yale tours admission

Search form

Yale resumes campus tours for prospective students.

(Photos by Dan Renzetti)

The Yale Visitor Center and the Yale Undergraduate Admissions Office this month resumed campus tours for prospective students nearly 19 months after they were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the fall semester, the one-hour tours led by Yale undergraduates will focus on exterior campus spaces, including outside areas of Sterling Memorial Library and the Schwarzman Center, as well as Beinecke Plaza and Yale’s Old Campus.

And to ensure visitor safety, the visitor center has implemented protocols that adhere to public health guidelines. For instance, all visitors must register in advance and submit proof of vaccination, and participants must be masked. Prospective students are allowed to bring two vaccinated guests with them, and tours are capped at 20 visitors.

More than 800 visitors have participated in tours since they resumed on Oct. 4, said Nancy Franco, director of the Yale Visitor Center.

“ We are so happy to join the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in welcoming prospective students back to campus,” Franco said. “The small size of these outdoor tours means we can offer a curated, COVID-safe glimpse of campus life.”

While many have chosen to join the in-person campus tours, the visitor center and undergraduate admissions office will also continue to offer extensive virtual tours and remote programming for prospective students and guests.

Campus & Community

Media Contact

Karen N. Peart: [email protected] , 203-980-2222

Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio wins NSF Alan T. Waterman Award

Yale institute observes 50 years studying, celebrating the sacred arts

Sharing more than a border

Ethiopian church forests, a beacon of hope for environmental conservation

• Show More Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to register in advance of a campus tour.

Yes, registration is required for our public campus tours. Register here for a Visitor Center campus tour .

All groups of 10 or more are required to schedule a private tour. To schedule a private tour for your group, please submit a tour request by emailing  [email protected] or calling 203-432-2300 .

Do you offer tours for prospective students?

The Yale Undergraduate Admissions office offers campus tours that are specifically designed for prospective students. Please visit the Admissions website for additional information .

Can groups arrange for campus tours?

Yes. The Visitor Center welcomes special group tours. There is a charge of $50 per guide and one guide is appropriate for up to 25 people. Groups of 10 or more are required to schedule a private tour. All private tour company groups, regardless of size, are required to schedule a private tour.  Please request your tour by calling 203-432-2300 .

What time are campus tours?

Visitor Center tours take place at 1:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reservations are required .

The Visitor Center will be closed on Friday March 29, 2024 in observance of the Good Friday official Yale holiday.

Please see the Yale Undergraduate Admissions website for their schedule of tours .

How long does a campus tour take?

The Yale campus tour takes approximately one hour. 

Can accommodations be made for listening devices?

The Yale Visitor Center wants to make certain that individuals with special needs will be able to access all of the programs and tours scheduled through the center.

If you or a member of your group believe that they will require a specific accommodation, please notify the Visitor Center as soon as possible.

Accommodations such as assistive listening devices and interpreters may be arranged by contacting the office at 203-432-2302 . Please make this request at least two weeks in advance of the date needed.

Need more information?

It looks like you're trying to zoom in on this page. For best results: use the most recent version of your browser, disable your browser's 'zoom text only' setting, and use your browser's default font size settings.

To zoom in, use [Ctrl] + [+] in Windows, and [Cmd] + [+] on a Mac. To zoom out, use the keyboard shortcut [Ctrl] + [-] in Windows and [Cmd] + [-] on a Mac.

Yale University

Additional Navigation

Yale University is situated 90 minutes from New York in the city of New Haven, Connecticut.

Whether you’re in town for an admissions information session or simply want to join one of the many activities happening here, we invite you to explore our campus and community. Take a guided tour, attend a concert, or stroll through our scenic and historic Old Campus.

• https://tour.concept3d.com/share/vMfqccKVJ/stop/1

• Contact Us!

Department of Physics

You are here, yale physics recruits undergraduates at 2024 bulldog days.

On April 16, a group represented the Yale Physics Department at the Yale Bulldog Days Academic Fair, which allows Yale College academic departments to present their  programs to the admitted prospective students for the undergraduate class of 2028.

The group included Sarah Demers, professor of physics, director of undergraduate studies, and a member of Yale’s Wright Lab; along with undergraduate students  Aaron Chizhik, Ethan Martinez, and Rose Powers.

Demers said, “We had a successful academic fair this afternoon! We were mostly swamped [the whole time] with eager potential future physics students who wanted to learn about our program.”

Demers continued, “The three undergraduates who joined were invaluable. Students wanted to speak with a faculty member but to also hear straight from our current majors!”

