Frequently Asked Questions

What programs do you offer at Yale Summer Session?

Yale Summer Session (YSS) offers a variety of courses and programs for Yale College credit. We also offer several non-credit programs. To learn more about the programs we offer, take a look at our Academics page.

Can I earn Yale College credit?

Yes, all credit-bearing courses offer Yale College credit. See the Courses for Credit page for more information.

What courses do you offer?

YSS offers courses across the liberal arts curriculum, in arts, humanities, and the natural and social sciences. Check out our Course List for the full list of offerings.

How can I change my course selection or add/drop a course?

You can request a course change through the Change Form. Please see here for relevant deadlines.

How many courses can I take?

You can take 2 credits per session. International students and high school students who live on-campus are required to take 2 credits and maintain full time enrollment status. International students in the non-credit English Language Institute can enroll in one program, which is a full-time course load.

Is there tutoring available?

Yes, we have tutoring in the summer. It's free to all Yale Summer Session students. Read more about tutoring here.

How do I get my grades after Yale Summer Session?

Grades will be available online within one month of the end of each session. We have instructions on our Grades and Transcripts page.

How do I get my transcript after Yale Summer Session?

We have instructions on our Grades and Transcripts page.

Where can I find a class syllabus?

Some syllabi are posted on our website.If you don’t find the syllabus you’re looking for, we recommend that you reach out to your instructor. You can find your instructor’s email in the Yale Directory.

Can I audit a Yale Summer Session course?

Auditing is not allowed in courses taught in New Haven, Abroad, or Online.

Do Yale Summer Session courses have prerequisites?

Some courses have prerequisites. To enroll, your transcript must show that you have the met the prerequisite(s). Course numbers do not necessarily indicate the level of the course. If a course has no prerequisites, it is open to any student.

Some courses are not open to high school students. Please check course descriptions for details.

Can I transfer the credits from Yale back to my home institution?

Yale Summer Session offers undergraduate courses for credit. If you are taking a course for credit, you should ask your home institution about the process to transfer the credit back. After successful completion of a course for credit, you'll be able to order an official Yale transcript. Usually 1 Yale credit=4 credit hours at another U.S. university. Each 1 credit course is at least 32.5 hours per course.

What is the average class size in the summer?

While the average Yale Summer Session course typically enrolls 10-12 students, class sizes can vary widely depending on the subject and demand. Some courses may have fewer participants, offering a more intimate learning environment, while others could accommodate larger groups.

What do I do if I want to enroll in a closed course?

Because Yale Summer Session reviews applications and admits students on a rolling basis, some courses may fill and close to further enrollment before the application deadline. Yale Summer Session offers a wide variety of courses—in New Haven and online and across the academic disciplines and the Yale College distributional requirements—so we encourage you to identify other courses that fit your needs and interests. Many Yale Summer Session students use the summer to explore new ideas and topics or to expand existing academic interests through coursework in related fields. Peruse Course Search and Course Syllabi on our website to view our full curriculum.

Yale Summer Session does not maintain waitlists for closed courses, so students who seek enrollment in closed courses should move forward to make alternative course selections. Students who have exceptional and compelling reasons why they must take a particular course in Yale Summer Session this summer may submit a Petition to Enroll in a Closed Course.

How do I contact Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)?

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a separate program from Yale Summer Session, and we are unable to assist with YYGS-related inquiries. For questions about YYGS, please visit the YYGS Contact Page to get in touch directly with their staff.

Are there live class discussion sections online?

Yes! All online courses have scheduled live class discussion sections multiple times a week. Attendance is required at all online sessions and students must have a web cam.

Can I earn Yale College credit online in the summer?

Yes! Yale Summer Session online courses award Yale College credit.

Are online courses self-paced?

Online work is not exclusively self-study or self-paced, you will need to be available to meet live online for classes during the course of the 5-week session. See course descriptions for class schedules.

What is the workload of an online course?

Yale Summer Session courses are compressed to five weeks and taught at an accelerated pace resulting in a heavier weekly workload. It is important to consider this when planning summer activities and applying for courses; students should expect to devote about 15 total hours per week, per course.

What are the technical requirements for taking an online course?

Please see the Online Important Information page for technical requirements.

Can I study abroad and take an online course at the same time?

No. Students cannot study abroad and take an online course at the same time.

When does the application open?

The application will open in mid-January.

I am a high school student. Am I eligible to participate in Yale Summer Session?

