Yale Acceptance Rate
Like many other high school students, you may feel like your chances of getting into Yale are slim to none. After all, Yale is one of the most selective schools in the country, and the way people talk about Yale makes it seem like admittance will take nothing short of a miracle.
However, despite Yale’s declining admissions rate (6.3% for the class of 2022 and 4.4% for the class of 2026), it is not impossible for you to become a Bulldog.
With hard work, practice, and determination, you can earn the GPA and standardized test scores you need to stay competitive and earn a spot at Yale.
Here are all the details you will want to keep in mind if you have your sights set on attending Yale:
Current Yale Admission Statistics
Before you apply to Yale, you’ll want to know what you’re up against. For the class of 2026, Yale’s acceptance rate was lower than it has been in recent years at 4.4%. They accepted just 2,234 students out of 50,015 applications (regular applications, early applications, and deferral applications)
Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate | |
Regular Applications | 37,495 | 1,434 | 3.8% |
Early Applications | 7,288 | 800 | 10.9% |
These statistics aren’t meant to discourage you, but rather to make sure you know just how important it is for your college application to be as strong as possible.
There are three tips you should consider if you want to be one of the few applicants who get into Yale:
Apply Early
If you’re a glass half empty type of person, you might feel dismayed at the low acceptance rates in the chart above.
However, these numbers are key to one tip to improve your chances of getting into Yale. Apply early!
You will have a greater chance of being admitted into Yale if you apply when the application pool is still small, so plan accordingly and make sure you are ready to submit your applications before their early decision deadline on November 1.
Below are the admissions requirements you will want to complete before this deadline:
- Complete the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge National College Match Application by the November 1 deadline
- Obtain letters of recommendation from two teachers and a school counselor
- Send your school transcript and a mid-school year grade report
- Take the SAT or ACT (not required, but highly recommended)
- Pay the $80 application fee or apply for a fee waiver
Maintain a high GPA
The average GPA of Yale’s accepted applicants is 4.14. This is a weighted GPA, meaning that you will have to take advanced courses, like AP, dual credit, or IB classes, to earn a GPA this high.
As soon as possible, make time to meet with your high school guidance counselor to map out a course schedule so that you are able to take the advanced classes you need to take to prepare for college.
Earn high standardized test scores
While submitting your standardized test scores is no longer a requirement for admittance into Yale, high scores on the ACT and/or SAT will help your application stand out, boosting your chances of admission.
This past year, these were the average standardized test scores for admitted freshmen:
- SAT-Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 720-770
- SAT-Math: 740-790
- ACT Composite: 33-35
If your scores are not at the top of these averages, then it will be hard for you to get into Yale (Fortunately, Prep Expert has resources you can use to earn great standardized test scores).
Next steps
Yale is a beautiful school with excellent academic opportunities, strong athletic programs, and a thriving student life.
This institution has unique major programs, 35 intercollegiate sports, and over 100 student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and political interests, and various media and publications.
While it will be a challenge to get into Yale, it is possible for you to get accepted and enjoy everything this school has to offer with a little help from Prep Expert. Our college admissions consulting team are dedicated to making sure you get into your dream college.
We offer private tutoring for a variety of subjects, which will help you maintain the high GPA you need to be considered by Yale. We also offer prep courses for both the SAT and ACT as well as private tutoring for both of these standardized tests.
If you take advantage of these resources, you will have a great chance of getting into Yale or any other competitive Ivy League school. Register for a class or private tutoring today when you visit our website.
Written by Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
Prep Expert Founder & CEO
Shark Tank Winner, Perfect SAT Scorer, Dermatologist, & #1 Bestselling AuthorMore from Dr. Shaan Patel MD MBA
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