Ultimate Guide to Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is one of the world’s leading summer programs for outstanding high school students. This guide covers what YYGS is and how to get in. Dates, fees, and prompts change each cycle, so confirm the current details on the YYGS site.

What is Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)?

YYGS is an academic enrichment program for outstanding high school students from around the world. Each summer, students from over 150 countries (including all 50 U.S. states) take part in a two-week interdisciplinary session at Yale’s campus.

“Yale Young Global Scholars empowers the next generation of leaders by building a global community and designing interdisciplinary programs that foster intellectual curiosity, deepen understanding and inspire creative action across all borders.”

YYGS Website

YYGS runs three sessions over the summer (I, II, III), each featuring four academic tracks. A typical day includes lectures, seminars, small-group breakout sessions, and time on a capstone project. The four tracks are:

• Innovations in Science & Technology (IST)
• Literature, Philosophy, & Culture (LPC)
• Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE)
• Solving Global Challenges (SGC)

The three sessions are spread across the summer, typically from late June through early August. Check the YYGS site for the current year’s exact dates.

Yale Young Global Scholars Eligibility

Like any summer program, YYGS has eligibility requirements. Make sure you meet them before applying:

1. Be 16-18 years old by the first day of Session III.
2. Be able to engage in a rigorous academic program delivered in English.
3. Be in grade 10 or 11 (or the international equivalent) at the time of application.
4. Have a graduation date the year after applying (Northern Hemisphere, May/June), or November/December of the current or following year (Southern Hemisphere).
5. Be a first-time YYGS participant (if you applied before and weren’t admitted, you’re encouraged to try again).

Yale Young Global Scholars Application

As you go through the application, look for:

• Personal, household, and financial information you may need to provide
• Coursework, grades, and references from your school(s)
• Short answers you’ll need to write
• Essays you’ll need to write
• Need-based financial aid for those with demonstrated need
• Additional information to help YYGS staff get to know you

YYGS strongly encourages you to review the current sample application, available on the YYGS website.

What are the YYGS Application Requirements?

To maximize your chances, make sure your application includes all required materials:

1. An activities list detailing extracurriculars and work experiences outside school.
2. Two essays, one around 400 words and one around 200 words. (Past prompts: “What can you do today that you did not think you could do a year ago?” and “Tell us about something that has influenced you and how it has shaped you.”)
3. Two short-answer responses (around 280 characters each). (Past prompts: “Tell us about something that has influenced you and how it has shaped you.” and “What would you be willing to wait in a really long line for? Why?”)
4. An official school transcript.
5. One recommender to complete a recommendation form.
6. Optional: English fluency test scores and a financial aid application.

How to Get into YYGS: Tips and Tricks

YYGS is highly competitive given its prestige and global applicant pool. Here’s how to stand out.

1. Start early

The application has multiple components: essays, a recommendation, and transcripts. Starting early gives you time to gather everything, reflect, and polish your essays.

It also gives your recommender and counselor enough time to prepare. The rule of thumb is to ask for recommendations or transcripts at least two weeks in advance.

YYGS has two application cycles, Early Action and Regular Decision. A typical timeline looks like this (confirm the current dates and fees on the YYGS site):

Early Action

1. Early October: applications open.
2. Early November: application deadline (application fee around $70).
3. Late December: admission decisions and financial aid offers.
4. Early January: deadline to accept or decline and pay tuition.

Regular Decision

1. Mid-January: application deadline (application fee around $85).
2. Mid-March: admission decisions and financial aid offers.
3. Mid-March: deadline to accept or decline and pay tuition.

2. Showcase your passion

YYGS looks for students who are passionate and curious. Let your enthusiasm for your subjects and activities come through in your essays, activities list, and short answers.

Your extracurriculars matter as much as the character you show in your essays. Think about which track fits you best and tailor your application to it, showing how you’ve explored your field of interest and the role it plays in your life.

3. Highlight leadership and initiative

YYGS values leadership and initiative. Highlight times you’ve led a project or taken on a leadership role, whether in school, your community, or elsewhere.

4. Get strong recommendations

Choose a recommender who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, character, and achievements, and give them enough time to write a thoughtful letter.

5. Demonstrate academic excellence

YYGS isn’t solely about grades, but academic excellence still matters. Make sure your transcript reflects your abilities, and include any honors or awards.

Join Our Skool Community

If you’re serious about getting into YYGS, join our Skool community for:

• Exclusive tips and strategies from students
• Peer support to keep you motivated through the application process
• Webinars and Q&A sessions with experts

Conclusion

YYGS is an excellent way to explore your interests, get a taste of college life, and learn about subjects beyond the classroom. The keys to a successful application are to start early, be authentic, and highlight your unique strengths and experiences. Good luck!