Pre-college applicants must be entering into their senior year of high school (summer after junior year) or freshman year of college (summer after senior year). Applicants must be 16 years of age or older by their program start date.

How long will I have to wait for a response to my application?

You should expect an admissions decision within 2-3 weeks of submitting your completed application. Check your email for notification.

Students in the Conservatory for Actors and Yale Writers' Workshop should refer to program pages for admissions information and timelines.

How and where do I send my transcript?

You can upload your transcript as part of your application.

How do I apply?

You can apply online! Visit our Apply page for more details.

What is the application deadline?

To view the application & payment deadlines for the program you are interested in, visit our Dates and Deadlines page.

What are the application requirements?

Please visit our Apply page to see the requirements for each type of student.

What is the Summer Session admission criteria? Does Summer Session require a minimum GPA?

Our admission decisions are based entirely on each applicant’s individual application and whether the student demonstrates a history of academic success. Application submissions are reviewed holistically, taking every section of the application into consideration. There is no specific GPA requirement.

Are students required to be vaccinated?

Upon being admitted into the residential program, students will be required to upload their immunization records to the Yale Health Center if they haven't already. 

I've been admitted. How do I confirm my attendance?

To confirm your participation, accept your offer by following the link in your acceptance email and inform us of your plans to attend this summer. If your plans have changed, you can update us through the same link. We encourage you to complete the form as soon as possible to help us prepare for your arrival.

I am an international student. What are the language requirements?

English proficiency is required for all credit-bearing courses. Please see the Application Requirements for International Students. If you do not have the required English proficiency, try one of our noncredit English Language Institute programs for international students!

What visa do I need? How do I get it?

All international students are required to come on an F-1 Student Visa. Please see more information on acquiring a visa for International Students here.

What programs are open to visiting international students?

International students may apply to the following programs:

• Yale College Courses for Credit: Session A and B (TOEFL Score required)
• Yale Summer Online (TOEFL Score required)
• English Language Institute (Intensive English, Postgraduate Seminar, Law Seminar, Business Seminar, TEFL seminar, University Preparation Program)
• Summer Drama Program (TOEFL Score required)
• Yale Writers' Workshop

How long will it take to get my I-20?

Upon admission to Yale Summer Session, our office will process Form I-20 and send it to your email, with instructions for proceeding to obtain your F-1 visa. You will receive more information by three weeks after you are admitted to the program.

Can I arrive in the U.S. early or stay after the program ends to vacation in the U.S.?

Students on F-1 student visas may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date, and remain in the U.S. up to 60 days after the program end date. 

I didn't get my CISI health insurance card yet. What should I do?

You will be enrolled about one week or less before the start date of your program. Once enrolled, you will receive a welcome email with your ID card. The email will come directly from CISI. Be sure to check your spam box too for the email.

I have a question about my visa status. Who should I contact?

Please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) website for up-to-date information and guidance.

How can I pay my bill?

Once you are admitted to Yale Summer Session, an invoice for your expenses is automatically generated. Please visit our How to Pay page for more instructions.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yale Summer Session does not offer financial aid to visiting students. Financial assistance is only available to those enrolled in Yale College. If you are a visiting student, we recommend reaching out to the financial aid office at your home institution to explore potential financial assistance options available to you. They may be able to guide you toward scholarships, grants, or other funding opportunities for your time at Yale.

What is the total cost to attend?

This depends on what program you chose, and if you live on or off campus. You can find information on tuition and fees on our Tuition and Fees page. There are also tuition calculators on many of the program pages.

If I am attending both Session A and Session B (a total of 10 weeks), when do I need to pay my tuition? Do I have to pay for both sessions before Session A begins, or can I pay for each session separately?

You can pay for each session separately. Tuition for Session A is due by the Session A payment deadline, and tuition for Session B is due by the Session B payment deadline. You do not need to pay for both sessions before Session A begins.

Where do students live?

Students may choose to live on campus in one of the summer residential colleges or off campus.

What is in my room?

Student rooms are furnished with a twin bed (extra-long), mattress, pillow, blanket, dresser, desk, and chair.

What should I pack?

Participants should bring their own sheets (twin, extra-long) and towels, as well as a lamp and a fan, if desired. Household items (including lamps and sheets) are available for purchase at the Yale Bookstore.

Summer in New Haven is hot and humid, with cool weather at night, and occasional rain. Dress is generally casual, but you may wish to bring something more formal for special events.

Do I need to bring a laptop or computer?

Most students bring laptops, which they can connect to Yale's campus-wide wireless network. Computer clusters with printers are available in the residential colleges and libraries. There is a small fee for printing.

