S3E14: How to Answer the Yale Supplement (2024)

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down the Yale University supplement, guiding applicants through the nuances of both the short and longer essay questions. He emphasizes the importance of research, personal reflection, and thoughtful responses to create a cohesive narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

Summary of Key Points:

1. "Why Yale" Essay: This standard "Why this school?" essay requires thorough research on what makes Yale a unique fit for your academic and personal goals. Thomas advises avoiding generic praise and instead connecting Yale's offerings to your specific interests and future plans.

2. Yale Short Takes (200 characters each):

• What inspires you?: Be genuine and concise—choose something that reflects who you are without overthinking it.

• If you could teach any college course…: Show your intellectual curiosity and have fun. The course should reflect something unique to your interests.

• Significant influence (non-family member): Focus on someone meaningful in your life—someone who has truly impacted you in a way you can express clearly and briefly.

• What's not included in your application?: This can be a lighthearted or fun fact about yourself, offering insight into a unique or quirky aspect of your personality.

3. Longer Yale Essay (400 words):

• Disagreeing with someone: It's important to discuss how you handled the disagreement and what you learned, regardless of whether you "won." Yale values intellectual flexibility and growth.

• Membership in a community: Clearly define your community and then focus on your role within it. Your definition of community can be broad, but your connection to it must be personal and meaningful.

• Reflection on an unmentioned experience: This essay should dive deeper into an aspect of your lived experience or identity that hasn't been addressed elsewhere in your application. Yale is looking for how this unique part of you will enrich the campus community.

The Yale supplement provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase both their intellectual curiosity and their personal identity. By following Thomas Caleel's advice, students can craft focused, thoughtful essays that highlight what makes them a perfect fit for Yale's community.

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