Yeshiva University essay prompts
2026-27verified Yeshiva University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August.
Short Answer – Responsibility
I feel most responsible when...
25 words max · Required
Short Answer – Joy
__________ brings me joy.
25 words max · Required
Gratitude Letter (Hakarat Hatov)
Option 1: Hakarat Hatov – Write a thank you letter to someone in your life. Express your gratitude and explain why it's meaningful to you.
750 words max · Required
Short Answer – Resilience
I discovered my own resilience when...
25 words max · Required
Autobiography Page
Option 1: You just completed your 1000-page autobiography, please submit page 613.
No limit listed · Required
Short Answer – Rejection
My approach to managing rejection is...
25 words max · Required
Short Answer – Honesty
People say I am honest because...
25 words max · Required
Word-Choice Character Essay
Pick one of the three words below and write a short essay on it that gives us insight into your character. (Note: The three specific words are not publicly listed and appear only inside the applicant portal. Contact yuadmit@yu.edu or 646-592-4440 to confirm the exact words.)
No limit listed · Required
Change the World
Option 2: Here's how I intend to change the world…
750 words max · Required
Short Answer – Chessed
The greatest chessed I ever did was...
25 words max · Required
Challenged Belief
Option 2: Discuss a challenge to one of your core beliefs and how you responded.
No limit listed · Required
Why Yeshiva University
Please describe why you are interested in attending Yeshiva University. (250 words)
250 words max · Required
Community or Identity
At Yeshiva University, we believe in the strength of diverse perspectives and experiences. Describe a community or aspect of your identity that is important to you and how it has influenced your worldview. (250 words)
250 words max · Required
Personal Impact / Experience
Tell us about a time when you were challenged or had an impact on someone or something. How did this experience shape you? (250 words)
250 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the Yeshiva University essay prompts for 2026-27?
- Yeshiva University lists Short Answer – Responsibility (1 prompt); Short Answer – Joy (1 prompt); Gratitude Letter (Hakarat Hatov) (1 prompt); Short Answer – Resilience (1 prompt); Autobiography Page (1 prompt); Short Answer – Rejection (1 prompt); Short Answer – Honesty (1 prompt); Word-Choice Character Essay (1 prompt); Change the World (1 prompt); Short Answer – Chessed (1 prompt); Challenged Belief (1 prompt); Why Yeshiva University (1 prompt); Community or Identity (1 prompt); Personal Impact / Experience (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does Yeshiva University require?
- Yeshiva University requires 14 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 14 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Yeshiva University supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 25 words max, 750 words max, 250 words max.