# First-Year Application Process

**Source**: https://admissions.yale.edu/first-year-application-process
**Parent**: https://admissions.yale.edu/estimate-your-cost

This site will guide you through the process of applying to Yale. Everything you need to know is right here.

Before you begin exploring the detailed [instructions and application components](/instructions), , and [frequently asked questions](/faq/applying-yale-college) about applying, here are a few things you should know:

- Yale welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The Admissions Committee seeks students with the potential to add to the Yale community and take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities available here.
- Yale evaluates applications without regard to a student’s citizenship or immigration status, and all students are eligible for Yale’s need-based financial aid. These policies include undocumented students living in the US, whether they hold DACA status or not.
- Future Yale students will come from public and private schools, from very small towns and great urban centers, and from every corner of the world.

Yale receives more applications from highly accomplished students than there are spaces in the first-year class. The Admissions Committee’s difficult yet fascinating and rewarding job is to select that class. Spend some time reviewing  and [Advice on Putting Together Your Application](/advice-putting-together-your-application) to understand how admissions officers review applications, then follow the links to the right to get started on yours.