Powers added, “As always, I had a great time staffing the physics table at the academic fair! We had crowds of enthusiastic pre-frosh students coming up to ask questions and share their interests; and I was thrilled to see how many future Yalies are already excited about physics!”

Powers said, “The fair was an indication that the Yale Physics Department will be strong and thriving for many years to come. A huge thanks to Sarah for taking time out of her busy schedule to organize, set up, and run the table.”

According to the Bulldog Days website , “Bulldog Days is Yale’s signature admitted student program. The three-day, two-night program is packed with events and opportunities to connect with current students and future classmates: campus tours, receptions, student group performances, sample classes, undergraduate organization meetings, an academic and extracurricular fair, and plenty of time to explore Yale… Bulldog Days attendees may stay overnight in a residential college suite with a friend or an assigned student host.”

Belonging at Yale at Y ale

Belonging at yale, saturday introductory tour of beinecke library.

An introductory tour of the Beinecke Library, its mission, history, architecture, collections, and services, led by a library staff or student guide. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Reservations are not required. Note: see the library’s website (beinecke.library.yale.edu) for current public health protocols and other important visitor information. A reminder the Beinecke Library’s ground floor and mezzanine public exhibition areas are always free and open to the public, seven days a week. See the library’s website for more information on hours and exhibitions and to explore the library online.

• Our Faculty

INFORMATION FOR

• Residents & Fellows
• Researchers

Department of Surgery Research Day 2024

• Peter J. Gruber, MD, PhD Professor of Surgery (Cardiac); Chief, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Surgery; Vice Chair Research, Surgery; Interim Division Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Surgery
• Sara Isabel Pai, MD/PhD
• Robert Becher, MD, MS, FACS Associate Professor of Surgery (General, Trauma & Surgical Critical Care)
• Jason Sheltzer, PhD Assistant Professor of Surgery (Oncology) and of Genetics
• Leanne Brown, MD Hospital Resident
• Viola Stögner, MD Associate Research Scientist
• Rachel Greenup, MD, MPH Associate Professor of Surgery (Oncology, Breast); Section Chief of Breast Surgery, Surgery; Co-Director, Center for Breast Cancer
• Sanjay Kulkarni, MD, MHCM, FACS Professor of Surgery (Transplant); Physician Executive Director, Clinical Continuity & Integration, Yale-New Haven Hospital; Interim Division Chief, Transplant & Immunology Surgery; Service Line Director (Interim), Yale-New Haven Transplantation Center; Surgical Director of Kidney Transplantation, Yale-New Haven Hospital ; Medical Director, New England Donor Services
• Bohdan Pomahac, MD Frank F. Kanthak Professor of Surgery (Plastics); Chief, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery; Professor, Surgery
• Nita Ahuja, MD, MBA, FACS William H. Carmalt Professor of Surgery; Chair, Surgery; Associate Cancer Center Director, Surgical Services

Host Organization

Yale College Undergraduate Admissions

• A Liberal Arts Education
• Majors & Academic Programs
• Teaching & Advising
• Undergraduate Research
• International Experiences
• Residential Colleges
• Extracurriculars
• Identity, Culture, Faith
• Virtual Tour
• Bulldogs' Blogs
• Freshman Applicants
• International Freshman Applicants
• QuestBridge Freshman Applicants
• Transfer Applicants
• Eli Whitney: Non-Traditional Applicants
• Non-Degree & Alumni Auditing Applicants
• What Yale Looks For
• Selecting High School Courses
• Putting Together Your Application
• First-Generation College Applicants
• Choosing Where to Apply
• Application FAQs
• Visit Campus
• Admissions Events Near You
• Connect With Yale Admissions
• Net Price Calculator
• QuestBridge

Early Action Applicants, please read this important message regarding delayed test scores from the SAT and ACT September and October test dates: http://admissions.yale.edu/news-and-notes

Campus Visit

To display and register for events, select an available date from the calendar.

• International

April 22, 2024 - Protests at Columbia and other schools escalate

Matt Egan, Alicia Wallace and Chandelis Duster

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology says it is 'determining next steps'

From CNN's Jillian Sykes

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology issued a statement Monday regarding tents on its campus.

"MIT officials are aware of the tents, and are determining next steps with a focus on ensuring campus is physically safe and fully functioning. MIT Police were on scene throughout the night and will continue to be present."

Robert Kraft says he is willing to support The Kraft Center at the university

From CNN's Chandelis Duster

Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots and backer of Columbia University, on Monday said he is still willing to support The Kraft Center at the school that supports Jewish students, calling it “a haven of safety.”

Kraft, an alumnus of the university, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “The Lead” that he loves the school and “we have to have accountability.”

