YALE UNIVERSITY Private university in New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University is an American private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701 in Saybrook Colony to train Congregationalist ministers, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Since it was found, Yale has been dedicated to expanding and sharing knowledge, inspiring innovation, and preserving cultural and scientific information for future generations.

Yale’s reach is both local and international. It partners with its hometown of New Haven, Connecticut to strengthen the city’s community and economy. And it engages with people and institutions across the globe in the quest to promote cultural understanding, improve the human condition, delve more deeply into the secrets of the universe, and train the next generation of world leaders.

History

Yale has grown and evolved for 300-plus years, passing many milestones and forging traditions along the way.

The university traces its roots to the 1640s when colonial clergymen led an effort to establish a local college to preserve the tradition of European liberal education in the New World. In 1701 the charter was granted for a school “wherein Youth may be instructed in the Arts and Sciences (and) through the blessing of Almighty God may be fitted for Publick employment both in Church and Civil State.”

The school officially became Yale College in 1718, when it was renamed in honor of Welsh merchant Elihu Yale, who had donated the proceeds from the sale of nine bales of goods together with 417 books and a portrait of King George I.

Welsh merchant Elihu Yale

Yale traces its beginnings to "An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School," passed by the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut on October 9, 1701, while meeting in New Haven. The Act was an effort to create an institution to train ministers and lay leadership for Connecticut. Soon thereafter, a group of ten Congregationalist ministers: Samuel Andrew, Thomas Buckingham, Israel Chauncy, Samuel Mather, Rev. James Noyes II (son of James Noyes), James Pierpont, Abraham Pierson, Noadiah Russell, Joseph Webb and Timothy Woodbridge, all alumni of Harvard, met in the study of Reverend Samuel Russell in Branford, Connecticut, to pool their books to form the school's library.[13] The group, led by James Pierpont, is now known as "The Founders"

Originally known as the "Collegiate School," the institution opened in the home of its first rector, Abraham Pierson,in Killingworth (now Clinton). The school moved to Saybrook, and then Wethersfield. In 1716 the college moved to New Haven, Connecticut.

Yale University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,532, its setting is city, and the campus size is 343 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Yale University's ranking in the 2017 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 3.

All the dormitories in Yale are co-ed. Freshman year you live on single-sex floors, but every year after that, almost all floors and bathrooms are co-ed (unless you petition your residential college's housing committee to live on a single-sex floor).

Instead of living in typical college dormitories, Yale students live in suites.

Facilities at Yale

Serving the Central, Medical and West Campuses

The Office of Facilities is responsible for the maintenance and operation of existing campus buildings as well as the planning, design and construction of new buildings.

Facilities Operations

Facilities Operations (FACOPS) provides ongoing maintenance and operations support for existing buildings and facilities throughout Yale University including the Central Campus, the Medical Center, the West Campus and other University satellite facilities. Services include:

  • Repairs & Maintenance
  • Building and Facilities Operations
  • Utilities and Energy Management
  • Custodial Services
  • Landscaping & Maintenance Services
  • Technical Services (Engineering & Documentation)

For easy access to all services listed above enter an online Facilities Work Request (FWR) or call the Operations Center.

Facilities Planning & Construction (FACPC)

Facilities Planning and Construction (FACPC) is responsible for Capital Project Planning and Construction ranging from major building and facilities construction to installation of new equipment and small renovation projects. (FACPC) consists of two units:

Planing

  • This unit provides strategic campus planning and programming for existing and future facilities.

Construction

  • This unit implements all construction projects from design through construction to occupancy.

CENTRAL CAMPUS

University planning

  • University Planning assists the University Officers, and academic and administrative departments in the decision-making process as it relates to the physical environment of the campus. They determine the most effective approach i.e., renovation, adaptive reuse, building addition, new construction, or combination) to meet space needs. They developing the scope, schedule, and budget for all capital projects and securing approvals necessary to initiate project. Additionally they manage systems that track the University’s space assets for the Central, Athletic and West campuses.

