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US holisticUnited States · Bachelor’sResearched 0d ago

Computer Science

Yale University
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Overview
Yale Computer Science is an undergraduate major within Yale College, so admission is handled through Yale’s general first-year holistic review rather than a separate CS-specific process. Yale says it reads the transcript, essays, and standardized tests as part of a whole-person evaluation, with academic strength the first consideration.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

Yale does not use a required portfolio for Computer Science admission. Optional supplementary academic research may be submitted, but the CS major itself has no portfolio-based admission track.

Bar to clear: Not used by this program

Statement of PurposeHigh

Yale heavily values the application essays for personal voice, reflection, and motivation. The essays help the committee understand the applicant beyond grades and scores.

Bar to clear: Thoughtful, reflective Yale essays with a clear personal voice

Academics & GPAHigh

The high school transcript is Yale’s single most important document, and the committee looks for sustained academic strength, rigor, and readiness for Yale coursework.

Bar to clear: Very strong transcript with top grades in a rigorous curriculum

Test scoresMedium

Yale requires ACT or SAT scores and says they are an important component of academic evaluation; for STEM-bound applicants, a strong math section is especially important.

Bar to clear: ACT or SAT required; 95th-percentile-level scores are typical of admitted students

Application components

Yale essay responsesSchool transcript / GPAACT or SAT scores
How to stand out
Take the most rigorous math and CS-relevant coursework available and keep grades consistently strong.
Use the essays to show why computing matters to you and how you think, not just what you have done.
Submit SAT or ACT scores that are clearly competitive, with particular attention to the math section.
If you have substantial CS or STEM research work, include it only as optional supplemental material, not as a substitute for core academics.

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