application is well-rounded and represents all aspects of your life. Read over your application and look for any missing pieces. Are there any interests, hobbies, philosophies, quirks, etc that are missing? If there are, be sure to list them here! This can also be a good opportunity to elaborate on anything listed on your application. For example, if being a captain of your high school cross country team is listed on your application you can detail how that experience allowed you to be a leader and you locked into your entrepreneurial skills by starting a business making xc merch for everyone on your team. Ultimately, use this space to ensure you are being accurately represented in your Yale application. 

Essay questions for Coalition Application or Common Application applicants

For the Coalition Application or Common Application, you only need to respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or less . 

Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful? 

Knowing how to engage in a meaningful conversation with someone with an opposing view is a challenging, but vital life skill to possess. Therefore, this prompt is not looking for a dramatic story of how you completely changed someone’s mind and completely altered their life. Rather, it is searching for an individual who is not afraid to stand up for issues that they care about.

While at Yale, you will be forced to interact with many diverse people who will have different options on topics than yourself. Therefore, you should show Yale that you are able to learn, listen, and grow from these conversations and experiences with people who share different opinions. 

Forming an answer

To begin answering this prompt, think of a time in which you had an uncomfortable conversation with a friend, family, or a stranger. Remember, your goal is to stand out when writing any college application essay. So, try to pick a moment that allows Yale to see a unique angle of your life. 

Once you have established the uncomfortable conversation, summarize the opposing views. This shows that you are able to analyze both sides of the argument and know how to listen to someone even if you disagree with their views. You can establish which side of the argument you supported in this section of your response. 

Lastly, share any lessons you learned from this experience. How did you grow from this conversation? End your essay with a clear explanation of what you learned and how you will use this lesson as you continue on in life. Remember to connect back to Yale and how you will use this lesson while attending Yale specifically. 

• Why is it important to talk with people who have different opinions? 
• What have you learned from discussing a topic with someone with an opposing view? 
• How can you bring what you have learned from this experience to the Yale community? 

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.

Community is such a critical part of college. It provides students with a sense of unity with their classmates and ultimately leads to a better overall college experience. Therefore, Yale wants to see that you are able to connect within a community! 

A community does not need to be large scale, rather, it can be a small group. For example, maybe you were a part of the recycling club in high school and that club community was like your second home. Or maybe you were a student athlete and being on the track team in high school gave you a sense of community and purpose. Or, maybe your very own town community made your time living at home so great! 

There are plenty of instances in which community is present in your life. Therefore, just take the time to truly think about the different communities you are a part of and which had the most impact on you. 

Once you have decided on a community, be sure to reflect on how being a part of it improved your life. You want to highlight how important community is to you and your growth. Be sure to detail how exactly being a part of that group helped you thrive. For example, you can describe how it gave you a lot of people and connections you could reach out to for help.

Remember, Yale wants to see that you can not only be a part of a community, but thrive in one! You can even discuss your role in the community you chose and how vital it would be for you to play that same role in Yale. 

• What does community mean to you? 
• How does being a part of a community help you? 
• In what ways do you hope to find a community at Yale? How will you go about this and contribute to this new Yale community? 

Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? 

This is a very broad prompt! Therefore, try to brainstorm and create an outline if you are selecting this prompt to ensure you have a response that makes the point you want it to. 

Try to pick a specific personal experience that reveals a characteristic of your personality that you feel will enrich your intended time at Yale. Think of any unique characteristics, backgrounds or identities you may possess.Once you have decided on the aspect that best represents you, detail a narrative that truly shows without directly telling the admissions committee what it is that is unique about you. This show not tell method will help you stand out in your response and allow the admissions committee to truly get to know you.  

How to format your response

• Tell a story or anecdote about a personal experience you have had 
• Describe how this experience has changed you and what you have learned from it 
• Detail what lessons you have learned from this experience
• Connect to Yale and how you will bring this new knowledge to their campus 
• What will you bring to the Yale community? 
• How is your story different from other Yale applicants? 
• What has influenced who you are today? 

Final thoughts on responding to the Yale supplemental essays

Now that you have completed reading our guide for responding to the Yale supplemental essay questions, it is time to write and perfect your responses! Be sure to double check which application you are using to apply to Yale whether it be the Coalition Application, Common Application or QuestBridge Application. 

If you are still feeling stuck responding to the Yale supplemental essays, Yale offers resources to help you. Yale has a few podcast episodes on how they make decisions on applications as well as offering some advice and strategies of what to include in your responses! In addition to their podcast episodes, they have a website with advice on putting together your application. 

By now, you are more than equipped to answer the Yale supplemental short answer and essay questions! Remember, be sure not to repeat yourself throughout your responses. You want to showcase every side of yourself so Yale gets a clear picture of who you are. 

Next steps after applying to Yale

Once you have perfected your Yale supplemental essay responses, it is time to submit your flawless application! 

Now what should you do? You can sit back and relax after being so diligent. Continue to check your Yale portal and email to stay updated on your application status. You can even follow Yale on social media to stay updated on other events and deadlines you may need to be aware of. 

Additional resources

As you are submitting your perfect Yale application, be sure to check out our guides on how many schools to apply to . In addition, check out our guide on what looks good to submit to colleges to make sure you are putting your best foot forward. Unsure about which standardized test you should take? Read more on the ACT vs SAT ! Already completed the ACT or SAT? If you are wondering about test optional schools, read here about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores. Finally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help you afford your education. Good luck! 

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How To Write the ‘Why Yale’ Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Hale Jaeger in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

What’s Covered:

Show why you are a good match, be authentic, prioritize your reasons, topics to avoid, hale’s ‘why yale’ essay.

In this article, we discuss strategies to write Yale University ’s “Why Yale” supplemental essay. For this essay, applicants must respond to the following prompt in 125 or fewer words: “What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?”

The “Why Yale” supplemental essay is a great opportunity to reveal more about who you are, what your goals are, and how Yale will help you achieve those goals. As you write, be sure to discuss why you feel you belong at Yale. It is important to note that this essay is not just about why Yale is a good school or why you’re a good student. This essay is most importantly about why Yale is a good match for you and why you’re a good match for Yale.

As you discuss your reasons for choosing Yale, it is important to use authentic reasons rather than superficial ones. 

For example, maybe you use this essay to highlight a community that you feel that you’re a part of and how it is represented at Yale. Alternatively, maybe you have a personal connection to Yale, or you grew up in New Haven and have been participating in Yale-sponsored events your whole life. Maybe there are specific academic or extracurricular programs and opportunities that Yale does well that you are passionate about. 

