Applying to Yale requires more than just grades; it needs uniqueness and character. Understand Yale’s essay prompt about your engagement with a topic or idea that excites you. Choose a unique topic and show active engagement. Explain why you’re drawn to it and relate it back to Yale. Be clear, genuine, and curious, showcasing your intellectual depth and potential contributions.

Prepare for your BS/MD interview by focusing on 10 core qualities essential for future physicians: Collaboration, Communication, Empathy, Equity, Ethics, Self-awareness, Resilience, Professionalism, Problem Solving, and Motivation. Reflect on personal experiences that highlight these qualities, and structure your stories using the STAR method to respond confidently and thoughtfully.

If you’re looking to submit an exceptional application to your top university choice, an optional essay can give you an edge over other applicants. This “additional information” essay is your chance to showcase aspects of your life or experiences not reflected in other parts of your application.

In applying to top universities, you may be asked, “Please indicate any special talents or skills you possess”. This is a chance to reveal a snippet of your unique persona beyond your grades, your passion for a specific subject, or your high school profile. This question dives into your individuality and what sets you apart from the rest of the applicant pool. You should answer this in either paragraph or bulleted-list format within a 250-word limit. Here’s a guide to help you craft a compelling response.