Alumni volunteers and current Yale students conduct evaluative interviews, by invitation only.
An interview can provide the Admissions Committee with important additional information about what an applicant is likely to contribute to the Yale community and how they might take advantage of Yale’s resources. All Yale interviews are evaluative. Admissions officers read interview reports alongside application materials.
If invited to interview, use it as an opportunity to help your application stand out.
Although the interviewer will get the ball rolling with questions, come prepared to be an engaged conversationalist. Rather than answering a question with a one-word, direct answer, approach each question as an opportunity to elaborate on various aspects of who you are. Share whatever additional information you feel the admissions committee should consider in order to fully appreciate your ideas, intellectual curiosity, character, and values. Interviewers can also learn about candidates from the interesting, thoughtful questions they bring to the conversation.
Frequently asked questions
No. Interviews are by invitation only.
The Yale Alumni Schools Committee (ASC) conducts interviews wherever there is a local association of alumni volunteers. Also, a small group of Yale seniors serve as Senior Interviewers and conduct virtual interviews with selected applicants, regardless of location.
No. Interviews are not required, and many successful applicants are not interviewed.
Because of limited interviewing capacity, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prioritizes interviews for students for whom the Admissions Committee would value additional information. Not receiving an interview invitation is not an indication that your application is not competitive.
Interviews for Early Action applicants are scheduled in late November and early December. Interviews for Regular Decision interviews are scheduled in January, February, and early March.
Invitations from local alumni volunteers and Yale student interviewers are sent via email. Be sure to regularly check the email address you included with your application.
If contacted by an alumni volunteer, you will work with that individual to find a mutually convenient time. You may meet in person (usually at a local coffee shop or library) or opt to connect virtually. If contacted by a Yale student interviewer, you will schedule a time for a virtual interview using an online scheduler.
Interviews typically last between 30 and 60 minutes and include time for you to ask questions of your interviewer.
Advice on putting together your application
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Course Selection
Challenge yourself with a balanced academic program that includes demanding courses in a wide range of subjects.
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Recommendation Letters
Request letters of recommendation from two teachers who know you well.
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Essays
Write about something that matters to you. Share your unique perspective. Use your own voice.
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Interviews
A limited number of applicants are invited for an evaluative interview.
