Standardized Testing

First-year and transfer applicants can fulfill Yale’s standardized testing requirement with four types of tests.

Library

If applying without ACT or SAT scores, include results from all AP or IB subject exams completed prior to applying.

Yale’s test-flexible policy

When applying for first-year and transfer admission you will choose which test scores to include from four options: 

  • ACT
  • Advanced Placement (AP) 
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • SAT

If you opt to meet Yale’s requirement with AP or IB scores and do not include ACT or SAT scores, you should include results from all subject exams completed prior to applying. If you opt to meet Yale’s requirement with ACT or SAT scores, you may also include any completed AP or IB scores of your choosing. 

Only completed scores—not predicted scores—may be used to meet Yale’s requirement. 

Standardized tests: our advice

Learn more about what test-flexible means, how Yale considers standardized tests, and review our advice on selecting scores to include

Yale's advice on standardized testing
Class at the Yale Art Gallery

Testing policies

If you opt to report results from the ACT, include scores from the English, Mathematics, and Reading sections, as well as a Composite score. The Science and Writing sections are optional.

You may report “super-scored” results from the SAT or ACT, i.e. your highest section scores or an ACT composite score from across multiple test administrations. A super-scored ACT composite must match what the testing agency provides. Do not recalculate an ACT composite from ACT tests with a required Science section and ACT tests with an optional Science section. 

Predicted IB scores may not be used to fulfill Yale’s standardized testing requirement. Many students in IB Diploma programs will not have completed IB scores at the time they apply and should use another option (ACT,  SAT, or AP) to meet Yale’s requirement. 

If you are not including ACT or SAT scores with your application, you should report results from all AP or IB subject exams completed prior to applying. There is no minimum number of AP or IB scores required. If you include results from the ACT or SAT, you may also submit the AP or IB scores of your choosing.

Yale  consider self-reported scores when reviewing applications. Applicants who are admitted and matriculate at Yale will be required to provide official results of all self-reported scores prior to enrolling. Discrepancies between an applicant’s self-reported scores and official scores may result in the withdrawal of an offer of admission. Yale’s CEEB code for the SAT and AP is 3987; the ACT code is 0618.

Each application platform includes a section to self-report test scores. When completing the Yale-specific questions with your application, you will also respond to two prompts: 

  1. “Select the standardized test(s) you would like considered with your application.”
  2.  “Do the scores from the test(s) you selected above appear in the testing section of your application? If no - share scores from your selected test(s) that do not appear in the testing section of your application.

You may self-report new or additional scores after submitting your application by using the “Update Admissions Application” form on the Yale Admissions Status Portal, or list Yale as an official score recipient with the testing agency.

Standardized tests completed after the application deadline may be received and share in time for consideration by the Admissions Committee. ACT and SAT exams completed in October or November are generally available for consideration in Yale’s Single-Choice Early Action round. Exams completed in January or February are generally available for consideration in the Regular Decision round.  Exams completed in March are generally available for consideration for transfer applicants. 

Testing for non-native English speakers

If you are a non-native English speaker without two or more years of enrollment in an English-medium school, you are required to submit scores from an English proficiency test, in addition to fulfilling Yale’s standardized testing requirement with ACT, SAT, AP or IB scores. 

English proficiency test options

The TOEFL iBT requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Applicants can take the test at home or at a test center. Yale’s most competitive applicants typically earn a score of 5 or higher (for tests taken after January 21, 2026) or at least 100 (for tests taken before January 21, 2026).

The IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher.

Cambridge English exams are available at testing locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have Cambridge English scores of 185 or higher on the C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or B2 First exams.

Duolingo English Test (DET) combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place with internet access. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

InitialView provides live, unscripted video interviews that candidates may submit to colleges for consideration with other application materials. Interview times must be reserved in advance. There is no scoring associated with these interviews.

Inside the Yale Admissions Office Podcast

Podcast transcripts

Learn more about first-year admission

  • Requirements

    Yale requires letters of recommendation, a school report with transcript, and standardized test scores.

  • Timelines

    Learn about single-choice early action, regular decision, and the QuestBridge National College Match.

  • Testing

    Yale’s test-flexible policy requires applicants to submit scores from one or more of the following exams: ACT, AP, IB, or SAT.

  • Supplements

    Applicants may submit supplementary material showcasing Visual Art, Dance, Music, Film, or STEM research.