“There are both professors and students within the university who say things that I think cross the line and there should be accountability. I believe in free speech. Say whatever you want but pay the consequences. And don't have your face covered. I don't think that should be allowed,” he said.  

“I can’t believe in New York City at Columbia University Jewish students are afraid to go to classes in the United States of America in 2024. It’s amazing to me and horrible,” Kraft also said.

Asked where he drew the line at Columbia University regarding both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests and what he finds objectionable, he said “there is a lack of education on the situation” happening in the Middle East. 

“I’m concerned about America and what’s going on in this country. And to keep it open and free for all people of all backgrounds to do as they wish,” he said.

Asked if he has confidence in Columbia University’s president, Minouche Shafik, he said he thinks she is “very well intentioned” and said “we have to look at what goes on with faculty.”

Columbia faculty stage walk-out in solidarity with students

From CNN's John Towfighi

Hundreds of people gathered on Low Plaza Monday afternoon as Columbia University faculty delivered speeches in support of the student protesters who were suspended and arrested Thursday.

Faculty who spoke denounced university president Minouche Shafik’s decision to authorize the New York Police Department to remove protesters from campus and demanded all legal and disciplinary charges be dismissed and expunged from students' records.

Faculty held signs that read, “Hands off our students,” and “End student suspensions now.” Some faculty donned their academic regalia and wore sashes that read, “We support students.”

Speeches were met with cheers and claps from the crowd, as well as chants for Shafik to resign.

Christopher Brown, a professor of history, said, “I’m here because I am so concerned about what is happening at this university, with where we are now and with where we are going. Thursday April 18, 2024, will be remembered as a shameful day in Columbia history.”

“The president’s decision to send riot police to pick up peaceful protesters on our campus was unprecedented, unjustified, disproportionate, divisive and dangerous,” Brown said.

US Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose daughter Isra Hirsi was among the protesters arrested Thursday , posted on X that while she’s glad to see faculty demonstrate in solidarity with students, she wants the protests to focus on Gaza.

"On Thursday, Columbia arrested and suspended its students who were peacefully protesting and have now ignited a nationwide Gaza Solidarity movement. This is more than the students hoped for and I am glad to see this type of solidarity. But to be clear, this about the genocide in Gaza and the attention has to remain on that," Omar wrote.

NYC Mayor condemns "vile" and "disgusting" rhetoric at college campuses

From CNN's Alicia Wallace

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday condemned “vile” and “disgusting” rhetoric being used at campuses such as Columbia University, where students are holding protests over the Israel-Hamas War.

Adams told CNN’s Jake Tapper that he supports First Amendment rights but said law enforcement officials are on the ready if any of that speech goes too far or if there’s an imminent threat to people or property.

"That is one of the fundamental rights we hold dear as Americans: The right to protest," Adams said on CNN's "The Lead." "What we have seen playing out on many of our college campuses, and particularly Columbia University, is hate. We’re seeing vile language being used."

Adams noted that he can feel the "duality of this moment" and how the events of the past six months are weighing heavily on Jewish and Palestinian New Yorkers. He added that the police escorts of Jewish students through campus were reminiscent of the Army soldiers who escorted nine Black students into a high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, nearly 67 years ago.

"There is no place for hate in this city," he said.

New York Police Department officers have a “large presence” surrounding Columbia but have remained off the campus grounds at the request of the school’s administration, NYPD deputy commissioners said earlier on Monday.

Adams told Tapper that the NYPD’s commissioner of legal matter is monitoring the protests for any speech that violates law. Additionally, police officers will take "appropriate action" and go on private property if there’s an "imminent threat."

Protesters gather at The New School in New York City

From CNN's Elisabeth Buchwald

Protesters have gathered at The New School, located near the Chelsea area of the New York City borough of Manhattan.

An encampment of four tents was set up in the lobby of the building that houses auditoriums, a cafeteria and a library. Roughly 75 students, and other people who have The New School IDs, gathered inside the building.

"Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not stop, we will not rest," was repeatedly chanted. 

Outside the building, protesters from the school, as well as outsiders, joined in chants from the sidewalk.

There is a stark difference between the inside and outside of Columbia University's campus

From CNN's Ramishah Maruf

There’s a stark difference between the inside of Columbia University's campus and the outside, where there are protesters gathered on the street. 

The encampment is only open to those affiliated with campus. Only those with a Columbia ID can enter the campus gates. Inside the encampment, programs include teach-ins, poetry readings and film screenings. Some students are quietly finishing assignments, while others are painting posters.

Elsewhere around campus, students are eating and completing assignments. Many students take graduation pictures at this time, and some are in graduation gowns walking down Broadway. Risers are set up for an upcoming commencement ceremony.