Major Projects

Major Projects provides the oversight and management for capital projects approved by the University in the Central and Science areas. This management includes the coordination of the design phases of the projects, usually administering the work of architectural and engineering design consultants. The effort continues through the construction phase, overseeing the activities of the outside contractors and construction managers. The responsibility of this division typically ends with the commissioning of the construction, and the turn-over of the new or renovated facilities to the operating departments and divisions of the University.

Project Management

The Project Management group has responsibility for small projects and some mid-size projects (except those at the School of Medicine). This group establishes the scope, budget, and schedule for these projects through an expedited process called formulation. They then manage the project through design, construction, and closeout.

Contract Administration and Project Metrics (close)

Contract Administration manages and advances the technical databases, quarterly results metrics tracking, monthly reporting, master scheduling and other technical tools that directors, program managers, project managers and planners utilize on a regular basis.

In addition this unit has responsibility for the Construction Administration Department providing maintenance and retention of master contracts, project conditions, general requirements, bidding requirements, forms of agreement, and other related documents and formal provisions.

CENTRAL MEDICAL CENTER

Construction & Renovation

The mission of Yale School of Medicine Facilities Planning & Construction (YSM FACPC) is to enhance the Yale School of Medicine's ability to achieve its future by providing high functioning, efficient and appropriate facilities. We achieve high quality results through dedicated service, team work and courtesy. School of Medicine Facilities Web Site.

Application Instructions & Components

There are three ways to apply to Yale for freshman admission

Yale will accept any one of these applications, without preference for one over another. Students should submit one - and only one - application per admissions cycle. Click on the links below to learn more about each type of application.

All applicants for freshman admission must submit one of the following:

The Coalition Application with Yale-Specific Questions

Yale is a member of the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success, a new application platform offered by a diverse group of more than 90 public and private US colleges and universities. Every Coalition institution provides need-based financial aid or low-cost in-state tuition, and has a six-year graduation rate of at least 70%. Yale’s six-year graduation rate is 97%.

Reasons why the Coalition Application might be right for you:

  • The Coalition Application allows students to enter personal information once that will populate the applicable sections of all their Coalition applications.
  • Applicants submitting the Coalition Application to Yale are asked to submit a upload a digital file of their creation along with a short reflection, in lieu of responding to two short essay prompts. See Essay Topics for more information.
  • The Coalition Application provides a free set of tools and guidance resources for students, counselors, community-based organizations, teachers and other mentors who assist with the process of applying to college.
  • The Coalition Application provides a private online space called the Locker, where students can collect and organize digital material that might help them prepare for their college search, preparation, and application process.

The Common Application with Yale-Specific Questions

Yale is a member of the Common Application, an application platform offered by more than 600 diverse colleges and universities around the world. Last year nearly 1 million students used the Common Application.

The Common Application is accepted at the greatest number of colleges and universities.

  • Applicants may submit the same Common Application to as many colleges and universities as they like. Note that Yale also requires applicants to complete Yale-specific supplemental questions, including a second essay.
  • Many counselors and teachers are already familiar with the Common Application and, based on their experience, can provide guidance to students who wish to apply with it.
  • Many counselors and teachers have previously completed Common Application forms for recommendations or transcripts, and thus already have online accounts.

The QuestBridge National College Match Application

Yale is a partner with QuestBridge (link is external), a national non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation’s best colleges. Students who wish to apply to QuestBridge Partner Institutions (link is external) using the QuestBridge National College Match application must first submit their application materials to QuestBridge and be selected as Finalists in the QuestBridge National College Match (link is external). Students selected as Finalists have the option to rank Yale and to be considered in the fall QuestBridge National College Match admissions process. Students who do not match with Yale during that process may choose to have their applications considered in the Regular Decision admissions cycle at Yale.