Will I have a roommate?

Students are housed in suites with other students of the same gender and similar age. Most students will share a room with one other student. If you have a special medical need and require a single, please let us know.

Is there air conditioning in the residential colleges?

No, the student rooms are not air conditioned. Bring a fan or plan to buy one when you get here. Several common areas do have AC, so there are places to cool off on hot days.

What will I do when I am not in class? Are there any activities?

Yes! We have a full residential program of activities! We have shopping trips, intramural sports, trips to the beach, day trips to New York City, and there is always something fun to do on campus in the evenings in the Buttery. Some may require a small fee, and many are free.  Visit the Activities Calendar to learn more about extracurricular trips and activities.

What is the Buttery?

A Buttery is the student cafe. There is one in each of Yale's residential colleges.

Will I have a meal plan?

Yes, all students living on campus are enrolled in a full meal plan. The dining halls serve gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options at all meals. If you have any additional dietary requirements, please contact us.

Will I have a counselor or someone to help me?

Yes, we have a full residential staff to support students and organize events.

Is there a curfew?

Students who are under 18 do have a curfew. It is 11:00 pm every night of the week.  Students who are under 18 and would like to leave campus for a night or weekend will need to provide written permission from a parent or guardian to summer.colleges@yale.edu.

Can I leave campus?

Yes, you are free to leave campus. If you are under 18, you must be back in your residential college by curfew.

When can I check-in to on campus housing?

Please refer to Registration and Housing Check In for more information about arrival to campus and for information about dates if you need to make travel arrangements to get to New Haven, CT.

How can I add or drop housing?

You can add or drop housing through the Change Form.

What if I have a special housing need?

A student who requires a disability-related housing accommodation  must complete the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Accommodation Request form.  

What else do I need to know about living on campus?

You can find it all on our Residential Experience page!

What is a NetID?

Your NetID is your digital identity at Yale. Your NetID cannot be changed. You will be required to provide this NetID and a password when you log into certain sites that require authentication.

After joining the Yale community, Yale will send you an initial PIN and NetID information via email. You must use this to activate your NetID before you can access any web site that requires authentication. Your NetID can only be activated once. You will receive 2 emails within 2 weeks of admission with your NetID and PIN, and instructions.

To access online Yale resources, you must use Yale's multifactor authentication, DUO. We encourage students to select the push notification option for authentication.

Can I use the Yale gym and libraries?

Yale Summer Session students who are living on campus have access to Payne Whitney Gym. All students who are taking in-person courses may access libraries on campus. Many of Yale's libraries have spaces that are open to members of the public at specific hours.

Will I get a Yale student ID?

Yes, all Yale Summer Session students MUST get a Yale student ID. Your Yale Student ID card allows you to access Yale's libraries, residential colleges, dining halls, and much more.

Once you have activated your Yale NetID, you can upload a photo for your Yale ID card on the Yale ID Center website.

Will I receive a Yale email address?

No, Yale does not provide email accounts to summer students. Please use your personal email for all program communications.

How do I get to Yale?

For directions and transportation options to the Yale campus, please visit our Travel Information  page for detailed guidance.

Is there Wi-Fi available on campus?

Yes, Yale University provides free Wi-Fi access throughout campus for students, faculty, and guests.

Can I park my car on campus?

Parking at Yale is limited and not guaranteed. For information about parking locations, fees, and policies, please visit the Yale Parking Office website.

Please tell me more about Summer Session Financial Assistance.

Yale Summer Session offers financial assistance for tuition to Yale College students who receive financial aid during the regular academic year. Financial assistance covers 50% of the tuition of one course, and you may receive financial assistance for a maximum of two credits each summer.

Yale College students on financial aid during the academic year will automatically receive this assistance by answering the relevant question on the application. No separate application is required.

Students on financial aid during the academic year may also be eligible for Summer Pell Grants and for low interest loans to cover the remaining cost of YSS courses.

Yale College students may also apply to be a Summer Counselor during the summer. Summer Counselors are given free room and board for the orientation period and the ten weeks of the program, plus a tuition reduction for the equivalent of one summer course credit.

How can I be a Summer Counselor or join the Summer Colleges staff?

Any currently enrolled Yale student or graduate student in good academic standing or any Yale alumnus is eligible to apply for a position in the Summer Colleges.

What are the rules at Yale Summer Session?

Please view the Yale Summer Session Student Handbook.

Wait! I have more questions!

Please contact us if you have additional questions.