This could also be an opportunity to specifically discuss how Yale is going to help you achieve your goals. Whether it be a goal for your college experience or goal for your future, it’s open-ended. Most importantly, you just need to highlight what makes you and Yale relate to each other. 

When you think about authentic reasons to apply to Yale, choose the ones that are true for you and resonate with you most. You don’t have a lot of space to write this essay, so make sure you outline your ideas, and if you find that you can only touch on one of these reasons, that’s fine. For example, when Hale wrote his essay, he only wrote about community and sense of place. 

Additionally, as you write, you want to be specific even though you only get 125 words. 

As you write this essay, there are some important topics to avoid. These include subjects like clout, prestige, rankings, and post-graduate salary. 

Avoid Talking About Rankings

In particular, rankings mean very little. While Yale might have the number one program in the country for a specific discipline, the truth is those rankings change every year. Additionally, they take into account so many different factors that just stating you are interested in a program because of its ranking doesn’t show what about that program is interesting to you. 

Leave Out Location

It is also important to avoid generic reasons like location. There are many universities in Connecticut, in the New Haven area, which are halfway between New York and Boston, and situated on the coast. If you use these location factors to describe your interest in Yale, you’re describing any number of schools. Instead, try to make your reasons as specific as possible to Yale as a unique institution.

Avoid Superficial Reasons

As you write, try to avoid saying things that are superficial and don’t show reflective qualities. For example, Yale has gorgeous buildings, and the library is beautiful and incredibly picturesque. But Yale also has academic resources, and that is where you should focus your essay. Instead of commenting on the beauty of the library, emphasize how you plan to use the resources that are available to you through the library. While the beauty of a campus can certainly be compelling to applicants, it is not something that should be included in a “Why Us” essay.

When Hale applied to Yale, he also had to write a “Why Yale” supplemental essay. When he first explored colleges, Hale didn’t know that he wanted to be anywhere in particular, especially not an Ivy League school. 

Hale toured Yale on a rainy November day and, because of his impression of Ivy League schools, assumed that Yale was going to be a competitive place where everyone was looking out for themselves and their own grades. As he walked around in the rain, Hale noticed many students stopping to say hello, to catch up, and to attempt to schedule meals with one another.

Through that tour, Hale realized that Yale was a place that emphasized community. He remarked that Yale has a collaborative atmosphere and that, as a student, he has seldom done homework alone. Hale always has somebody to work with and ask questions of – either professors or peers. At Yale, Hale feels safe to fail because he knows there will be people to help him back up. These are the reasons that Hale has enjoyed his time at Yale, so he emphasized them in his “Why Yale” essay.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Yale University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

You Have: 

Yale University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

Short Answers dominate the Yale application. So, in brief, they’re looking for confidence. When an essay must clock in at under 100 words, you don’t have time to waffle. There’s no room for you to circle your main idea with broad statements. You’ve got to get straight to the point, and clearly. The successful applicant will choose precise words that can do double — even triple duty — telling your story (literally), bringing vivid details to life, and highlighting your overall intelligence.

The Requirements: 1 list; 6 short answer questions; 1 additional short essay of 400 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why ,  Short Answer , Community ,  Oddball

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..

There’s only one trick to generating a straightforward list of your academic interests: be honest. If you already know what you want to major in, or have it narrowed down to a few departments, you’re set! Don’t waste time trying to strategize. Choosing anything other than your true interests would be a misrepresentation of who you are and a disservice to you and the admissions office. This assignment will no doubt be most challenging for the undecideds, but to help you narrow your focus, try to tell a story with your choices. How can you use this to reveal something about what you value and what excites you intellectually? You could try to illustrate a general inclination (art history, studio art, and American studies). Or if you really feel like you could go any direction, try to show a balance, picking majors across domains that link to each other in a way that still makes sense (biology, psychology, classics)—you’ll thank yourself when answering the next question.

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)

You’ve only got 100 words, but if you chose wisely (and honestly) in the previous question, answering this one should be a cinch. Whether you listed one or several interests, your goal is to tell a cohesive story about your intellectual curiosity. Ideally, you should try to recount an anecdote that illustrates your engagement with your chosen field, or demonstrates your ability to link seemingly disparate fields. Perhaps you’re interested in both religion and astrophysics because each offers a way for you to contemplate our place in the universe. But while you may be tempted to wax philosophical, you should beware of veering into overly abstract territory. This is a great opportunity for you to explain how your intellectual interests relate to who you are as a person. Don’t waste it!

What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

This is a short version of the Why essay, the mini Why. Yale wants to make sure you are psyched for the full college experience at their school. So, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. As a top school, Yale attracts many applicants based on its reputation alone, so it won’t do you any good to go on and on about the world-class education you will receive. Yale admissions officers know — and they know you know. Locate specific opportunities within your department and related programs and centers that really make your heart sing with excitement.

And make sure you talk about yourself! Yale doesn’t need a summary of its website (even if you write about a forgotten page deep in the Math Department website). Talk about your academic and professional goals and how Yale will help you achieve them. What unexpected classes might you want to take to sate your curiosity? How will you drive yourself to succeed? Don’t forget to include details about personal growth. If you think you can accomplish this and that on campus, what experience do you have to back up those claims? What about the Yale experience will enrich your life overall? Which extracurricular activities and organizations will you take advantage of? Do they offer quidditch ? If so, you should definitely play. Figure out why you’re applying to Yale over all the other schools out there – and then deliver it with eloquence and confidence.

Applicants applying with the QuestBridge Application will complete the questions above via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after an application has been received.

Applicants submitting the coalition application or common application will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words):, what inspires you (200 characters or fewer).

200 characters is not a lot of characters, especially when it comes to a concept as broad as inspiration. You don’t have time to describe what the word means to you, and admissions officers don’t have time for vague answers (“nature”) or trite ones (“my mom”). First and foremost, have fun with this prompt. Think of the 200 character challenge as a game. Then, get specific. What experiences have launched some of your best ideas? Although you won’t have time to relate the whole story, you can draw upon your personal experience for a hyper-specific, memorable answer like “the color of fresh drosophila eggs” or “Goldie Hawn’s crazy eyes in Death Becomes Her .” You get the idea.

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 or fewer)

The previous question asked you what inspires you, and this one is asking you what you can do. What are you good at? It’s time to show your stuff. Reach beyond the traditional academic areas and toward skills you may have cultivated on your own time (e.g., gardening, rock climbing, baking, etc.). Then, think about how you might share this talent with others, whether that be through a course, book, or artwork. Maybe you’ve been making TikToks reviewing your favorite YA novels for some time now. Would you teach a class on the politics of the modern heroine in YA fiction? Perhaps you could talk about marine life for hours on end. Would you write a book on the idiosyncrasies of giant isopods? There is no right or wrong answer here, so write about the subject that interests you the most!

