Frequently Asked Questions
| When are the application deadlines?
When are candidates notified of admissions decisions? What is the application fee? What is the cost of taking classes as a Non-Degree student and is financial aid available? Are standardized tests required for admission? What if I can't remember my test scores (SAT, College Board Achievements)? Are there any special requirements for international students? International students generally must hold F-1 student status for this program, and must register as full-time students during their entire tenure at Yale. Full-time students must take a minimum of three courses per semester. Individuals with tourist status (B1/B2 or visa waiver status) will not be permitted to enroll either on a part-time or full-time basis. If admitted, all international students must consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), 421 Temple Street, (203) 432-2305, or email oiss@yale.edu. OISS will issue the I-20 form which students will use to apply for an F-1 visa. I have not attended school for a number of years. What do I do about "academic recommendations?" |
Common Questions
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Is an interview encouraged or required?
We do not offer or require interviews for Non-Degree candidates except for candidates to the Teacher Preparation program who must meet with the director of the program.
I am a full-time undergraduate at another college. Can I spend a semester or a year at Yale as a Visiting Non-Degree Student?
Yes. However, students who are currently enrolled in college and wish to be a Visiting Non-Degree student at Yale must receive permission from their home institution prior to submitting a Non-Degree application. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain approval of credits from his/her present college. Please note that housing and financial assistance are not provided.
I have completed my undergraduate program and would like to apply to medical school, but I have not fulfilled premedical requirements as an undergraduate. Can I take pre-med courses at Yale as a Non-Degree student?
Yale does not offer a Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program. If you know specifically what courses you need to take, you may apply to the Non-Degree Students Program, but keep in mind that pre-med advising is not available to Non-Degree students.
If I am denied admission, may I reapply?
Yes, but you must submit a new application for admission in a subsequent year. A new application fee is also required. Transcripts held on file need not be resubmitted. Applications will not be considered from individuals who have been denied admission to Yale College three times.
How many credits are given for a Yale class?
Most courses in Yale College are term courses that carry one course credit if completed with a passing grade. There are, however, some variations and more details can be found in the Yale College Programs of Study. One Yale College credit is generally equal to three or four semester hours at other undergraduate institutions.
How many classes can I take during my time at Yale?
The acceptance letter from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions usually stipulates the terms of your Non-Degree enrollment. If no limits are indicated on the acceptance letter, then you may take up to five credits per term, and a maximum of 18 credits total during your tenure at Yale.
If I am admitted, may I take any of the courses listed in the YCPS?
Non-degree students take second priority to full-time undergraduates and degree Students in limited enrollment courses. Art, film, music, photography and theater studies courses are seldom available to Non-Degree Students.
May Non-Degree Students take courses at the graduate or professional schools?
No, the Non-Degree Program is for undergraduate (Yale College) courses only. However, this may include courses listed as cross-registered in the Yale College Programs of Study (YCPS) with one of these schools. If you wish to take graduate courses part-time and in non-degree status, you should inquire through the Division of Special Registration at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 320 York Street, (203) 432-2770.
Can I take summer courses at Yale?
Yes. However, Non-Degree Program Students must make a separate application to the Summer Sessions, P.O. Box 208355 (street address: 55 Whitney Avenue, Suite 430), New Haven, CT 06520, tel: (203) 432-2430, fax: (203) 432-2434, email: summer.session@yale.edu, web site: www.yale.edu/summer.
When do classes start?
The Yale College academic calendar can be found here.
What if I attended Yale College but did not graduate and wish to complete my degree?
The normal procedure is to apply through the Yale College Dean's Office for re-admission. However, if you have been out of Yale for over five years and still need eighteen term courses to graduate, you may apply as an Eli Whitney Student. The re-admission route requires that you attend as a full-time student. The Eli Whitney Student route offers the opportunity to take classes on either a part or full-time basis, but on-campus housing is not available. Please note that Eli Whitney students must take a minimum of eighteen term course credits at Yale to qualify for a degree.
May I audit courses at Yale? What is the procedure?
The following people may audit courses at Yale: students enrolled full-time in Yale College or in one of the graduate or professional schools; members of the Yale faculty; university employees; spouses of faculty members; spouses of employees; Yale graduates; spouses of Yale graduates. Persons who are not Yale graduates or spouses and who qualify for auditing will be advised by the Office of Summer Sessions, 55 Whitney Avenue, Suite 430, (203) 432-2430.
Can Yale graduates or their spouses take classes at Yale?
Yes. Degree holding Yale alumni and their spouses who wish to take courses for credit but not towards a degree should apply to the Non-Degree Students Program. Those who wish to audit classes should apply to the Yale Alumni Auditing Time Program.
