How to Get Into Yale Young Global Scholars
- myivyeducation
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
And how to use your application essay to stand out – plus how we can help you do it.
If you’re a high-school student looking to spend a summer at one of the world’s top universities—immersed in interdisciplinary learning, global peers, and a serious academic environment—then the YYGS program may be exactly the kind of experience you’re aiming for. But because admission is competitive and selective, simply meeting eligibility isn’t enough. Your application essay, along with how you communicate your story and fit, will make a real difference. That’s where we come in: we help you workshop your essay so you’re presenting your strongest self.
In this guide, we’ll cover: what YYGS is; what the admissions team is looking for; a step-by-step application roadmap; and how our company can support you to craft an outstanding application. Plus, check out our hit YouTube video going over all the ins and outs of how to get in!
What is YYGS?
YYGS is an academic enrichment program for outstanding high-school students from around the world. Each summer, participants from 150+ countries and all 50 U.S. states come together for a two-week residential session at Yale University.
Here are the key features:
The sessions are interdisciplinary, covering Innovations in Science & Technology (IST), Politics of Law & Economics (PLE);,and Solving Global Challenges (SGC).
They are residential (on campus) for the summer, with three different two-week sessions to choose from throughout the summer to fit your schedule.
The program emphasizes global connections, academic challenge, exposure to university-level thinking, and peer collaboration.
Because of its prestige, the YYGS application process asks you to demonstrate academic readiness, engagement with big ideas, a global or interdisciplinary perspective, and personal initiative. How? Through application essays, of course—essays we're here to help you perfect.
What the Admissions Team is Looking For
Based on the information YYGS provides, here are what reviewers likely prioritize when reading your application (especially your essay):
Academic readiness & intellectual curiosity: YYGS expects students who are prepared for challenging material, willing to engage with complex questions, and curious about the world.
Global/interdisciplinary mindset: The program emphasizes “global connections” and broad topics that cross disciplines. Show you’re comfortable crossing boundaries, thinking broadly, and integrating ideas.
Clear fit & motivation: Why are you drawn to YYGS? Which seminar appeals to you, and why? What do you hope to get out of the experience, and what will you bring to the cohort?
Distinctive personal story and initiative: Many applicants will have strong academics; what will help you stand out is a clear voice, a memorable story, and evidence of initiative or leadership (in school, community, projects) that aligns with the YYGS mission.
Leadership potential and collaboration: Because this is a cohort-based, immersive experience, showing you can work with others, exchange ideas across cultures, and contribute to the group will help.
Strong communication (especially in writing): The essay section is your platform to show clarity of thought, reflection, voice and purpose. A polished essay—not just technically correct, but truly compelling—will exponentially increase your chances of getting in. That's where we come in: our team is chock-full of internationally award-winning writers who have unparalleled track records of helping kids get accepted to YYGS.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare & Apply
Here’s how to approach the process, and how we recommend you prepare.
Step 1: Research the Program & Pick Your Theme
Visit the YYGS website and review all the session themes (IST, PLE, SGC) and the specific focus of each.
Make note of what particularly resonates with you: why that theme, why now, and how it aligns with your interests.
Understand eligibility, application components, deadlines. Make sure to ask a teacher, mentor, or coach to fill out the recommendation form for you well in advance, and work with your school to upload your transcripts.
Start early: reach out to your teachers and parent/guardian contacts as required, because you’ll need their information. Trust us—this isn't something you'll want to leave until the last minute.
Step 2: Reflect on Your Own Story & Fit
Write down your interests: What are the questions or problems that excite you? Where have you already explored them (school project, club, self-study, community work)?
What makes you unique? What experiences, background, or perspective do you bring? How will this contribute to a global cohort?
Why this program, and why now? Make sure you can articulate this.
How will you leverage this experience to grow, learn, and take it forward?
Step 3: Get Feedback & Workshop Your Essay (That’s Where We Come In)
This is where professional essay coaching pays off: we help you refine your narrative, ensure your essay aligns with what YYGS is looking for, sharpen your language, eliminate clichés, and make your story stand out.
We offer targeted help: Are you showing fit with the theme? Are you demonstrating initiative and global/interdisciplinary thinking? Are you communicating clearly and compellingly? We can help you answer those questions.
A standout essay doesn’t guarantee admission, but it improves your chances by positioning you as a stronger, more distinctive applicant.
Why Working with Us Is the Smart Move
Tailored essay-workshopping: We’ll dig into your story, help you frame your narrative for a program like YYGS, align your experiences with what Yale is looking for, and polish until your voice shines.
Strategic insight: Few applicants write essays that are strategically aligned to the program’s mission, themes, and competitive nature. We help bridge that gap with years of experience helping students get in.
Confidence & flow: With professional feedback, your application will feel strong and coherent, and you’ll submit with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Better odds: Students who work with us have exponentially higher chances of getting into YYGS. With a 13% acceptance rate and decreasing every year, that matters more than ever.
If you’re ready to maximize your chances of getting into YYGS, book a free consultation with us today. We’ll review your current draft, brainstorm your story, map the timeline, and outline how to craft a standout application. Your summer at Yale could start with the essay you submit this week—let’s make it your best work.
Final Reminders
Start now: Sessions fill quickly, as do My Ivy Education mentors' slots for students—early planning gives you an edge.
Be authentic: Don’t try to sound like someone else. The most compelling essays reflect your genuine voice, interests, and goals.
Be specific: Mention why you want that theme, why Yale, what you hope to do, how you’ll contribute. Specificity makes you memorable.
Revise thoroughly: Great writing comes from rewriting. Use feedback, refine your story, polish the prose.
Use our support: If you’d like expert help to workshop your essay, get feedback, and submit with confidence—we’re here for you.