YuLin Zhen, Photography Editor

The undergraduate admissions office rephrased the classic “Why Yale?” supplemental essay prompt on its application this year.

“Reflect on how your interests, values, and/or experiences have drawn you to Yale,” the new question reads — a change from the previous question, “What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?”

The change is intended to push applicants to tell their own stories rather than repeat what they know about Yale, Mark Dunn ’07, a senior admissions administrator, wrote to the News. 

The other Yale-specific supplemental questions will be the same ones asked in the last two admissions cycles, Dunn wrote. 

Hannah Mendlowitz ’12, another senior admissions administrator, said that the admissions office rephrased the “Why Yale?” question to clarify what admissions officers are looking for in applicants’ responses to that particular prompt. 

“Our goal is to make the questions as clear as possible so that applicants understand what we are asking them and the type of responses that make for a successful Yale supplement,” she wrote to the News.

Carlos Cedano ’29, a first year who applied to Yale last year, told the News the old “Why Yale?” prompt helped him conduct deeper research on the University and reflect on how he could contribute to its community.

“The Yale supplemental questions encouraged me to talk about myself and learn more about Yale in the process,” Cedano wrote. 

Cedano advised future applicants to use the new “Why Yale?” prompt to “show your personality and passions by demonstrating that you would truly benefit from an interdisciplinary education.”

 “Just be yourself and answer honestly,” he added.

Applicants must respond to the “Why Yale?” question in 125 words or fewer.