Domestic Students of Color

As stated in our YSE Strategic Plan, we will continue to build racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and political diversity. The YSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid welcomes students from underrepresented backgrounds.  Our admissions process is need-blind for all applicants; student’s financial need is not considered during admissions review. To support you through your journey to join the YSE community, we have compiled a list of answers to common questions and links to YSE’s resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I have to disclose my race/ethnicity on the application?  
   
   The race/ethnicity section of the application is entirely optional. Applicants can submit a completed master’s application without answering the questions in this section.
    
2. Can undocumented students be admitted?
   
   YSE stands in support of Yale University’s strong commitment to equal opportunity and accessibility to all candidates from any part of the world who possess unique experiences, varied academic achievements, academic readiness and who demonstrate potential for contribution to the incoming class. We extend our need-blind admissions policy and holistic application review to all students without regard to citizenship or immigration status. For more information on application requirements and policies for all applicants, please consult the YSE master’s admissions website.
    
3. What kind of support and engagement opportunities does YSE provide for domestic students of color during the application process?
   
   The YSE admissions team is available to answer questions and help guide applicants through the process. Our office also provides opportunities for domestic students of color to connect with current students, faculty, and alumni of color at various events and other points of engagement throughout the application process.
    
4. Is this a test-optional school?  
   
   Yes, submission of the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT score is optional. We utilize a holistic review process to assess an applicant’s unique experiences, academic achievements, academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success, without the review of test scores.
    
5. When should I apply for financial aid?
   
   As soon as possible! Our financial aid application deadline is February 15. Late applications will not be accepted. This means that you should not wait until you are admitted to the school to apply for financial aid. If you miss the financial aid deadline, you will not be eligible for YSE scholarships at any time during your studies at YSE.
    
6. Does applying for financial aid affect my chance of getting admitted?
   
   No, our admissions process is completely need blind. The admissions selection committee only reviews your admissions materials and is not provided any financial information on applicants. Our goal is to admit the very best students regardless of socioeconomic status.
    
7. What percentage of students at YSE are students of color? 
   
   Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a key priority of our strategic plan, and YSE is committed to improving access for underrepresented populations. In 2021, the incoming domestic student of color population for the master’s program was 24%, up from 18% in 2018.
    
8. What are the retention and graduation rates for domestic students of color?
   
   The faculty and staff at YSE work hard to continually provide support for students as they matriculate through their selected master’s program. As a result, graduation rates are close to 100%. 
    
9. What support is available at YSE for domestic students of color?
   
   YSE offers a variety of organizations, centers, programs, events, and conferences for students of color as well as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office (DEI). Our Student Interest Groups (SIGs) are created and led by students. They provide opportunities to facilitate connections among students with shared identities, customs, experiences, and backgrounds to create a sense of community. The DEI Office strives to foster a school environment that supports all individuals and to increase collective learning, awareness, and empathy. The office also partners with YSE’s leadership to define its strategy for advancing diversity initiatives to create an inclusive school community.
   
   Links to these groups can be found below.
    
10. What places of worship and cultural centers are available on or near campus?
    
    Please visit Yale’s Religious & Spiritual Resources website.
     
11. What support and cultural opportunities are available for domestic students of color in the greater Yale-New Haven community?
    
    A list of resources is included below.

YSE and University Resources for Domestic Students of Color

• YSE Student Interest Groups: Roots SIG, Latin America SIG, Asia SIG
• YSE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office
• New Horizons in Conservation Conference
• Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program
• Intercultural Affairs Council
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative
• Office of Institutional Equity and Access
• Yale Women’s Center
• Intercultural Affairs Council
• Afro-American Cultural Center
• Asian American Cultural Center
• La Casa Cultural
• Native American Cultural Center 
• Muslim Life at Yale