134 Yale Essays That Got In
Updated for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
About Yale
Nestled in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is an Ivy League institution that provides students with an exceptional educational experience. Students at Yale may benefit from the University's highly regarded academics and research opportunities, diversified campus culture, world-renowned professors, and extensive choice of extracurricular activities. Yale's dedication to quality extends far beyond the confines of a typical institution, with renowned undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as world-class museums and libraries. The school’s interdisciplinary philosophy is best captured by their motto “Yale is and.” Indeed, at Yale, students are encouraged to study multiple disciplines and see how they interact; for Yalies, it’s about studying fields like biology and sociology — not one or the other. As such, Yale University—with its lively student body and devoted staff—provides an exciting, challenging, and creative learning environment for students from all walks of life.
At a glance…
Acceptance Rate
6%
Tuition
$57,700
Average Cost
$15,296
Average SAT
1520
Average ACT
34
Location
New Haven, CT
Real Essays from Yale Admits
Prompt: What inspires you?
On her deathbed, my grandmother said she would always be in my heart. She was right. I feel her presence in the rhythm of my heartbeat and pour my whole heart into everything I do to make her proud.
Essay by Jaden Botros
Economics & Political Science student at Stanford University | 800K in Scholarships | Profile includes Resume and Summer Research Email Templates
Prompt: What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?
While working, I listen to Dimension20—a D&D podcast with elaborate plots, sets, and characters. The improv reminds me of my middle school theater days, and their clever humor inspires my creativity.
Essay by Isabella Allydice
Future ChemEng at Stanford | First-Generation | Low-income Public HS | Procrastination Expert
Prompt: Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it?
My city, Cape Coral has the most miles of canals in the world despite being a relatively boring, suburban city in South Florida. Despite this marvel, it has a disaster of a city plan. Minimal green space and gargantuan traffic problems plague my city. I’ve always wondered how I could make an impact and possibly better my community. I saw how a lack of amenities like parks, public spaces, and public transportation affected my peers and my family and it saddened me. Then, I discovered what an urban planner was from a “Parks and Recreation“ episode.
I saw the positive impact proper organization and planning could have on a (fictional) city and it excited me. I envisioned myself bringing green infrastructure to my city and providing proper transportation to my community that reduced emissions and decreased harmful car usage. I‘m eager to have a chance to study this topic further and gain knowledge that could potentially benefit my home and my community. Yale feels like the right place to acquire the tools to help my community and I long to have the chance to undertake this task.
Essay by Anthony Busatta
Yale '27 | SWFL native who hates the heat but loves everything else about it.
Prompt: What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?
Visiting campus, I learned Yale students were exceptionally passionate. Yalies raved not only about the world-renowned academics, but also their adventures in the arts, volunteering, and athletics. Additionally, I saw that residential communities’ fascinating guest speakers and social events transform dorms into lively homes. As an institution, Yale fosters student enthusiasm. Through class shopping, students explore their many interests before committing to a course. Also, many classes are seminars, proving that Yale has plenty of opportunities like any large university, but maintains the intimacy of a small college. Finally, I love that the Yale spirit is intelligent and collaborative. Students are both brilliant and appreciate others’ strengths. Yale is the perfect place for me to pursue my passions, surrounded by other Yalies doing the same.
Essay by Michelle
Yale grad who loves renewable energy, travel, and the arts!
Prompt: 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?
I would invite Mary Wollenstonecraft and ask her if she thinks the concept of feminism popularized after her death, along with its waves and movements, has achieved her ideals in Rights of Woman?
Essay by Rosie
Statistics & Data Science + Ethics, Politics & Economics (and Musician?) @ Yale :D
Prompt: You are teaching a new Yale course. What is it called?
Computer science: an alluring juxtaposition of problem-solving and art. It transforms me. When I’m meticulously debugging code, I’m 8-year-old me, manipulating the faces of my Rubik’s cube to return it to its original configuration. When I’m fervently typing away lines of code, I am a craftsman, painting on the canvas I call the IDE-software-application. When I’m compiling code, I am a scientist, testing for sources of error.
Essay by Rose
Programmer and performer @ Yale!
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