Reasons why the QuestBridge Application might be right for you:

  • The QuestBridge Application includes questions that allow students from low-income households to discuss their backgrounds and unique circumstances.
  • The QuestBridge National College Match Application is free. Students named QuestBridge Finalists are not required to pay application fees to be considered for freshman admission to Yale.
  • For students who are named Finalists, the QuestBridge organization automatically forwards teacher recommendations and official transcripts to Yale with the National College Match Application. To complete the application, students will need to submit only official standardized test scores and the Mid-year Report (when it is available).
  • Students who rank Yale through the QuestBridge National College Match will find out if they have matched with Yale in early December. Applications that are not matched with Yale or a binding QuestBridge Partner Institution can be considered again in Yale’s Regular Decision round if the applicant chooses.

Additional requirements for all freshman applicants:

  • $80 Application Fee or Fee Waiver

Applicants should pay the $80 application fee via the Common Application or Coalition Application website. The QuestBridge National College Match Application is free, but note that only students named QuestBridge Finalists may apply to Yale with the QuestBridge National College Match Application.

  • Applicants using the Common Application or Coalition Application may request that the application fee be waived. Qualifications for a fee waiver are as follows:
  • You have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
  • You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).
  • Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
  • You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
  • Your family receives public assistance.
  • You live in a federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or are homeless.
  • You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
  • You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

Two Teacher Recommendations

  • High school teachers can provide extremely helpful information in their evaluations. In addition to discussing your performance in their class or classes, teachers may also write about your motivation, intellectual curiosity, energy, relationships with classmates, and impact on the classroom environment. Solicit recommendations from teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects, who know you well, and who have seen you at your best. It is also preferable, but not required, that letters come from teachers who have taught you during your junior or senior year of high school.
  • Recommendations should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. For QuestBridge Finalists, recommendations and transcripts are automatically forwarded to Yale with the QuestBridge National College Match Application. If necessary, teachers may also submit their recommendations via mail or fax

Counselor Recommendation and School Report (including transcript)

  • The counselor recommendation and transcript give the Admissions Committee a sense of your place in your high school class and in the larger school community. Your counselor can provide insight into the rigor of your academic program, highlight leadership positions, share information on your background, and help your application come to life
  • A counselor recommendation and complete secondary school transcript should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. For QuestBridge Finalists, recommendations and transcripts are automatically forwarded with the QuestBridge National College Match Application. If necessary, counselors and/or other school officials may submit recommendations and transcripts via mail or fax.

Standardized Test Results

  • All applicants for freshman admission should submit either the SAT or the ACT with Writing. For SATs taken in March 2016 or later, the additional essay is required. Applicants to the Yale Classes of 2021 and 2022 may submit either the old or the new SAT.

Mid-Year Report

  • All applicants for freshman admission who have not already graduated from secondary school should submit a mid-year report with official grades from the first marking period of the current academic year as soon as those grades are available.

Application Acknowledgment, Yale Admissions Status Portal, Checklist, and Admissions Decisions

  • Beginning in mid-October, a student who has submitted an application will receive a confirmation email that includes a PIN and instructions for activating a Yale Admissions Status Portal account.
  • Applicants should use the Yale Admissions Status Portal throughout the admissions cycle to check for the receipt of required application materials.
  • Applicants will use the Yale Admissions Status Portal to view an admissions decision online when it becomes available.
  • Applicants should use one email address throughout the application cycle. If your email address changes, use the Yale Admissions Status Portal to notify the admissions office of changes.

Important Note about Legal Names

  • Please use your full legal name on all admissions documents, including teacher recommendations, the school report, standardized test results, supplementary materials, etc. The admissions office will file your application under the full legal name listed on your application. Documents received under any other name might not be matched successfully with your application.

Majors and academics programs.

Dozens of Majors, Thousands of Courses: Blaze Your Own Trail

Yale students will take at least thirty-six courses on their way to earning a degree from Yale College. Yalies typically take four or five courses each fall, and another four or five each spring. There are roughly 2000 courses offered every year. At that rate, there are enough classes to last you for more than 200 years! The paths to graduation are practically limitless.

