How to Apply — Step by Step#

Now that you know what both programs offer, let me walk you through exactly how to apply to each one. The application processes are different, so pay close attention.

Yale — Eli Whitney Students Program#

Application Platform#

You apply through the Transfer Common Application at commonapp.org. Even if you have no college credits to transfer, you still use the transfer application. When you add Yale, you will select the Eli Whitney Students Program.

Application Fee#

$80. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford it. Common App fee waivers, Coalition fee waivers, and QuestBridge fee waivers are all accepted. Veterans and active-duty military get automatic fee waivers.

What You Need to Submit#

1. Completed Transfer Common Application — personal information, activities, and the Common App essay
2. Yale-specific supplements — these are in the Program Materials section and include personal statements about your life experience and why you want to attend Yale now
3. Resume — your work experience, community involvement, and life achievements
4. Two letters of recommendation — preferably from recent academic instructors. If you have not been in school recently, you can substitute letters from employers, mentors, or colleagues
5. Official high school transcript or GED
6. Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended (if any)
7. English proficiency scores (international students whose primary language of instruction was not English in the last 2 years) — TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent
8. CSS Profile (school code 3987) — for financial aid

Key Deadlines#

Interviews#

Yale interviews a small number of Eli Whitney applicants after an initial review. These are by invitation only — you cannot request one. Interviews are virtual and conducted by admissions officers, not alumni. If you are invited, this is a good sign. Prepare well.

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Brown — RUE Program#

Application Platform#

Brown uses its own dedicated RUE Application — NOT the Common Application. You apply at apply.college.brown.edu/apply.

You can only submit one application per cycle. You cannot simultaneously apply through the first-year or transfer pathways.

Application Fee#

$80. Fee waivers are available for financial hardship — email admission@brown.edu to request one.

What You Need to Submit#

1. Completed Brown RUE Application — includes biographical information and essay prompts specific to the RUE program
2. Resume — uploaded through the application
3. Official high school transcript
4. Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended (if any)
5. At least 1 academic recommendation (2 preferred) — from a professor, teacher, or academic counselor. Additional recommendations from employers or community members are welcome but not required
6. Optional: 90-second video introduction — submitted through the Brown Applicant Portal within one week of receiving your acknowledgment email. I recommend doing this if you can — it is a chance to show your personality.
7. Financial aid documents — if applying for aid (and you should)

Key Deadlines#

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Your Master Timeline#

Here is a month-by-month plan if you are applying to both programs. Work backwards from the March deadlines.

August - September (6-7 months before)#

• Research both programs thoroughly — read their websites, watch videos, attend any virtual info sessions
• Start writing your personal statements and essays — these take time
• Identify who will write your recommendation letters and ask them early
• Request official transcripts from your high school and any colleges you attended
• If you need English proficiency scores, register for the TOEFL or IELTS

October#

• Brown RUE application opens — create your account and start filling it out
• Continue drafting and revising your essays
• Send reminders to your recommenders

November#

• Yale Eli Whitney application opens on the Transfer Common App — create your account and start filling it out
• Take your English proficiency exam if you have not already
• Have someone you trust review your essays

December - January#

• Finalize your essays for both applications
• Confirm your recommenders have submitted or will submit on time
• Make sure all transcripts have been sent
• Start the CSS Profile for Yale financial aid

February#

• Final revisions on everything
• Complete and submit your Brown financial aid materials before March 1
• Submit the Brown RUE application before March 2
• Submit the Yale application before March 1

March#

• Submit any remaining Yale materials by March 15
• Submit the CSS Profile for Yale by April 1
• Breathe. You did it.

April - May#

• Yale interviews (if invited) — April to May
• Decisions come out — mid-May for both programs
• If accepted, review your financial aid packages carefully

Important Tips#

• Apply to BOTH programs. They have almost the same deadline, so the extra effort is worth it. Yale is your best bet for full funding as an international student, but Brown is still worth trying.
• Start early. Do not wait until February to begin. Good essays take months of drafting and revision.
• Ask for fee waivers if you need them. There is no shame in this. Both schools offer them.
• Keep copies of everything. Save your essays, track your deadlines, and confirm that all materials have been received.
• Follow up. After submitting, check your applicant portals regularly to make sure nothing is missing.