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 or fewer)

Since you have so much to say in so few words, our advice is to summarize this person’s accomplishments succinctly and leave room to offer admissions deeper insight into their influence on you, what you value, and the kind of person you aspire to become. The person you choose to write about can be someone in your local community—a friend, a teacher, a community leader—or someone you haven’t yet had the chance to meet IRL. Maybe there is a renowned scientist who inspired you to pursue your chosen field. Perhaps an artist or thought leader has altered your understanding of what it means to be human. No matter who you choose, remember that this should say more about you than it does about them, so stay the course!

What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? (200 characters or fewer)

This is one of the hardest prompts! What do they want to know?! Where do you start? Birth? School? Puberty? First, take a breath and calm down. Think about why they’re asking you this question and it will all fall into place. While many applications look similar, with impressive grades, extracurriculars, and teacher recommendations, this essay makes it so you can stand out from the crowd with your personality. Do you have a very sarcastic sense of humor? Do you make more dad jokes than your own father? Do all of your friends refer to you as the “artsy” one? Yale wants to know that you’re more than your transcripts, so take this opportunity to share a piece of yourself that they wouldn’t otherwise get to see. This prompt also lends itself to recycling previously written essays for other schools quite well, so you might want to consider revisiting it once you’ve made a dent in writing your supplemental essays for other schools.

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. 

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.

Engaging with others in meaningful conversations about important issues can be intimidating and challenging, and the Yale admissions committee knows this. Nevertheless, we have all experienced standing up for our beliefs in some capacity, so scroll through your memory to identify a time when you had an uncomfortable conversation with friends, family, or even mere acquaintances. Maybe you engaged your grandparents in a conversation regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. Were you able to clearly communicate your perspective? What did you take away from the discussion? Perhaps you learned that one of your friends was a passive supporter of an organization that you vehemently disagree with. How did you broach the subject and what was the outcome of your conversation? You don’t need to have changed someone’s mind (or your own!) to impress admissions here. You just need to show that you’re not afraid to engage with those who may have different opinions than you. College will present you with a plethora of opportunities to meet and interact with people who are very different from you, so show Yale that you’re game to learn, listen, share, and grow.

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.

“A community to which you feel connected” could be anything: your family, a club at school, your dance troupe, women in STEM… you get the idea. If you’ve been wanting to spin your 8-bit video game obsession into an essay, this prompt is offering you the opportunity to describe your community of old-school gamers. Whatever community you choose, remember to define your place within it. Who are you to your fellow community members? How does being in this community add to your life or identity? Why is it meaningful? As always, try to be as concrete as possible as you develop your story, giving examples as you go. Just brainstorming your topic may remind you of a video you made or photo you took that you can use as a jumping off point. You might even consider digging through old photos and notebooks as a way to brainstorm!

3. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

This is a fabulous prompt because it’s just about as open-ended as it gets. If the other two essay prompts didn’t speak to you, this one is here to save the day! Yale wants to know what has made you into the person you are today. What you focus on here can really run the gamut, but it should be something that you feel will help you to contribute to Yale’s community in a unique way. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? What has influenced your identity? What do you believe and how will your worldview bring something of value to the community at Yale?

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Student-developed ai chatbot opens yale philosopher’s works to all.

Nicolas Gertler and Luciano Floridi (Portraits by Mara Lavitt)

The public is often closed off from scholarly perspectives on the potential benefits of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Studies often reside behind pricey paywalls. And even if they are accessible, they are frequently written in esoteric language that non-academics struggle to parse.

Nicolas Gertler, a first-year student in Yale College, saw a potential solution to these obstacles, through generative AI’s own capabilities.

Gertler, a research assistant at Yale’s Digital Ethics Center (DEC) , has spearheaded an experiment using generative AI to make bodies of knowledge broadly accessible. With Rithvik “Ricky” Sabnekar, a high school junior and skilled developer from Texas, he created the Luciano Floridi Bot , also known as LuFlot, a free AI-powered online educational tool designed to foster engagement with the works of Yale philosopher and DEC Director Luciano Floridi, a pioneer in the philosophy of information and one of the most-cited living philosophers.

The developers believe it’s the first time a chatbot has been trained on an academic’s corpus of literature and released to the public for free.

“ The idea was to democratize access to Professor Floridi’s work,” Gertler said, who undertook the project after discussing its possibilities with Floridi. “The issues he has written about touch everyone’s lives, and more and more people are becoming aware of AI. LuFlot provides an AI-driven platform for much broader engagement with the ethical questions surrounding this transformative technology.”

Meant to facilitate teaching and learning, the chatbot is trained on all the books that Floridi has published over his more than 30-year academic career. Within seconds of receiving a query, it provides users detailed and easily digestible answers drawn from this vast work.

It’s able to synthesize information from multiple sources, finding links between works that even Floridi might not have considered.

The tool features in-text citations, allowing users to trace the origins of the information provided directly to the original texts. If asked a question outside its knowledge base, the bot will politely respond that the query falls outside the scope of Floridi’s expertise. But relevant questions receive prompt and thorough answers. For example, a question asking how to use AI ethically quickly generated a clear, eight-point response with sources cited.

The interface also allows users to ask follow-up questions.

“ Anyone, regardless of their knowledge of AI, can visit the website, ask a question, and have a conversation with the founder of the philosophy of information,” Gertler said. “I think that’s remarkable.”

The tool warns users to evaluate its answers critically, as it may generate incorrect or biased information.

Floridi, professor in the practice in the Cognitive Science Program in Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, is impressed by the chatbot and its young developers.

“ The center is focused on the impact of digital technology and the ethics of AI, so it makes a lot of sense to have a bot available to answer people’s questions,” Floridi said. “The bot is an amazing tool. Nicolas and Ricky deserve all the credit. I’m just the supporting band.”

He has also become a user. For background on a paper he is writing, Floridi asked the chatbot about asymmetry between good and evil.

“ It gave me an amazing answer, accurately referencing concepts and ideas I had completely forgotten that I’d written about,” he said. “It can instantly draw interesting connections between something I published last year and something I published in 1991, which is incredible.”

Dynamic knowledge

Gertler, who is from Los Angeles, became interested in AI’s potential to benefit society about five years ago after watching YouTube videos on the topic.

