Freshman Applicants

Candidates are expected to meet the following criteria in order to apply:

High school GPA of 85 or above (or a strong B average).

For your application to be processed, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions must receive the following items:

1. Completed Application
   Applicants can begin by creating an account. This will give them access to their personal application portal where they will be able to submit their admissions application. Once the application has been submitted, the supplemental application requirements will populate based on the applicant’s admission type. The applicant will be prompted to upload their essay and a list of their extracurricular activities or resume. The applicant will also be able to provide the names and contact information of recommenders, who will receive a link to their e-mail to upload their letters of recommendation directly into the application system. The applicant’s high school transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by their high school administration.  The ACT/SAT is not required for general admission, but if submitted, the applicant’s ACT/SAT official score report must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by the testing service. Finally, every applicant requires an interview.  We may be offering interviews at the applicant's school and if not, please contact yuadmit@yu.edu to schedule an interview.  Applicants can always check their application status or the status of their items by logging into their portal.
2. $65 Nonrefundable Application Fee
   Payment can be processed in the personal application portal.
3. Essay
   Please respond to one of the following prompts in 500-750 words:  Essay should be uploaded to the applicant’s application portal in either PDF or Word format.
   Essays Topics
   Essay Option 1: Hakarat hatov: Write a thank you letter to someone in your life.  Express your gratitude and detail what you appreciate and why it is important to you.
   Essay Option 2: Here's how I intend to change the world...
4. Short Answer Questions (25 words or less). 
   Pick 3. Try to be as specific, creative, personal and original as possible.  Responses should be uploaded to the applicant’s application portal in either PDF or Word format.
   1. My approach to managing rejection is...
   2. I feel most responsible when...
   3. I discovered my own resilience when...
   4. The greatest chessed I ever did was...
   5. People say I am honest because...
   6. ___________ brings me joy.
5. Resume/Extracurricular Activity List 
   Please upload a resume or extracurricular activity list that details your extracurricular involvement, internships and work experience at school and in your community.
6. Official SAT or ACT Scores - Optional for regular decision applicants.
   Official scores must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the testing service (i.e., College Board, ACT). does not require the writing section on the SAT or ACT.
   
   's SAT school code is 2990
   's ACT school code is 2992
7. Official High School Transcript
   High school transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the high school administration (e.g., college guidance counselor, principal).
8. Letter of Recommendation 
   Please identify a teacher who can comment on your academic ability as well as your potential, personality, creativity and leadership qualities to help the Admissions Committee understand why you are truly outstanding. Your personal application portal will allow you to send an email to the person you have selected.  
9. Interview with a Admissions Officer
   Schedule an interview
   takes a holistic approach in reviewing an applicant’s candidacy.  The interview allows the Admissions officer to meet all applicants and get to know them outside of their application.

Newly admitted students can have their College courses taken during High School count towards their undergraduate degree.