From the Assistant Dean for Admissions: Keys to a Successful R1 Application

If you’re targeting our Round 1 application deadline, chances are you’re nearing the finish line. Test score, check. Transcripts, check. Recommendation requests, check. Stuck on the essay prompt? Nervous about the video questions? We can help with that. View the video clips below and receive tips from the Yale SOM admissions team on each section of the application.

In addition to these tips, I’d like to share some general advice that I’ve found has proven helpful for avoiding the most common mistakes unsuccessful applicants make: hiding from their weaknesses, waiting until the last minute to complete the application, and not being genuine.

1) It’s obviously important to let us know about your strengths in your application, but don’t shy away from your weaknesses. There’s no such thing as a perfect applicant, and if you’re able to contextualize any weaknesses in your application–such as gaps in work experience or lower grades during a particular semester–it can help us better understand and get past them.

2) Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application or complete your video questions. You're more likely to feel rushed and overlook something, have technical issues, or otherwise make an avoidable mistake. Wrap things up with a few days to spare and then take the remaining time to review and reflect. Doing so will allow you to hit the submit button with confidence.

3) Finally, be your true self. Don't try to fit a certain profile or tell us what you think we want to hear about your background and interests. After reading thousands of applications, the committee has a good sense for which candidates are being sincere—and it's easier to advocate for those candidates during admissions committee.

In a highly competitive pool, avoiding these common mistakes will greatly increase your chances of landing an interview invitation (which 25% of applicants do) and getting one step closer to joining the Yale SOM Class of 2021. Best of luck!