Each year, three-quarters of all courses enroll fewer than twenty students. Almost thirty percent have fewer than ten. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. Many of the majors at Yale include a senior requirement (essay, project, or portfolio) that allows students to work closely with a professor on an issue that interests them.

Degrees and majors

Double major

Double majoring is very possible at Yale. Like 10% of undergrads complete two majors. Some majors have to be done as second majors (International Studies, for example). You may be doing a double major in biology and classics. The disadvantage is that you have a lot less elective time to explore fun random classes, of which there are many. They're wonderful.

Triple majoring is NOT possible.

Yale-coordinated Domestic Internships

There are several programs that constitute the Yale Domestic Internships Programs, including the seven Bulldogs Across America programs outlined below, as well as the Paul Block Journalism Internships, the Yale Alumni Community Service Fellowships, the William F. Buckley Jr. Internships, the Women in Government Fellowship, and the YEI Innovation Internships (linked in the right-hand side bar). These programs are all coordinated by Yale and offer Yale College students the opportunity to work for 8-10 weeks over the summer. The Office of Career Strategy partners with regional and local Yale Alumni Clubs (where possible) to provide students with summer internships in a number of domestic cities. These locations offer internships in a variety of career fields, including the arts, politics, global health, STEM, community advocacy, “think tanks”, finance, journalism, and law. Some locations provide students housing for the duration of the experience and the opportunity to work with local alumni who serve as mentors and in-city support throughout their internship. There are both paid and unpaid internships.

Students in a Yale-coordinated Domestic Internship benefit from full immersion in a professional environment. This allows students to explore and pursue career goals while learning hard skills and industry-specific knowledge. The Office of Career Strategy promotes professional growth before, during, and after the internship. Attending a Pre-departure Orientation, submitting a reflection, and participating in a Re-entry Workshop are key components of the Domestic Internship Program. Some of the Yale Domestic Internships Programs provide students with access to a variety of Yale Summer Events.

Loans options

Yale’s financial aid policies ensure that 100% of every undergraduate’s demonstrated need is met with a package that does not include loans. But some students prefer to cover some or all of their Student Effort with loans instead of taking a term-time or summer job, and families may find it more convenient to defer some costs until after graduation.

Families may be eligible for certain types of loans regardless of whether a student receives Yale Scholarship. While the options listed below are the most common for undergraduates, Student Financial Services can help guide students and families through the process of applying for and receiving a loan of their choice.

Loan options for undergraduate students

  • Federaldirect subsidized loan

A guaranteed student loan for undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who have demonstrated financial need as determined by federal regulations.

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidizes Loan

A guaranteed student loan for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who do not show financial need under federal regulations. Direct Unsubsidized loans may also be available to undergraduates who have reached the borrowing limit

  • Yale student Loan

A student loan for those with financial need who do not qualify for U.S. federal or Canadian student loans. This loan requires a cosigner who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The cosigner residency requirements may be waived under certain circumstances.

  • Alternative Loans

Families that need additional funding for educational expenses after exhausting all potential scholarships, federal grants, work-study funds, and federal loans may want to consider an “alternative” or “private” loan. Such loans are offered by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. Families are advised to use these loans sparingly and only after discussing their particular situation with SFS staff.

Loan options for parents

  • Federal Direct PLUS loan

Loans for the parents of dependent undergraduate students, as well as for graduate- and professional-school students.

  • Alternative loans

Families that need additional funding for educational expenses after exhausting all potential scholarships, federal grants, work-study funds, and federal loans may want to consider an “alternative” or “private” loan. Such loans are offered by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. Families are advised to use these loans sparingly and only after discussing their particular situation with SFS staff.

Yale Scholarship

Yale’s need-based grant aid for undergraduates, the Yale Scholarship, is a gift and thus never has to be repaid. If a student is awarded financial aid, the Yale Scholarship amount is included on the Financial Aid Award Letter.

The Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $50,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship in 2015–2016 was $43,989. For additional statistics, see Affordability. Area Yale Club awards, endowed scholarships, and other gift aid from Yale’s alumni and friends may be used as grants in place of some Yale Scholarship funds.

Merit-based scholarships

While Yale does not award merit-based scholarships, Yale students often qualify for merit awards from other organizations. Criteria for receiving merit scholarships are directly linked to a student’s performance in academics, sports, music, or another field of special interest. Potential sources for merit-based awards include:

  • private companies
  • employers
  • nonprofit organizations

Entitlement grants

Entitlement grants are awarded by the federal government, state agencies, or other agencies not affiliated with Yale. The criteria for receiving entitlements are based on federal need, city or state of residence, or affiliation with an employer. An entitlement grant may have a merit component, but if the student would not receive the resource without need, the resource is generally considered an entitlement.

Application deadline

The deadlines to submit an application for Freshman Admission are:

  • Single-Choice Early Action: November 1
  • QuestBridge National College Match: November 1
  • Regular Decision: January 2

Explore our campus

Map

Public art

Exceptional museum collections are the foundation of the public life of art at Yale, but the University’s commitment to art as a public trust does not end at the museum door. From the Old Campus to Science Hill, from Branford College to Memorial Hall, works of art sited in courtyards or plazas, lobbies or lecture halls, inspire reflection and offer aesthetic pleasure.

Museums & Galleries

Chances are you will learn something new every time you enter Yale’s world-class museums and galleries — all of them open to the public, almost all of them free of charge.

There you will find cultural and scientific treasures, from Van Gogh’s “Night Café” to the Guttenberg Bible to historic musical instruments to fossils of the earliest dinosaurs that walked the earth. There, too, are works by leading innovators in art, architecture, moving image, and design.

First-hand encounters with Yale’s collections are an integral part of teaching and learning across the university and forge creative connections that inspire tomorrow’s leaders. People of all ages are invited to visit the collections, join an exhibition tour, take classes with artists and curators, and enjoy the many other public programs offered throughout the year.

Libraries

You’ll discover more than books in our libraries. They also sponsor exhibits, talks, and concerts.

School of Music Concerts

You can enjoy music from the classics to new compositions at over 200 concerts yearly — many of them free.

Yale Repertory Theatre

Take a seat and watch the action unfold onstage at our Tony Award-winning professional theater.

Yale Cabaret

Eat, drink, and experience thought-provoking drama at this theater-restaurant run by drama students.

Undergraduate Organizations

You can choose from hundreds of student groups: some serious, some sublime, and some just for fun.

Yale university book store

Trailblazer New Haven

The University Store

Yale Peabody Museum Store

Sports at Yale

  • Baseball.
  • Men's basketball.
  • Men's crew.
  • Football.
  • Men's ice hockey.
  • Men's lacrosse.
  • Men's swimming and diving
  • Women's basketball.
  • basketball
  • Women's crew
  • Women's ice hockey
  • Women's swimming and diving Edit

Handsome Dan

Handsome Dan is a bulldog who serves as the mascot of Yale University's sports teams.

Yale Housing Intent 2017-2018

Renewals reflect the full term dates:

  • Apartments (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018)
  • Dormitories (August 18, 2017 - May 27, 2018)
  • Returning Medical Students (August 8, 2017 - June 17, 2018)

Yale University Housing Fair - 2017

The Yale Housing Office will be hosting its Third Annual Housing Fair on Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Schwarzman Center, 168 Grove Street and we invite you to attend this free event.

Our intent is to inform our graduate students, faculty and staff about the latest housing options in the Greater New Haven area. Looking for an apartment, condo or permanent home to rent or buy, stop in and visit the over 60 vendors. Attendees can also find out about utilities, local shops and banking options at this fair. Take your photo with Boola, Yale’s Mascot or grab some free refreshments and hot popcorn. Roam the isles and meet with all the vendors many of whom have great free giveaways!

Movies for Residents, Selected by Residents!

