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. For more insights and tips on college admissions, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.  

Om Podcasten

Does thinking about applying to college, grad school, or prep school make your head spin? The Admittedly Podcast is for both parents and students preparing for or navigating school admissions. We aim to demystify the admissions process and share with you what you really need to know to succeed. Our host, Thomas Caleel, former director of MBA admissions and financial aid for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is here to help. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and CEO of a global admissions consulting agency where he works with families worldwide to help them achieve their educational goals. New episodes go live every Tuesday and Thursday. Learn from our guest speakers, live coaching sessions, and weekly solo episodes. Have admissions questions you'd like answered on the show? Apply to be coached by Thomas himself on one of our upcoming recordings. In this podcast, we don't promise easy answers or quick fixes. But with decades of experience under his belt, Thomas will address the practical aspects of applying to school and how to think like an admissions officer to improve your college or prep school application.