Other students are holding large American flags underneath Butler Library.

But the students can still hear the tension that is taking place yards away at the university gates. There is a gathering of pro-Palestinian protesters, who in the early afternoon were chanting “I believe that we will win” and “Long Live the Intifada.” There was a smaller group of pro-Israeli protesters, who chanted back “Down with Hamas” and “Victory to Israel.” A line of New York Police officers were monitoring the street.

What it's like inside the Columbia University encampment

The inside of the encampment is quiet – most of the noise comes from protestors outside the gates of Columbia University's campus, who are chanting “I believe that we will win” and “Long live the Intifada."

It was a sunny day on campus, and in one corner, students were painting posters. One person strummed a stringed instrument, and other students are reading books or on their laptops finishing assignments. Others have donated provisions, ranging from a table of snacks to hygiene products. There was also a pile of blankets.

“We’ve just been trying to keep students mobilized and keep pushing for divestment,” Dalia, a first-year student at Columbia College, told CNN. “We are a very mobilized student body and a very unified student body. Hundreds of people have been in and out of the encampment.”

CNN agreed not to publish her surname due to safety concerns.

She said the students at the campus “refuse to be complicit in the genocide, the apartheid, and the occupation of Palestine.”

There are strict community guidelines for the encampment. One rule says not to share names or details of anyone met in camp, and asking for permission before photographing or taking video.

The encampment is filled with dozens and dozens of tents, from students to neighboring Barnard College staff. Today’s encampment program included an Earth Day performance, poetry reading and a Dabka lesson, a traditional dance from the Arab region. Prior program events included dance performances from different cultures.

Democratic House members tour Columbia campus

Democratic Reps. Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Dan Goldman of New York and Kathy Manning of North Carolina, who are all Jewish, spoke at a news conference Monday after touring Columbia University’s campus. 

"We saw it firsthand as we walked past the encampments on the university's main lawn full of protesters spewing incendiary antisemitic hate and vitriol. Many aren't even Columbia students I've been told. Their campaign of intimidation is sickening and shocking and as the White House said yesterday, ‘echoes the rhetoric of Hamas terrorists,'" Gottheimer said. 

He also criticized Columbia University leadership, saying, “toothless combinations from administrators aren't going to stop the anarchy we’re seeing.”

“The only way to do it is with deeds, not words,” Gottheimer said. “Colleges have a legal obligation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide students, including Jews and Muslims, a school environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race color or national origin. Yet just feet from here, Jewish students are being verbally and even physically assaulted.”

Gottheimer continued, “To the administrators of Columbia and beyond, here are our demands: Stop the double talk and start acting now. Discipline harassers, restore civility on this campus, encourage peaceful constructive dialogue.”

He also gave a message for students: “While the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not. We will do everything in our power to keep you safe and do everything in Washington we can to make sure that you feel welcome at this university or any university across the United States of America. And Columbia University, if they don't follow through, will pay the price.”

Goldman said he was "encouraged" the Columbia University president issued guidelines about additional security, calling it a "very important first step" and criticized what is happening on campus.

"That is unacceptable for a university, that is unacceptable for an academic institution. There is no question that everyone has a First Amendment right to speak out in this country and that must be preserved," Goldman said. "But a university and all universities have an obligation to maintain the safety and security of their students from all backgrounds."

Manning said university leadership should "do more to keep Jewish students safe and to re-establish an atmosphere in which all students can learn, study and participate safely in campus life."

"Columbia must also move forward with its promised efforts to teach its students and its faculty about the nature and history and dangers of antisemitism. It must ensure that Columbia professors are not encouraging and spreading antisemitism," Manning said.

"I call on the US Department of Education and the US Department of Justice to work with the White House to ensure that all universities take steps necessary to keep Jewish students and faculty safe. I also call on Congress to enact legislation to implement the steps outlined in the US national strategy to counter antisemitism, to address the scourge of antisemitism which is a threat to the foundations of our democracy," she said.

President Joe Biden condemns antisemitism on campus

From CNN's Kevin Liptak

President Joe Biden decried antisemitic protests around college campuses Monday and said his administration was working to combat anti-Jewish hatred.

"I condemn the antisemitic protests, that’s why I’ve set up a program to deal with that," Biden said when questioned about the events at Columbia University in New York.

"I also condemn those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians," he said, without expanding upon what he meant.

Biden was speaking after an Earth Day event in Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia.

