When applying to Yale College, applicants should carefully evaluate whether to include supplementary materials. The Admissions Committee primarily focuses on the required application components, so it is generally best to concentrate on these core elements.
However, if you have significant and well-developed talent that you feel cannot be fully represented through the standard application materials, you may choose to submit additional materials. These could include audio recordings, musical scores, art samples, writing samples, scientific research papers, films, or dance videos. Please note that applicants should not contact faculty members for auditions or reviews of their work.
How to Submit Supplementary Material
Art samples should be submitted via the Arts Portfolio Submission Tool, accessible through the Yale Admissions Status Portal.
Using the Arts Portfolio Submission Tool - Visual Art
To submit a visual arts supplement, follow these steps before and after submitting your application:
When completing your Yale application, indicate your intention to submit an arts supplement by selecting “Yes” in response to the question, “Do you plan to submit an arts or science/engineering supplement as part of your Yale application?” Be sure to specify the type(s) of supplement you will be providing.
After you submit your application and receive confirmation from the admissions office, activate your Yale Admissions Status Portal. You will receive a confirmation email with a personalized link and PIN.
Upload your media through the Arts Portfolio Submission Tool, which will be accessible on the Yale Admissions Status Portal. This tool supports various file types, including video, audio, image, and document files, as well as URLs to online videos.
Complete the Arts Supplement Questionnaire to provide additional details and finalize your arts portfolio.
The deadlines for submitting media through the Arts Portfolio Submission Tool and completing the Arts Supplement Questionnaire are as follows:
November 8 for Single-Choice Early Action candidates
January 9 for Regular Decision candidates
March 1 for transfer candidates
Please Note:
The Arts Portfolio Submission Tool will only be available to applicants who indicated their intention to submit an arts supplement on the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire.
Once you submit the Arts Supplement Questionnaire, your arts portfolio will be finalized and cannot be modified.
Supplementary materials, like all other parts of the application, are subject to audit and verification.
Supplementary Materials - Visual Art
Applicants who are accomplished visual artists—regardless of their intended major—may choose to submit an art portfolio as part of their application. It is important to note that portfolios are reviewed by faculty from the Yale School of Art rather than admissions officers. Submit artwork only if it is a significant and integral part of your application and demonstrates a high level of skill for a high school artist. The recommended number of pieces for submission is between 5 and 8.
Source: Yale University