“ I love thinking about the societal and ethical implications of new technologies and how they can be leveraged to help people, especially those in underserved and marginalized communities,” he said.

He is involved with two youth-led organizations devoted to harnessing new technology for the greater good: He serves as AI and education advisor of Encode Justice, an organization of more than 1,000 high school and college students across the world that advocates for steering AI in directions that benefit society. He also is vice president of Fidutam, a civil-society group that mobilizes its more than 1,600 members to advocate for and build responsible technology.

At the DEC, Gertler explores how to use generative AI to create educational frameworks that can provide enriched learning experiences. He also serves as the first-ever “AI student ambassador” at Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, engaging with faculty on integrating AI into instruction and developing resources for students and faculty on the ethical use of AI in pedagogy.

The LuFlot project came together fast. Earlier this year, Gertler showed Floridi a chatbot he had created in his cognitive science class, intended to help students learn the course material. After a few conversations, the idea for LuFlot was born.

Gertler and Floridi decided to build from scratch a custom chatbot with its own user interface, rather than rely on existing tools like ChatGPT. Gertler brought on board Sabnekar, who attends Plano East Senior High School in Plano, Texas, to help develop the bot. The two met through Fidutam, where Sabnekar leads the technical development of the organization’s projects. 

“ Ricky is technically brilliant,” Gertler said.

The pair founded Mylon Education, a startup company seeking to transform the educational landscape by reconstructing the systems through which individuals generate and develop their ideas. LuFlot is the startup’s first project. 

“ Our goal is finding ways to harmonize human agency and creativity with AI-enabled structural support,” Gertler said. “That involves incorporating AI tools into the writing process without inhibiting people’s agency. It’s not about using the chatbot to write essays. It’s about using this technology to deepen your knowledge and sharpen your creativity and critical thinking skills.”

Generative AI and other innovations are changing how people learn, Floridi said. So there needs to be new approaches to teaching.

LuFlot demonstrates that it is cheap, feasible, and efficient to train an AI chatbot on a scholar’s corpus and have it produce high-quality answers to users’ prompts, he said. Chatbots could be trained on other scholars’ work or on an instructors’ entire course content, which could help students learn and retain information. 

“ It’s much more useful than just making my lecture notes available online,” he said.

Floridi says he is reminded of Plato’s criticism of the invention of writing — that it is not a dynamic means of sharing knowledge because reading it always conveys the same answer.

“ The bot is dynamic,” he said. “It will not give you the same answer if you ask the same question even slightly differently. And you can ask it to be more specific. And it will grow as you train it with more information.”

Visit this link to converse with LuFlot about the ethics of digital technologies.

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A Transformative Journey: Two Perspectives on Yale’s EMBA Program

As they prepare to graduate, two EMBA students reflect on their experience at Yale SOM. 

Oge Ezimakor ’24, MD     Focus Area: Healthcare

Words are not enough to describe my executive MBA experience at Yale SOM. As an aspiring physician entrepreneur and executive, I knew that I needed to learn more about managing the administrative and operational affairs of a healthcare system, while also sharpening my leadership skills.

My passion has always been to bring quality healthcare services to underserved populations. However, one big question has long bedeviled me: as a bootstrapping physician entrepreneur, how do I achieve this in a cost-effective manner without compromising quality of care? Becoming a successful physician executive requires continually developing hard and soft skills in order to adapt to an ever-changing healthcare environment. As a physician executive, I needed an EMBA program that would enhance my leadership skills. Needless to say, the Yale EMBA program has proven to be the perfect fit!

The EMBA program is structured to include three focus areas: healthcare, asset management, and sustainability. By focusing on healthcare for the past two years, I have undergone remarkable growth and transformation. I feel like a reborn individual, so much that it is difficult for me to reconcile my before and after selves. The relationships and bonds I have formed are phenomenal! Yale SOM educates leaders for business and society, and this is exactly how I view myself and my cohort—leaders for business and society, literally!

I want to give huge recognition and thanks to Yale SOM’s seasoned professors and administrative staff that supported us along the journey. Their dedication and commitment to the success of the program and its students is unparalleled.

Abraham Gutsioglou ’24, PhD     Focus Area: Asset Management

As I reflect on my EMBA journey, three categories come to mind: personal growth, relationships, and interdisciplinary thinking.

Let’s begin with personal growth. Day one of what felt like “hell week” during our first year was a humbling and equalizing experience. It had been many years since I was in a classroom setting as a student, and I was optimistic that my skills would carry me forward. The first evening at Yale SOM was very difficult, as I quickly realized that I was surrounded by brilliant people who were at the top of their fields. My optimism quickly morphed into doubt and thoughts of, “What did I just get myself into?” I felt alone, and was preparing myself for what I thought would be two years of grueling competition with my classmates.

This leads me to the link between my personal growth and the relationships I built along the way. Although I prepared myself to compete, I am happy to say that I never had to go down that path, because this program does not foster that kind of culture. As a cohort, we encouraged, challenged, and supported one another. I am not saying the program and classmates are soft; rather, when things got difficult, I could easily find someone to help get my mindset back on track. This feeling of support extends beyond my classmates into the faculty and staff. The relationships and friendships I made on this journey pushed me to grow way beyond any self-doubt and step out of my comfort zone.

Finally, let’s talk about business and society. The best phrase to describe what I consider to be one of the most valuable takeaways from this program is "interdisciplinary thinking.” The program is structured in such a way that in order to finish, students have to unlock the capability to think differently about themselves and the world around them. I am grateful to have learned how to see problems as puzzles that can be solved through interdisciplinary thinking. This new insight allows me to integrate the perspectives of multiple stakeholders and disciplines to create shared value for business and society at large.

Announcing the Eighth Annual Student Essay Competition

The  Yale Law Journal  is excited to announce its eighth annual Student Essay Competition. The  Journal ’s Student Essay Competition challenges the next generation of legal scholars and practitioners to reflect on emerging legal problems. The Competition is open to current law students and recent law-school graduates nationwide. Up to three winners will be awarded a $300 cash prize. Winning submissions will be published in the  Yale Law Journal Forum , the  Journal ’s online component. All  Forum  Essays are fully searchable and available on LexisNexis, Westlaw, and our website. Last year’s winning Essays can be viewed on our website.

Competition Topic: Emerging Issues in Criminal Law

This year, we invite submissions focusing on novel developments in criminal law and procedure, broadly understood. We encourage submissions on a range of topics, including corrections and prisons; policing; prosecution; private and public defense; racial disparities in the criminal legal system; the criminalization of queer and trans individuals; crimmigration; abolitionism; mass incarceration; capital punishment; youth justice; felony disenfranchisement; drug policy; evidence; and any related areas. We hope to receive both clinical and academic submissions.