When asked whether Columbia's president should resign, Biden appeared to mishear: "I didn’t know that. I'll have to find out more," he said.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

Yale Alumni Logo

• Careers & Networking

POSTPONED: BOLD & Beyond Central Texas: Dallas

This event has been POSTPONED due to weather. 

Enjoy an afternoon in the gardens with a customized, private tour followed by refreshments provided by Yale. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or purchase additional food from the many on-site dining options.

$10 per person | children under 2 are free

• Graduate & Professional ,
• Regional Clubs ,
• Yale College Classes

You May Also Be Interested In

Jackson School Alumni Profile: Maria Rodriguez-Dominguez ’17 MA

YaleWomen Presents: Speaking With Influence & Engaging Others

United States

YaleWomen | Built to Last: Career Navigation Tools

YaleWomen Get-Togethers: Europe

So Your High School Doesn’t Offer APs—Are AP Exams Still Important For College Admissions?

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Brown University

Advanced Placement courses are offered at thousands of high schools across the U.S.— approximately 35% of public high school graduates in the Class of 2023 took at least one AP exam, and approximately 2.8 million students sat for AP exams in 2023. However, a large number of schools do not offer AP courses. In many cases, this is due to a lack of resources—though strides have been made to increase access to AP courses in underprivileged schools, a gap in access persists along racial and socioeconomic lines. In other cases, schools are ditching the AP curriculum as a result of their educational philosophy. In 2018, elite private schools in the D.C. area such as Sidwell Friends and Georgetown Prep announced their intention to phase out AP classes, citing their desire for a more independent curriculum and a growing frustration with the AP’s orientation toward testing rather than other metrics for success.

Despite these drawbacks, AP courses and exams remain highly regarded by many colleges and universities, as they offer insight into students’ academic acumen and potential to complete college coursework successfully. As a result, many students without access to AP courses are left wondering whether they should still register, study and sit for AP exams.

First and foremost, students should know that colleges and universities evaluate their applications in the context of their school and the opportunities available to them. This means that if students did not have AP classes available to them at their schools, admissions officers will not expect to see AP courses or AP exam scores included in their applications. As such, these students’ applications will not be disadvantaged in any way by not including AP exams.

That being said, there are some scenarios in which a student may still wish to take an AP exam despite not having taken an AP course. These are the top three reasons that students might consider sitting for one or more AP exams:

1. To Earn College Credit

One of the main reasons students take AP exams is to earn college credit. Many colleges and universities grant credit for high AP exam scores (typically for 4s or 5s). By earning credit through AP exams, you may be able to fulfill prerequisites, skip introductory courses, or accelerate your progress toward graduation once you enroll in college. However, this is not the case at every school. In order to determine whether the time and effort you will put into studying and taking an AP exam will be justified, you should research whether the schools you are considering applying to give college credit for high AP exam scores. You can often find this information on admissions or departmental websites, or by contacting admissions representatives at each respective school. You can also check the College Board website to see if the schools on your list accept AP credits, but note that these policies change frequently, so you should still follow up with the schools for verification. If a handful of the schools on your list do accept high scores for credit, it may be a strategic choice to sit for one or more exam.

‘Challengers’ Reviews: Does Zendaya Tennis Movie Score With Critics?

Patriots select north carolina quarterback drake maye with no 3 pick in nfl draft, ‘baby reindeer’ star says real martha searches need to stop, 2. to use exam scores in lieu of the sat or act.

As Ivy League and other top schools reinstate their standardized testing requirements, some schools have announced their intention to allow students to submit test scores from AP examinations in place of ACT or SAT scores. Dartmouth allows students applying from schools outside of the U.S. to satisfy their testing requirement by submitting three AP exam scores. Meanwhile, Yale’s new test-flexible policy also allows students applying domestically to submit AP and IB scores in lieu of other standardized tests. If you are applying internationally or if you have reason to believe that you will achieve a stronger score on AP exams than on the SAT or ACT, you can consider sitting for the exams. Note that not all schools have such flexible testing policies, so you will likely still need to sit for the SAT or the ACT.

3. To Demonstrate Your Academic Abilities

It is important to remember that while they are not the only way to demonstrate their academic capabilities, AP exams are an unbiased and quantifiable way to assess students’ preparedness for college coursework. Students who struggled academically earlier in their high school years or who want to highlight their skills in a specific discipline may benefit from the inclusion of AP scores in their applicant profiles.

Finally, while students who do not have access to AP classes should consider their options and make a strategic decision about taking exams on the basis of their applicant profiles and academic goals, students who have taken AP courses absolutely should take AP exams. Failing to sit for the exams will not only foreclose the possibility of earning college credit, but it will also reflect poorly on your application and raise questions with admissions committees.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions