S4E30: Applying to Yale: A Guide to the Short Answers and Essays

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel breaks down Yale’s 2025 writing supplements and short answers so you can respond with clarity, strategy, and genuine voice. From selecting up to three academic areas on the application to explaining a topic that truly excites you, Thomas shows how to demonstrate curiosity without becoming monothematic and how to tie your interests authentically to Yale.

You’ll hear practical guidance for the “why Yale” short answer, how to keep the 200-character list questions fresh and human, and how to choose among the 400-word prompts without stumbling into confrontational or cliché territory. Thomas also flags common traps to avoid: performative “voluntourism,” repetitive inspiration answers, and vague claims that do not map to your actual record.

Whether you are just starting your Yale application or refining final drafts, this episode helps you use the catalog wisely, show cross-disciplinary curiosity, and pick details that make an admissions officer remember you.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @admittedlyco for more essay tips, and visit www.admittedly.co for webinars, resources, and guidance on applying to Yale and other highly selective schools.