Eligibility and Submission Details

The competition is open to all current law students and recent law-school graduates (JDs and LLMs from the Classes of 2022-2027) from any ABA-accredited law school. Each individual may submit only one piece. Submissions must be previously unpublished Essays and may not be submitted to other publications during the competition period. 

The deadline for submissions is September 6, 2024 at 5pm ET. Submissions must be no shorter than 4,000 words and no longer than 8,000 words, including footnotes.

Essays must be submitted via the Journal ’s online submissions portal. When asked to select “Submission Type,” please select “Student Essay Competition” (do not select “Forum Essay (Students)”).

Please submit your Essay as a Word document. Your submission file should be titled “YLJ Essay Competition - [ESSAY TITLE]” and include a header with “YLJ Essay Competition” in the main text of your document. To ensure anonymized review, please do not include any identifying information, including name, class year, or institution, in your Essay’s body or metadata. Failure to anonymize your Essay may disqualify it from consideration by the Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee will consider all submissions anonymously. Winners will be announced in October 2024. Authors who submit winning Essays commit to publication in the  Yale Law Journal Forum  and agree to participate in our full editing process. This process involves both structural and substantive suggestions, as well as sourceciting for content and adherence to Bluebook style.

Disbursement of the cash prize to each winner is subject to any applicable tax reporting and withholding requirements.

Please direct questions about the Student Essay Competition to the Managing Editors, Beatrice (Bea) Brown ( [email protected] ) and Deja Morehead ( [email protected] ). We look forward to reading your submissions!

Announcing the YLJ Academic Summer Grants Program

Announcing the editors of volume 134.

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Why the World Still Needs Immanuel Kant

Unlike in Europe, few in the United States will be celebrating the philosopher’s 300th birthday. But Kant’s writing shows that a free, just and moral life is possible — and that’s relevant everywhere.

Credit... Illustration by Daniel Barreto

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By Susan Neiman

The philosopher Susan Neiman is the director of the Einstein Forum in Potsdam, Germany.

• Published April 17, 2024 Updated April 18, 2024

When I arrived in Berlin in 1982, I was writing a dissertation on Kant’s conception of reason. It was thrilling to learn that the apartment I’d sublet turned out to be located near Kantstrasse, though at the time I wondered in frustration: Why was there no James Street — Henry or William — in the Cambridge, Mass., I’d left behind; no streets honoring Emerson or Eliot? Were Americans as indifferent to culture as snooty Europeans supposed? It didn’t take long before I, too, could walk down Kantstrasse and turn right on Leibniz without a thought.

It’s harder to ignore the way Germany, like other European nations, sets aside entire years to honor its cultural heroes. This century has already seen an Einstein Year , a Beethoven Year , a Luther Year and a Marx Year , each commemorating some round-numbered anniversary of the hero in question. Federal and local governments provide considerable sums for events that celebrate the thinkers in question and debate their contemporary relevance.

Years before Immanuel Kant’s 300th birthday on April 22, 2024, the Academy of Science in Berlin, to which he once belonged, organized a conference to begin preparations for his tercentennial. A second conference published a report of the proceedings, but when I urged colleagues to use the occasion to create programs for a wider audience, I was met with puzzled silence. Reaching a wider audience is not a talent philosophy professors normally cultivate, but conversations with other cultural institutions showed this case to be especially thorny.

It wasn’t just uneasiness about celebrating “another dead white man,” as one museum director put it. The problems became deeper as the zeitgeist changed. “ Immanuel Kant: A European Thinker ” was a good title for that conference report in 2019, when Brexit seemed to threaten the ideal of European unification Germans supported. Just a few years later, “European” has become a slur. At a time when the Enlightenment is regularly derided as a Eurocentric movement designed to support colonialism, who feels comfortable throwing a yearlong birthday party for its greatest thinker?

Nonetheless, this year’s ceremonies will officially commence on April 22 with a speech by Chancellor Scholz and a memorial lunch that has taken place on the philosopher’s birthday every year since 1805. Two days earlier, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany will open an exhibit at the presidential palace devoted to Kant’s writing on peace.

The start of the year saw special Kant editions of four prominent German magazines. A Kant movie made for television premiered on March 1, and another is in production. Four exhibits on Kant and the Enlightenment will open in Bonn, Lüneburg, Potsdam and Berlin. The conferences will be numerous, including one organized by the Divan, Berlin’s house for Arab culture.

But why celebrate the Kant year at all?

The philosopher’s occasional autobiographical remarks provide a clue to the answer. As the son of a saddle maker, Kant would have led a workman’s life himself, had a pastor not suggested the bright lad deserved some higher education. He came to love his studies and to “despise the common people who knew nothing,” until “Rousseau set me right,” he wrote. Kant rejected his earlier elitism and declared his philosophy would restore the rights of humanity — otherwise they would be more useless than the work of a common laborer.

Chutzpah indeed. The claim becomes even more astonishing if you read a random page of his texts. How on earth, you may ask, are human rights connected with proving our need to think in categories like “cause” or “substance?” The question is seldom raised, and the autobiographical remarks usually ignored, for traditional readings of Kant focus on his epistemology, or theory of knowledge.

Before Kant, it’s said, philosophers were divided between Rationalists and Empiricists, who were concerned about the sources of knowledge. Does it come from our senses, or our reason? Can we ever know if anything is real? By showing that knowledge requires sensory experience as well as reason, we’re told, Kant refuted the skeptics’ worry that we never know if anything exists at all.

All this is true, but it hardly explains why the poet Heinrich Heine found Kant more ruthlessly revolutionary than Robespierre. Nor does it explain why Kant himself said only pedants care about that kind of skepticism. Ordinary people do not fret over the reality of tables or chairs or billiard balls. They do, however, wonder if ideas like freedom and justice are merely fantasies. Kant’s main goal was to show they are not.

The point is often missed, because Kant was as bad a writer as he was a great philosopher. By the time he finishes proving the existence of the objects of ordinary experience and is ready to show how they differ from ideas of reason, the semester is nearly over. Long-windedness is not, however, the only reason his work is often misinterpreted. Consider the effects of a bad review.

Had Kant died before his 57th birthday, he’d be remembered by a few scholars for some short, early texts. He withdrew from writing them in 1770 to conceive and compose his great “Critique of Pure Reason .” After what scholars call his “silent decade,” Kant pulled the text together in six months and finally published in 1781. For a year and a half, Kant waited for responses. When one finally appeared, it was a hatchet job accusing him of being a Berkeleyan solipsist: someone who denies the existence of ordinary objects.

