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Yale Acceptance Rate, SAT, ACT & GPA

Last Updated on Feb 25, 2025
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Admission to Yale University is a remarkable feat, considering that it is one of the world's most elite Ivy League schools. Yale is very selective, with an acceptance rate of only 5%, admitting only the best of the best students.

The university follows a holistic admissions process, considering academic excellence, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, personal essays, and recommendation letters. While Yale has a test-optional policy, submitting SAT Exam scores between 1500–1560 or ACT Exam scores between 33–35 can strengthen an application. Additionally, a strong GPA of 3.8–4.0 is crucial for securing admission.

🚀 Use Testbook’s SAT Score Calculator to Find Your SAT Scores! 

Did You Know These Facts About Yale University?

1️⃣ One of the Oldest Universities in the U.S.! 🎓 Yale was founded in 1701, making it the third-oldest university in the country.
2️⃣ Presidential Alumni! 🇺🇸 Yale has educated five U.S. presidents, including George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
3️⃣ Secret Societies! 🕵️‍♂️ Yale is famous for its exclusive secret societies, including the Skull and Bones society, which has notable members like former presidents and business leaders.
4️⃣ Home to the Ivy League’s Largest Library! 📚 The Yale University Library holds over 15 million volumes, making it one of the largest academic libraries in the world.
5️⃣ Hollywood Ties! 🎬 Many famous actors and directors, including Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, and Paul Newman, graduated from Yale.

🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!

Element

Details

College Name

Yale University

College Location

New Haven, Connecticut

University Short Form

Yale

Acceptance Rate

5%

Single-Choice Early Action Due

November 1

Regular Application Due

January 2

FAFSA Deadline

March 1

SAT Scores

1500–1560*

ACT Scores

33–35*

🚀 Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Yale University Admission Requirements

Yale seeks students with exceptional academic records, leadership potential, and extracurricular engagement. The admissions process is highly competitive, and a strong application includes impressive standardized test scores, a compelling personal statement, and outstanding letters of recommendation.

Requirement

Details

Application Platforms

Common Application, Coalition Application

SAT Score (Middle 50%)

1500–1560*

ACT Score (Middle 50%)

33–35*

GPA Requirement

Typically between 3.8 and 4.0

Application Requirements

2 Teacher Recommendations, School Report, Personal Essay, Extracurricular Activities

Application Fee

$80

If you have strong SAT, ACT scores, and a solid GPA, your chances of admission increase. But Yale considers more than just numbers—they want students who show leadership, passion, and unique contributions to their communities.

Yale SAT Requirements

Yale is test-optional, but a strong SAT score can boost your chances. The Yale minimum SAT score is 1500, and aiming for 1560 makes your application even more competitive.

Yale Average SAT Scores for Admitted Students

If you're aiming for Yale, having a top-tier SAT score is crucial. The average SAT score for Yale is 1530, with most admitted students scoring between 1500 and 1560. Below is a breakdown of Yale SAT scores for admitted students:

Section

Average

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Math

780

750

800

Reading + Writing

770

740

790

Composite

1530

1500

1560

Students who have a goal at Yale should set a target score of 1550+ for competitive purposes. Applicants with below 1500 should support their application with incredible extracurriculars and high-quality essays.

Yale SAT Score Distribution

Scoring high on the SAT can give you a competitive edge in Yale's highly selective admissions process. The average SAT score for Yale is 1550, with most students scoring between 1500 and 1560. Here’s a breakdown of Yale SAT scores:

Percentile

Yale SAT Score

25th

1500

50th (Median)

1550

75th

1560

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Yale University Schools That Consider SAT Scores

While Yale University is test-optional, strong SAT scores can still play a role in the admissions process, especially for competitive programs. Some schools within Yale may consider SAT scores as part of a well-rounded application. Here are some of Yale’s key schools:

  • Yale College
  • School of Engineering & Applied Science
  • Yale School of Music
  • Yale School of Art
  • Yale School of Architecture

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Yale University ACT Score Requirements

If you're thinking about the ACT, shooting for a top score is key! The Yale average ACT score ranges from 33 to 35, so the closer you get to 35, the stronger your application will be. Aim high and stand out!

