June 25, 2025
Dear Class of 2029,
The Office of Undergraduate Education writes this week with reminders about academic requirements. It also highlights videos that introduce you to the meaning of a liberal arts education, Yale's distributional requirements, and courses in subjects that first-year students often take. You will also find advice if you are considering medical school, and information about two webinars, one about health professions and one about engineering and applied sciences.
With best wishes from campus,
Hannah Peck
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Yale College Dean's Office
June 25, 2025
Dear Yale College Class of 2029,
We are writing to remind you of academic matters that require your attention before you come to campus and of resources available to you now.
Complete the mandatory High School Math & Science Survey
Self-report your course history in six subjects: biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, math, and physics, even if you are not planning to take courses in these subjects in your first year. Your survey answers allow these departments to place you in courses at the appropriate level.
Deadline: July 31 (12:00 p.m. ET)
Complete the mandatory Yale 101: Mapping Your Academic Journey
Yale 101 is a series of short, interlinked videos designed to introduce you to a Yale education, and is available through Canvas. You’ll explore topics such as “Building Your First Semester,” “Navigating Course Registration,” “Advising & Academic Support,” “Pre-arrival Requirements,” and more. Available through August 15.
Take any relevant online placement exams
Two dozen optional placement exams are available, in subjects including biology, chemistry, math, and many languages.
If you plan to enroll in courses in any of these fields during your first year, take the relevant placement exam(s) by July 31 (12:00 p.m., ET) to ensure proper placement.
Complete the writing survey
This ten-minute survey, about your habits and experiences as a writer, will help you choose the writing course best suited to your needs..
Available July 1-31
Make a peer advising appointment over the summer
All first-year students are required to meet at least once with a peer adviser over the summer.
Appointments are available seven days a week through August 15.
Available times, sign-up links, and Zoom links are also available.
Review advising videos
Advising videos are available that introduce you to:
- The meaning of a liberal arts education
- Yale's distributional requirements
- Course offerings in subjects commonly taken by first-year students
- Advice for students who may be planning to apply for medical school.
Attend a webinar
Health Professions
Join Kristin R. McJunkins, director for Advanced Degree Applications & STEM Career Advising in the Office of Career Strategy, on July 29, 1-2 p.m., for step-by-step guidance for first-year students considering a career in the health professions
Engineering and the Applied Sciences
(including applied physics, applied math, and computer science)
Dates, times, and links coming soon (a recording of last year’s webinar is available online in the meantime)
Later in August, we will write again with guidance about constructing your fall schedule and the next steps you need to take.
In the meantime, we encourage you to read program descriptions in the Yale College Programs Study (YCPS) and browse course listings in Yale Course Search (YCS).
Best wishes,
Office of Undergraduate Education
Coming dates and deadlines
June 17 - Earliest day to schedule a peer advising session, required of all first-year students.
June 30 - Deadline to upload photo ID for identification card
July 1 - Summer online placement exams begin
August 1 - Last day to complete health requirements
August 17 - Last day to complete Yale 101: Mapping Your Academic Journey
August 20 - Registration
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