Any author can imagine Kant’s dismay, and most likely his rage. In haste to refute the distortion of his life’s work, Kant wrote a second edition of the “Critique of Pure Reason,” and more fatefully, the “Prolegomena .” Since the latter is much shorter than the main book, it’s read far more often, and this has skewed the interpretation of Kant’s work as a whole. If the major problem of philosophy were proving the world’s existence, then Kant surely solved it. (Richard Rorty argued that he did, and that philosophy has little more to offer.)

In fact Kant was driven by a question that still plagues us: Are ideas like freedom and justice utopian daydreams, or are they more substantial? Their reality can’t be proven like that of material objects, for those ideas make entirely different claims on us — and some people are completely impervious to their claims. Could philosophy show that acting morally, if not particularly common, is at least possible?

A stunning thought experiment answers that question in his next book, the “Critique of Practical Reason .” Kant asks us to imagine a man who says temptation overwhelms him whenever he passes “a certain house.” (The 18th century was discreet.) But if a gallows were constructed to insure the fellow would be hanged upon exiting the brothel, he’d discover he can resist temptation very well. All mortal temptations fade in the face of threats to life itself.

Yet the same man would hesitate if asked to condemn an innocent man to death, even if a tyrant threatened to execute him instead. Kant always emphasized the limits of our knowledge, and none of us know if we would crumble when faced with death or torture. Most of us probably would. But all of us know what we should do in such a case, and we know that we could .

This experiment shows we are radically free. Not pleasure but justice can move human beings to deeds that overcome the deepest of animal desires, the love of life. We want to determine the world, not only to be determined by it. We are born and we die as part of nature, but we feel most alive when we go beyond it: To be human is to refuse to accept the world we are given.

At the heart of Kant’s metaphysics stands the difference between the way the world is and the way the world ought to be. His thought experiment is an answer to those who argue that we are helpless in the face of pleasure and can be satisfied with bread and circuses — or artisanal chocolate and the latest iPhone. If that were true, benevolent despotism would be the best form of government.

But if we long, in our best moments, for the dignity of freedom and justice, Kant’s example has political consequences. It’s no surprise he thought the French Revolution confirmed our hopes for moral progress — unlike the followers of his predecessor David Hume, who thought it was dangerous to stray from tradition and habit.

This provides an answer to contemporary critics whose reading of Kant’s work focuses on the ways in which it violates our understanding of racism and sexism. Some of his remarks are undeniably offensive to 21st-century ears. But it’s fatal to forget that his work gave us the tools to fight racism and sexism, by providing the metaphysical basis of every claim to human rights.

Kant argued that each human being must be treated as an end and not as a means — which is why he called colonialism “evil” and congratulated the Chinese and Japanese for denying entry to European invaders. Contemporary dismissals of Enlightenment thinkers forget that those thinkers invented the concept of Eurocentrism, and urged their readers to consider the world from non-European perspectives. Montesquieu put his criticisms of French society in the mouths of fictitious Persians; Lahontan attacked European politics through dialogues with a Native American.

At a time when the advice to “be realistic” is best translated as the advice to decrease your expectations, Kant’s work asks deep questions about what reality is. He insisted that when we think morally, we should abstract from the cultural differences that divide us and recognize the potential human dignity in every human being. This requires the use of our reason. Contrary to trendy views that see reason as an instrument of domination, Kant saw reason’s potential as a tool for liberation.

He also argued that political and social relations must aim toward justice rather than power, however often those may be confused in practice. We’ve come to better understand how racism and sexism can preclude genuine universalism. Should we discard Kant’s commitment to universalism because he did not fully realize it himself — or rather celebrate the fact that we can make moral progress, an idea which Kant would wholeheartedly applaud?

In Germany, it’s now common to hear that the Enlightenment was at very best ambivalent: While it may have been an age of reason, it was also an age of slavery and colonialism. This argument ignores the fact that, like progressive intellectuals everywhere, Enlightenment thinkers did not win all their battles. It also neglects the fact that they fought for them anyway, despite the risks of censorship, exile and even death.

Significantly, many contemporary intellectuals from formerly colonized countries reject those arguments. Thinkers like the Ghanaian Ato Sekyi-Otu, the Nigerian Olufemi Taiwo, the Chilean Carlos Peña, the Brazilian Francisco Bosco or the Indian Benjamin Zachariah are hardly inclined to renounce Enlightenment ideas as Eurocentric.

The problem with ideas like universal human rights is not that they come from Europe, but that they were not realized outside of it. Perhaps we should take a lesson from the Enlightenment and listen to non-Western standpoints?

Arts and Culture Across Europe

Our theater critics and a reporter discuss the big winne r —  Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” — and the rest of the honorees at this year’s Olivier Awards .

New productions of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet” in Paris follow a French tradition of adapting familiar works . The results are innovative, and sometimes cryptic.

The internet latched on to 16-year-old Felicia Dawkins’ performance as The Unknown at a shambolic Willy Wonka-inspired event . Now she’s heading to a bigger and scarier stage in London.

When activists urged Tate Britain in London to take an offensive artwork off its walls, the institution commissioned Keith Piper  to create a response instead. The result recently went on display.

The new National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam has been in the works for almost 20 years. It is the first institution to tell the full story  of the persecution of Dutch Jews during World War II.

At a retrospective of John Singer Sargent’s portraits in London, where the American expatriate fled after creating a scandal in Paris, clothes offer both armor and self-expression .

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Our commitment to campus safety, peaceful assembly, and civil discourse

Dear Members of the Yale Community,

I write regarding the protests on Hewitt Quadrangle (Beinecke Plaza) and other parts of campus. These protests have grown significantly over the weekend, and some members of the broader community have joined our students.

Faculty and staff have been providing the students resources for free expression, health, and well-being, and have made clear that the university supports free speech and civil discourse. At the same time, we are focused intently on campus safety and maintaining university operations and the full use of university facilities, which support the work we all do to advance teaching, learning, research, and scholarship.

Yale College and graduate school deans and other university leaders have spoken multiple times with students participating in the protests to make clear university policies and guidelines , including the importance of maintaining open passageways in the event of a fire or other emergencies, the role of the university’s postering and chalking policy in fostering the exchange of ideas, and the need to allow other members of the community to use campus spaces. Putting up structures, defying the directives of university officials, staying in campus spaces past allowed times, and other acts that violate university policies and guidelines create safety hazards and impede the work of our university. We are continuing to speak with students who are participating in protests, so they understand the disciplinary consequences of actions that violate Yale’s policies. Yale will pursue disciplinary actions according to its policies.