Average Yale University ACT Scores for Admitted Students

If you're aiming for Yale, a top-tier ACT score is crucial. The Yale average ACT score for admitted students is around 34, with most scoring between 33 and 35. A higher score can definitely boost your chances! Here's a breakdown:

ACT Percentile

ACT Score Range

25th Percentile

33

50th Percentile (Median)

34

75th Percentile

35

Yale superscores the ACT, meaning it considers your highest section scores across multiple test dates.

Yale GPA Requirement

A high GPA is crucial for Yale admissions. Most admitted students have GPAs between 3.8 and 4.0, with many achieving perfect 4.0s.

Yale University Average GPA for Admitted Students

If you're aiming for Yale, having a strong GPA is a must. The average Yale GPA requirements is 3.9, showing that most admitted students have near-perfect grades, so excelling in challenging coursework can give you a competitive edge. Here's a breakdown:

GPA Percentile

GPA Range

25th Percentile

3.8

50th Percentile (Median)

3.9

75th Percentile

4.0+

Students with lower GPAs should compensate with strong SAT/ACT scores, leadership roles, and exceptional essays.

📌 Check out the upcoming SAT Test Dates for your SAT Examination!

Yale Acceptance Rate

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Yale is one of the toughest schools to get into. It’s super competitive, so you’ll need top grades, strong test scores, and a standout application to have a shot!

Yale Acceptance Rate

Total Applicants

Admitted

Enrolled

5% (Highly Selective)

51,803

2,332

1,641

With so many applicants and such a low acceptance rate, only the strongest students with outstanding applications make the cut.

🚀Also, Get Familiar with Should You Guess on SAT & ACT? before appearing for SAT and ACT exams. 

Yale University Scholarships

Yale offers generous financial aid, ensuring that cost isn't a barrier for talented students. Most scholarships are need-based, meaning your family's financial situation determines the amount of aid you receive, making a Yale education more accessible and affordable.

  1. Yale University Need-Based Financial Aid – Covers up to 100% of demonstrated financial need.
  2. Yale International Student Scholarships – Available for international students with financial need.
  3. Yale Merit Scholarships – While Yale primarily offers need-based aid, some external merit scholarships are available.

Many students receive substantial aid, with over 50% getting financial assistance.

🚀Ace Your Upcoming ACT Test Preparation with our detailed preparation Guide!

Yale University Superscoring Policy

Yale superscores both the SAT and ACT, so they’ll take your highest section scores from different test dates. This means you get the chance to show off your best performance, giving your application a solid boost in the admissions process!

🚀 Know the SAT Writing Tips to Score Well on the SAT!

Conclusion

Yale University is one of the most competitive Ivy League schools, with an acceptance rate of just 5%, making it a dream school for many high-achieving students. To stand out, you’ll want a strong SAT score between 1500 and 1560, an ACT score in the range of 33 to 35, and a high GPA, typically 3.8 or above. But getting into Yale isn’t just about the numbers—admissions officers look for students who bring something unique to the table. A compelling application with strong essays, meaningful extracurriculars, and a clear demonstration of leadership, passion, and impact in your community can make all the difference.

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of some of the top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Yale University Admissions FAQs

No, Yale is test-optional, but submitting a high SAT score can strengthen your application.

Yale has an acceptance rate of 5%, making it one of the most selective universities.

A GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 is typically required for competitive applicants.

Yes! Yale considers the highest section scores across multiple test attempts.

Yes, Yale offers need-based financial aid, covering up to 100% of demonstrated need.

No, Yale University does not require SAT Subject Tests. In fact, Yale has discontinued considering SAT Subject Test scores as part of the admissions process.

Yale is not very rigorous about SATs, but candidates who are strong usually have a score of 1500–1560. To have the best shot, shoot for the higher end, particularly if seeking admission to extremely competitive programs.

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