Students with Disabilities

The Yale School of the Environment Office of Admission and Financial Aid welcomes all students with differing learning needs and is here to support you in the admissions process. We are committed to ensuring equal access under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) of the ADA as amended in 2008 as well as under state and local regulations regarding applicants with disabilities. To assist you in your journey to join the YSE community, we have compiled a list of answers to common questions and links to YSEs resources and support organizations for students with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Should students with disabilities self-identify during the admissions process?
   
   Applicants are not required to disclose a disability during the YSE application process. Applicants may decide to disclose a disability if it is a part of their personal narrative or if they have educational gaps due to medical treatments or illnesses. The admissions process is predicated on assessing an applicant’s unique experiences, academic achievements, academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success; therefore, an applicant’s decision to disclose a disability does not contribute to the final decision on their application.
    
2. What does YSE’s application accommodation process look like?
   
   The YSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid provides reasonable accommodations due to a disability. Our team is available to:
   • Help an applicant navigate essential aspects of the application and financial aid process.
   • Provide application-based technical assistance.
   • Employ the use of closed captioning during events, presentations, and meetings.
   • Answer questions that may arise throughout the process.
   Please contact the admissions team directly if you need assistance or accommodations by emailing admissions.yse@yale.edu.
    
3. Are you a test-optional school?
   
   Yes, submission of a GRE, GMAT, or LSAT score is optional. A holistic review process is utilized to assess an applicant’s unique experiences, academic achievements, academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success, without the review of test scores.
    
4. When should I apply for financial aid?
   
   As soon as possible! Our financial aid application deadline is January 2. Late applications will not be accepted. This means that you should not wait until you are admitted to the school to apply for financial aid. If you miss the financial aid deadline, you will not be eligible for YSE scholarships at any time during your studies at YSE.
    
5. Does applying for financial aid affect my chance of getting admitted?
   
   No, our admissions process is completely need blind. The admissions selection committee only reviews your admissions materials and is not provided any financial information on applicants. Our goal is to admit the very best students regardless of socioeconomic status.
    
6. Can assistive technology be utilized to complete the admissions and financial aid applications?
   
   Yes, the majority of our application can be navigated through the utilization of text-to-speech aids, reading pens, and electronic spell checkers. Please contact the admissions office at admissions.yse@yale.edu for assistance if you experience any issues.
    
7. What services and accommodations are available on campus for students with learning and physical disabilities?
   
   YSE and Yale University understand that creating a genuinely inclusive university necessitates the contribution and collaboration of every member of the community. The University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging extends to students with disabilities, and we collaborate with campus partners to create a welcoming and accessible environment, which extends beyond the application process. YSE students who attend the School and need accommodations will be able to access the support and services provided by Student Accessibility Services. The School provides individualized accommodations to student-life resources as well as access to a peer liaison or mentor.
   
   A list of resources is included below.

YSE and University Resources for Students with Disabilities

• Student Accessibility Services
• Office of Institutional Equity and Access
• YSE Student Interest Groups
• Places to Study
• Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
• Student Life and Diversity
• Student Mental Health
• The Good Life Center
• Yale Well
• Request a Peer Liaison
• Mind Matters
• DEFY Student Group
• Walden Peer Mentors
• Graduate Student Disability Alliance