Many of the students participating in the protests, including those conducting counterprotests, have done so peacefully. However, I am aware of reports of egregious behavior, such as intimidation and harassment, pushing those in crowds, removal of the plaza flag, and other harmful acts. Yale does not tolerate actions, including remarks, that threaten, harass, or intimidate members of the university’s Jewish, Muslim, and other communities. The Yale Police Department is investigating each report, and we will take action when appropriate, including making referrals for student discipline. We are providing support to affected students.

We do not agree on everything, but we all have a responsibility to do our part in fostering a community in which we can have open, civil discussions about any topic, no matter how complex and how difficult. As members of a university committed to learning and the search for truth, we can do no less.

Each of us deserves to be heard and to have the chance to speak. To that end, I have listened to many members of our community in recent weeks, and I understand that some disagree with the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility’s (ACIR’s) decision to not recommend a policy of divestment from military weapons manufacturers. The ACIR—a committee of faculty, students, staff, and alumni—arrived at this conclusion after hearing from student presenters and engaging in careful deliberation. This is part of a formal process and relies on the university’s guide to ethical investing that has served Yale well for decades. Any member of the Yale community is invited to write to the ACIR or to attend future open meetings. There are available pathways to continue this discussion with openness and civility, and I urge those with suggestions to follow them.

At a time when so many in the world are suffering and when so many lives have been cut short cruelly by violence, we must stand firmly against hatred and recommit ourselves to engaging in civil discourse free from intimidation or coercion. As I have said to all of you, we must hold tight to our common values. Now more than ever, we must commit to working together with compassion and understanding.

Peter Salovey President Chris Argyris Professor of Psychology

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Clean away: an earth day essay and thank you from artist sage bava.

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Artist/activist Sage Bava, who has crafted the environmental anthem 'Clean Away,' is seen ... [+] overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

(Today, April 22, is Earth Day. The relationship between music and nature is a long and storied one. From Neil Young’s brilliant “After The Gold Rush,” Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy, Mercy Me” and Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” to more recent fare such as Kacey Musgraves “Oh, What A World,” Childish Gambino’s “Feels Like Summer” and Billie Eilish’s “All Good Girls To Hell,” there is a lengthy list of great songs celebrating Mother Earth and warning us about protecting our home. Singer/songwriter/producer/activist Sage Bava has a unique relationship with nature, having grown up on an animal rescue. So, Bava, who will release her debut album later this summer, is the perfect person to contribute this guest essay about the symmetry between music and nature. In this compelling and beautiful piece, Bava, who will release the environmental anthem “Clean Away” as the lead single from the album next month, before she appears at BottleRock May 24, opens up about how nature has guided her in life and on her musical path. — Steve Baltin)

You and I are not separate from nature; instead, we are integral parts of it. Our bodies, minds, and spirits are deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the natural world, and the more we sever ourselves from this connection, the more harm we inflict upon ourselves, both physically and mentally, and upon this beautiful planet Earth we are fortunate to call home. This essay delves into the profound implications of our detachment from nature and the urgent need to reestablish our bond with the earth for the sake of our well-being and the health of the planet. I also share a personal story of reclaiming my voice and birthright sensuality with nature as my guide after being stripped from it, a story I know many will relate to. “Clean Away” will be my first single off my debut upcoming album which explores the search for soul both in the individual and the collective.

I've been fortunate to have a deeply rooted connection to nature from the very beginning of my life. Born on a nature preserve and animal rescue, I was surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the natural world from my earliest days. My parents, both environmentalists, created a world outside the status quo, giving their four children the freedom to run wild. However, as I entered my teenage years, I experienced a trauma that shattered my sense of self and sent me spiraling into a dark and confusing abyss.

Through this loss of self and rediscovery, I also reignited my profound connection to music. I perceive nature as the keeper of 'flow' and the source of the creative frequencies that give rise to music. Music has a unique ability to access these pure realms of consciousness, transcending societal norms and resonating with a timeless, primal aspect of our shared psyche. Through reconnecting with nature, I found my voice and rekindled my passion for music. This ongoing journey of deepening connection, of shedding old layers and embracing new ones, is guided by the nurturing hand of nature. Whether it's a serene walk through the woods, a gentle encounter with an animal, or the mighty roar of the waves, nature intricately binds us closer, reminding us of our inherent unity with the natural world. With respect and deeper listening to the feminine, our birthright sensuality, and the calm power Mother Earth shows us every day, we can start to heal this immense rift we have with nature that is also very present in ourselves.

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Living in big cities, this connection to nature and the remembrance of its healing powers were lost on me, and it wasn't until I rediscovered this that I was able to fully heal and empower myself. Nature has a way of showing us ourselves, acting as a mirror to reflect back all of our strength, beauty, resilience, and transformation. In the embrace of the natural world, I found solace and strength, rediscovering the parts of myself that had been lost or forgotten. I learned to trust in the wisdom of the earth, to listen to the whispers of the wind, and to find beauty and meaning in the simplest of moments. The Earth 'Cleaned Away' all the darkness and trauma left on my body and reconnected me with my power and birthright sensuality.

As the guardians of this planet, we have a responsibility to steward its resources wisely and ensure its continued vitality for future generations. However, our shortsightedness and disregard for the interconnectedness of all life have brought us to the brink of ecological collapse. The more we sever ourselves from nature, the more harm we inflict upon the planet, and ultimately, upon ourselves. This is not just an ideal that is hypothesized but a proven scientific phenomenon that clearly shows that our health decline as a species, both in body and mind, has everything to do with the way we interact with the natural world.

In those unforgettable moments in nature, I felt the coils of trauma loosen their grip on my soul, allowing me to hear the music of life once again—in the wind, in the trees, and in my heart. This trauma had not only taken away my voice but also severed my connection to my body, leading me down a road of derealization, dissociation, and at the most confusing of times, suicidal ideation. A man had taken this from me, stripping me of my autonomy and leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from myself and the world around me. In a parallel journey, my sister had experienced the same thing, as one in five women do, highlighting the pervasive nature of such experiences. I realized that no one could own me or my voice, and that the same toxic sense of superiority that drove men to try and control me is the same force that drives humanity to exploit and dominate the earth and its creatures.

