Freshman
Applicants

OVERVIEW

You’re ready to apply—and we’re excited you’re considering Yeshiva University. Whether you’re finishing high school in the U.S. or currently studying in Israel, this is the place to start your application.

Interested in the Honors Program?

Looking to apply to one of our Associate Programs?

Who Should Apply

Completing or have recently completed high school (including students currently learning in Israel)

Have not already earned a Bachelor's Degree

Typically have a high school GPA of 85 or higher (or a solid B average)

What You’ll Need to Submit

Completed Application

Begin by creating your online application account. Once submitted, you will upload supplemental materials based on your application type in the portal.

$65 Non-refundable Application Fee

Payment is processed securely in your applicant portal.

Essay Prompts

For Spring 2027 admissions and beyond, applicants should select 1 of the following essay prompts:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Personal Statement

How do you see Yeshiva University supporting your academic goals while helping you grow personally and within your values? (250 words or less)

Resume or Extracurricular Activity List

Highlight your involvement in school, internships, work experience, and community activities.

Official High School Transcript

Must be sent directly from your high school to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Letter of Recommendation

Select a teacher or administrator who knows your academic ability and personal strengths—someone who can speak to your leadership, creativity, and potential. Through your portal, you’ll be able to email them a secure link to upload their letter directly.

Interview with an Admissions Officer

An interview is required for all applicants. We may visit your school, or you can schedule your interview here. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you beyond the application—so we strongly encourage thoughtful conversation. If you are applying from Israel, please be in touch with a member from our Israel admissions office to schedule your interview.

Optional: SAT or ACT Scores

YU requires standardized test scores ONLY for applicants to our Honors program. All other students are invited to submit their scores, however, they are not required. If you choose to submit them, scores must be sent directly from the testing service.

SAT Code: 2990
ACT Code: 2992

We do not require the writing section for either test.

Early Admissions

High school juniors with a superior academic record who are interested in applying to Yeshiva University prior to obtaining a high school diploma (or equivalent) may apply for Early Admission.

Early Admission applicants must meet the following criteria in order to apply:

High school GPA of 90 or better
Minimum SAT score of 1340 or minimum ACT score of 29.
Approval from high school administration

Admissions
Approach

Yeshiva University takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider your academics, character, leadership, creativity, and potential. The essay and interview are essential ways for us to understand who you are and how you’ll thrive at YU.

College Credit for High School Courses

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school, you may be able to apply some of those credits toward your YU undergraduate degree after admission.

Click here to learn more about our transfer credit policy.