What Yale Looks For, Part 2: Supporting Others

Yale’s holistic admissions process prioritizes applicants who demonstrate moral concern and a capacity to support others, moving beyond purely academic metrics. This approach, rooted in the university’s commitment to building a collaborative community, traces its origins to a 1967 policy document by President Kingman Brewster. While the process acknowledges its historical origins in exclusion, modern selection criteria seek individuals who uplift peers, contribute to community projects, and engage with diverse perspectives. Applicants should use their activities lists, essays, and teacher recommendations to provide evidence of these interpersonal strengths. Rather than seeking grand, sweeping gestures, the committee values consistent, positive impact on others in ordinary settings. Ultimately, the admissions team looks for students who view success as a collective endeavor, ensuring the incoming class is prepared to contribute meaningfully to the Yale environment.