Fortunately, it is not too late to reverse course and reestablish our connection to the environment. By embracing a philosophy of deep ecology—the recognition of the intrinsic value of all living beings and the interconnectedness of all life—we can begin to heal the rift between humanity and nature. This entails not only changing our attitudes and behaviors but also reimagining our relationship with the earth as one of reciprocity and reverence. Practical steps towards reconnection include spending more time outdoors, cultivating a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives.

I have found that in sharing tangible facts about how nature directly affects us can be more convincing of the vitalness for humanity than large statements. So, here are three: Phytoncides, a hormone excreted from Trees, is proven to regulate cortisol levels, help with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, one of them being an antidepressant β-pinene that is both anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties. Phytoncides are also remarkable in their ability to increase natural killer (NK) cell activity which fights cancer and tumor cells. Dr. Lisa Miller, a Yale-trained neuroscientist and psychologist and the founder of Columbia University’s SMBI program, has done extensive work - including doing MRI scans of the brain, uncovering how our connection to nature literally acts as a force field for the parts of our brain that suffer from depression and anxiety. The epidemic of depression in youth is very much correlated to the rise of technology and loss of connection to nature. Cognitive development in children and the ability for both children and adults to be able to self-regulate has been directly tied to how deeply the individual feels connected to the natural world. In a poetic way to me, this means that those connected to a deeper sense of self, beneath identity or created construct but rather the timeless ‘truer than true’ energetic world that exists under language or man's created hierarchical society are able to ‘tap into’ this deeply rooted part of themselves and not be swayed by superficial chemical reaction.

By immersing ourselves in nature's rhythms and cycles, we can rediscover a sense of belonging and purpose that transcends the narrow confines of human-centered existence. Moreover, we must advocate for policies and practices that prioritize environmental conservation and promote ecological sustainability. This includes supporting efforts to protect and restore natural habitats, mitigate climate change, and transition to a more regenerative and equitable economy. By working together as stewards of the earth, we can create a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, rather than in opposition to it.

In conclusion, we are nature, and the more we sever ourselves from this fundamental truth, the more harm we inflict upon ourselves and the planet. Our disconnection from nature has far-reaching consequences for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is imperative that we recognize our interconnectedness with the natural world and acknowledge the profound impact it has on every aspect of our lives. By honoring and respecting the feminine, embracing our birthright sensuality, and acknowledging the calm power that Mother Earth offers us each day, we can begin to heal the deep-seated rift between humanity and nature. This rift, which is also very present within ourselves, stems from a history of exploitation, domination, and disconnection. However, through introspection, mindfulness, and a commitment to reconnection, we can mend this divide and forge a path towards a more harmonious existence with the Earth. We must remember that we do not belong to man; rather, we belong to Mother Earth, and it is our duty to protect, nurture, and cherish her for the benefit of all living beings. I belong to no man, I only belong to you, dear Mother Earth. Thank you, Earth, and thank you, fellow soul for reading this. I hope you enjoy the music I will offer soon and it brings you deeper into yourself.

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I'm a student at Yale, and we party more than you'd think. Here's what parties at the Ivy League are like.

• Yale isn't a huge party school, but we still know how to have fun on a night out.
• Most weekends, we go to frat parties and a local bar. 
• Being a smaller campus, we tend to bounce around from place to place since everything is so close.

Like most Yale students , I'm swamped. Classes, political union debates, moot court competitions, improv shows, meetings with advisors, dinners, and brunches all occupy my calendar.

However, I still find time to go out and have fun. Despite the Ivy League's reputation as one big ivory tower, Yale students still love to throw a good party.

As far as I'm aware, there might not be constant project X-level ragers, but weekends at Yale can be much more fun than you might think.

Yale isn't a huge party school, but we still have parties

When choosing a school, the party scene wasn't very high on my priority list. I also didn't want to attend a school where my social life would be on life support. But I didn't put much stock in attending a school known for having a vibrant nightlife or party scene.

Yale seemed like a perfect fit. While touring, I found that the students were social, and there was the requisite infrastructure for me to enjoy myself while still being devoted to my studies. This wasn't a medieval cloister; it was just what you'd expect from any college despite the Ivy League status.

When I finally enrolled as a freshman Yalie , I found that to be true.

There are several different types of parties at Yale

On any given weekend, if my friends and I are going out, odds are I will end up at a frat party at some point. Sigma Chi, AEPi, and Chi Psi are usually safe bets because they are close to campus and host parties frequently. These frat houses are small, and parties are typically in backyards but usually well-attended. They can be fun for a solid hour or two.

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Even closer to campus is Toad's Place, a club that hosts Yale-only Wednesday night parties and is free on Saturdays with a Yale ID. Students over 21 can buy drinks at suspiciously low prices.

These frats and Soads (Saturday at Toads) form the backbone when trying to have a good Saturday night out . They might not be the most memorable moments of your night, but they are good places to hop between or stop in.

But some of the best parties on campus have a little more planning. While frats and Soads are reliable, the most memorable parties I've been to are those with a little more anticipation and build-up.

A tradition in the directed studies program is to throw toga parties on our less busy weeks . While usually still in a frat backyard, seeing my classmates in Roman garb makes these parties much more fun.

There are also 12 Pack parties, thrown by a special 12-person suite in Saybrook College, funded by the college. These are rarer, typically have some theme, and aren't actually full of only Saybrook students.

The key is not staying anywhere too long

With all these potential options on any given Saturday, we Yalies should be paralyzed by choice. But in reality, we usually hit up all these options on most nights out.

The key to enjoying any given Saturday is to avoid sticking. Frat parties are fun; the 12-pack is excellent, but with everything on campus only a short walk apart, why stay somewhere the entire night when you can bounce around?

Being willing to explore new venues or hang out with new groups can turn a good night into a great one. I've been introduced to places I didn't even know existed by tagging along with friends I ran into in one spot, and those discoveries make for great stories.

Admittedly, these are freshman tendencies, but that's not a bad thing

As students get older, friend groups get more solid, and students turn 21 , so suite parties with drinks and going to bars become more common.

But for all students, the joy of these parties is that they represent the liberation we associate with college more than being enjoyable rituals in and of themselves.

I don't enjoy going out because I like hearing OK music at incredible volumes, standing in a frat house backyard, seeing someone and thinking, "Wow, she is attractive," just to look down at my phone and refuse to make eye contact.

It's enjoyable because it feels like something I — as an 18-year-old college student — should be doing, and I do it with friends. As we go through this ritual together, we can enjoy the fun parts and laugh about its oddities.

Is this a pretentious, intellectualizing way to look at parties? Yes. But what else would you expect from a Yalie?

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