Residence Life Cinema

Residence Life Cinema is a service that is provided for all our students living in Yale Housing. As part of the residential experience, Yale Housing works with Residence Life Cinema to provide residents with on demand movies – Pick a Movie you’d like to see and it will be streamed directly to you for your viewing pleasure!

Room information

Room Assignment

By late July you will receive informa­tion about your room assignment and the names of your roommates.

Room Furnishings

The University provides each student with a desk, a chair, a bureau, and a bed (extra long, 80” by 36”). The beds have mattresses, but no pillows. In some dormitories there are additional furnishings. These will be noted in your room assignment. Almost all freshmen live in suites in which they share a living room with several roommates. Consequently, it is a good idea to consult with your roommates over the summer about bringing furniture, stereos, telephones, rugs, televisions, etc. Many rooms have no overhead lighting, so you should plan to bring some lamps with you; halogen lamps, however, are fire hazards and are not permitted.

Laundry

The Associated Student Laundry Agency offers a wide array of services. A popular choice is the “Top Shelf” plan, a weekly all-inclusive program that provides students with bulk wash, dry, and fold service, laundering and pressing of shirts, pants, and skirts, and dry cleaning. The Student Laundry also offers the “Campus Casual” plan, a weekly bulk wash, dry, and fold laundry service. In addition, students can take advantage of dry cleaning on a piece-by-piece basis. Students have access to numerous on-campus laundry room facilities as well.

Linens

Associated Student Agencies offers a full selection of linens for purchase, including sheets designed to fit the extra-long Yale mattresses, coordinating comforters, mattress pads, pillows, and towels. A brochure for ordering the linens that includes information about home or campus delivery will be mailed to you during the summer.

Refrigerators

Students can rent refrigerators through the Associated Student Refrigerator Agency. During the summer you will receive an informational leaflet and ordering instructions. All preordered refrigerators will be delivered to the student’s room prior to move-in day. When ordering, please make sure you enter your freshman room location, not your residential college. If you bring a refrigerator from home or buy one elsewhere, please note that you will not be permitted to store it in the residential colleges during the summer. For more information visit the Associated Student Agencies Web site.

Alcohol & Drug Use

Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and hard liquors (gin, rum, vodka, etc.) will be served in the U.S. at many types of social gatherings — parties, sporting events, receptions, etc. You must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages in the state of Connecticut. It is against Connecticut state law to buy or serve alcohol to anyone under 21.DRUGS ARE NOT ALLOWED

Dining Services

All resident students are required to have a meal contract. Freshmen are required to have the Full Meal Plan, but may upgrade to the optional Anytime Meal Plan. Upperclass residents may choose either the Anytime Meal Plan, the Full Meal Plan, or the Any-14 Meal Plan. Nonresident students may arrange on a term basis for the Off Campus Meal Plan, the Full Meal Plan, the Any-14 Meal Plan, or Eli Bucks for the purchase of individual meals. Follow the appropriate links to obtain more information about meal plans, the Yale Dining calendar and the operating schedule.

My plan of courses

General Biology or Zoology (2 semesters)

General Chemistry (2 semesters)

Organic Chemistry (1 semester)

Biochemistry (1 semester)

General Physics (2 semesters)

My 10 quiestions

  1. If I am taking my final SAT test in January and only find out my first semester grades after the application deadline has passed. Will my scores arrive in time?
  2. Jane Austen asks: I forgot to include something in my application/ I need to change something on my application but I have already applied. How can I fix this?
  3. If I have applied to Yale College. How do I check my application status?
  4. Are there any standardized testing score cut offs? How about GPA ranges?
  5. Is it possible to obtain an on-campus or alumni interview?
  6. If i have visited campus three times or more and attended an evening information session. Does that count in favor of my being admitted?
  7. What happens if they get you on campus with drugs?
  8. If I have I am student and I have a work in Yale how many hours they people are required to work?
  9. What happens if they discover that you gave alcohol to a under age person in the university?
  10. If your family visits you, they are allowed to stay at your room over the night?

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