Yale University's Summer Session — 6 Reasons to Apply
Pre-college summer programs are a valuable opportunity to boost your academic and extracurricular profile. They help you explore college-level coursework and develop skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and independence. These experiences allow you to explore specific fields of interest and establish networks with faculty, industry experts, and other students that can prove vital to your future career.
They also give you a glimpse of college life, making your transition smoother. For competitive college admissions, such programs demonstrate your motivation, intellectual curiosity, and ability to excel in a rigorous academic environment. Today’s blog provides an in-depth look at an offering from one of America’s most prestigious universities—Yale University’s Summer Session.
What is the Yale Summer Session all about?
The Yale Summer Session (YSS) is a 5-10 week program designed to offer high school students a taste of college life and learning. Through this program, you can earn Yale credits while engaging in college-level coursework. YSS is open to students from all over the world, fostering a diverse academic community. The program allows you to gain broadly applicable skills to prepare you for future academic challenges. The program offers both an online and a residential option at Yale’s campus in New Haven, maximizing accessibility.
How is the program structured?
YSS operates in two distinct batches:
Session A: May 26 - June 27
Session B: June 30 - August 1
You can participate in either batch or both. Within the session itself, you have multiple options for what to learn. YSS offers everything from college-level courses specializing in academic fields to workshops, seminars, and conservatories:
You can attend up to two courses per session and earn credit toward your major. These courses are taught by Yale faculty with the same depth as a college-level course. They allow you to explore a field in which you are interested. The list of courses for the upcoming session becomes available in mid-January. Not every course will be available online; some may have additional prerequisites.
The Yale Writers’ Workshop is a two-week experience focused on creative writing. You will explore fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting through workshops led by published authors. Faculty provide personalized feedback, while guest speakers—agents, editors, and writers—offer insights into the literary world. The program encourages you to refine your craft and leave with a deeper understanding of the writing process.
ELI is ideal for international students to enhance their academic and professional English. The curriculum focuses on advanced grammar, writing, and speaking skills through interactive sessions and group projects. With access to Yale’s resources and instructors, you will gain confidence in using English in academic and cultural contexts. Field trips and activities will integrate language learning with cultural experiences.
This five-week program is for aspiring actors who want to enhance their craft. Rooted in Stanislavski’s techniques, the curriculum includes acting, voice and movement training, and scene study. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from acclaimed actors and industry professionals like Welker White, Damian Young, and Evan Yionoulis. The program emphasizes practice and rehearsals, with a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:4 to allow you to benefit from mentorship.
Is it prestigious?
Yale Summer Session comes with the prestige of association with Yale University. The entry criteria are demanding, and only a fraction of applicants are admitted annually. Being part of YSS allows you to work with Yale’s faculty and access the university’s facilities. The program’s focus on intellectual curiosity and academic discipline ensures that participants leave with a competitive edge. Networking opportunities with peers and professionals further enhance the program’s value, providing a foundation for future academic success.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for the Yale Summer Session, you must:
Be entering your senior year of high school or starting college.
Be at least 16 years old by the program’s start date.
Submit required documents, including transcripts and test scores, as part of the application process.
How does the application process work?
Applying to the Yale Summer Session involves the following steps:
Submit an Online Application: Fill out the application form on the official YSS website.
Provide Supporting Documents:
A high school transcript with at least 2.5 years of grades.
Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or academic advisor.
One of the following standardized test scores – ACT, AP, IB, SAT, or PSAT.
A US-based health insurance card if you’re a US resident. International students have additional requirements.
Pay the Application Fee: Submit the $80 non-refundable fee.
How much does the Yale Summer Session cost?
The program’s costs vary based on the courses you choose, how many credits those courses have, whether you attend one session or both, and whether you opt for the online or residential program.
Tuition starts at $5,270 per 1-credit course. Housing, meals, and activities are an additional $4,230 per session, along with a $170 health fee per session.
Financial aid is limited for non-Yale students, and you’ll need to explore options with the Yale financial aid office.
Six reasons to apply
Advanced academic environmentThe Yale Summer Session (YSS) allows you to experience the intellectual atmosphere of Yale University. Classes are intentionally small, ensuring you receive personalized attention from Yale's faculty. The program's rigorous curriculum challenges you to think critically and engage deeply with complex ideas. You'll collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, offering new opportunities for intellectual exchange. The academic setting fosters discipline, preparing you to excel in future college-level courses. Participating in such an academic environment signals your commitment to learning, a quality highly valued by college admissions officers.
Specialized programs tailored to your interestsYSS offers a variety of programs, including the Yale Writers’ Workshop, English Language Institute, and Yale Conservatory for Actors, each designed to deepen your skills in a specific area. These programs go beyond standard summer courses, providing specialized learning experiences guided by experts. Each program integrates theory with practice, ensuring you leave with knowledge and applicable skills. Additionally, the hands-on approach encourages creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.
Earn college credit while preparing for the futureUnlike many high school summer programs, YSS allows you to earn Yale University credits. These credits can strengthen your college applications and may even transfer to your future college, depending on their policies. By tackling college-level coursework, you’ll gain experience managing the demands of higher education, from time management to research and academic writing. The program helps bridge the gap between high school and college, giving you the confidence to excel in a university environment.
Networking opportunitiesAt YSS, you'll connect with peers from across the globe, forming networks that could be useful in the future. These connections can be valuable as you navigate college applications, internships, and future career opportunities. The program also provides access to Yale's faculty, who offer mentorship. YSS often invites guest speakers—professionals in various fields—to share their insights.
Access to world-class facilities and resourcesAs a YSS participant, you can access Yale’s resources, including libraries, labs, and performance spaces. These facilities are designed to support academic excellence and creativity, whether you're conducting research, writing, or performing. You can explore Yale’s cultural resources, such as museums and art galleries, enriching your experience.
It’s a solid boost to your college application profileParticipating in YSS shows colleges that you are proactive about your education and willing to challenge yourself. The program's selectivity, along with its association with Yale, adds weight to your application. Furthermore, the skills, experiences, and accomplishments you gain can provide compelling material for your personal statement and supplemental essays.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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